A hands-on training program was conducted for caregivers of older adults living with dementia residing in the Udupi district as part of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, 2023, at Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital in association with Manipal College of Nursing. Empowering informal caregivers for advanced care aspects at home plays a pivotal role in patient safety and quality care. This workshop contributed to SDG number 3 - Good Health & wellbeing. Caring for the elderly with dementia is challenging and demanding. Abuse, neglect, and poor care are reflections of poorly trained informal caregivers, says Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Professor, Manipal College of Nursing and Director, FAIMER International Institute MAHE. Preparing the informal caregiver workforce is the need of the hour. Dr. P Venkataraya Bhandary, Director & Psychiatrist, Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital pressed on the concerns of adequate knowledge and skills of the informal workforce.

Dr RV Baliga, Trustee, Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Charities & Kamal Baliga Charitable Trust, Mumbai inaugurated the program and spoke about the importance of care for older adults with dementia at the community level and the need for government to enhance elderly care centers for dignified care. Ms. Clarita Shynal Martis, Ms. Prathibha Lydia Braggs, Ms. Seelia Peter and Mr. Sreenidhi Jogi, PhD Scholars, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal empowered the caregivers using live demonstrations of advanced care aspects to enhance their skills and understanding of the care of elderly with dementia at home. About 60 caregivers took an active part in learning about quality care for their elderly. The program was coordinated by Mrs. Soujanya Shetty, Administrative Officer, Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital took a major role in organizing the event.