IN an effort to bring awareness and a more standardized and professional level of care to the elderly in the Caribbean, the Diocese of St. George’s, Grenada’s “Catholics Can Cook” recently invited St Lucia-based U.S.-trained Regina Posvar to visit.
Posvar has had 21 years of nursing experience and 16 years of geriatric care. She specializes and teaches Alzheimer’s and dementia care and is the owner of Angels of The West Indies as well as President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Saint Lucia.
The week-long training programme that ran from July 16 to 30 was held at the Catholic Church located at Church Street in Grenada. The course was organized and facilitated by Fr. Andrew Barnard, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, along with committee member Aine Brathwaite.
Also assisting in the efforts was Althea Adams-Roberts. Both Fr. Barnard and Ms. Braithwaite saw the crucial need for better communication and care for the ever growing elderly sector in Grenada. The 21 participants from throughout the island received certification for basic first aid from ASHI (American Health and Safety Institute) as well as in-home Geriatric Care.
The course also included Human Rights, The Role of the Caregiver, and Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly.
All participants had to go through the understanding of the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia as well and how to care and communicate with them. They all learned the different levels of the abilities of those with Alzheimer’s and how they function using today’s standards and techniques.
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