CFAS Organizes Training Workshop for Caregivers of Older Persons
The Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS) organized a training workshop for caregivers of older persons from Wednesday, August 03, to Friday, August 05, 2022. This event was held in-person at the Great Hall basement at the University of Ghana, Legon, from 9:00 am each day. The central aim of this event was to introduce participants to diverse perspectives/knowledge, and modern caregiving practices by delivering training on the following topics: (a) Cognitive Changes in Ageing; (b) Economic Aspects of Ageing; (C) Pastoral Care and Spiritual Wellbeing of the Elderly; (d) Retirement Planning; (e) Healthy Ageing and Geriatric Care; and (f) Understanding and Caring for the Elderly. Fifty-four participants and six resource persons took part in the workshop. While the programme was specifically designed for formal and informal and caregivers outside the university, some University of Ghana faculty and students enrolled in the workshop.
Group picture of participants
In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke expressed her gratitude to all present for patronizing the workshop and encouraged them to take the programme seriously as it could help them improve their caregiving skills for the older adults. She also highlighted that the Centre is in the business of conducting cutting-edge research that would provide empirical evidence to offer insights into the circumstances of older persons and inform the formulation of policies and programmes to enhance their wellbeing. Other activities organized by the Centre include research conferences, colloquiums, and outreach programmes (e.g., health screening and training workshops).
Participants during a training session Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke
Two topics were covered each day and facilitators for the various sessions were: Prof C. Charles Mate-Cole (Cognitive changes among the elderly), Dr. George Domfe (Economic aspects of ageing), Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong (Pastoral care), Dr. Robert Akuamoah-Boateng (Retirement planning), Rev. Prof. Akye-Essuman (Healthy ageing and geriatric care), and Dr. Akosua Agyemang (understanding and caring for the elderly). The presentations focused on alterations that are likely to occur in the mental functions of older persons; economic implications of ageing, with emphasis on late-life experiences, as well as the general economic impacts of population ageing. Other areas covered were: the essence of spirituality in the lives of older persons, and how it could be a key contributor to enhancing their health and wellbeing; decisions regarding retirement from active services based on factors, such as the accessibility of health insurance, social security eligibility, finances, among others; the process of assisting older persons develop and maintain functional ability that facilitate wellbeing in old age; and the physical, psychological social, and cultural aspects of providing care to older persons.
Prof. C. Charles Mate-Cole Dr. George Domfe
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong Dr. Robert Akuamoah-Boateng
Rev. Prof. Akye-Essuman Dr. Akosua Agyemang
After the presentations by the resource persons, participants were placed in various groups to deliberate on assigned topics, and representatives from each group took turns to discuss their respective topics with the audience. Subsequently, each participant was given evaluation form to complete and submit to the organizers of the workshop. The three-day workshop was deemed relevant among the participants as they indicated that they received adequate and pertinent information that would help them enhance their caregiving activities for older persons.
Group discussions
At the closing ceremony on Friday, August 05, 2022, the Director of CFAS expressed her gratitude to the participants and resource persons for their active participation in the training workshop. In addition, certificates were given to all participants and facilitators. The workshop ended with a closing ceremony and a closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Ayete-Nyampong. Afterwards, participants had lunch, socialized, and departed.
Presentation of certificates to participants