Caregivers of Older Persons Undergo Training from Centre for Ageing Studies

Group picture of participants

Caregivers of older persons have recently received training from the Centre for Aging Studies. The aim of the three-day workshop was to introduce the participants to diverse perspectives and equip them with knowledge on modern caregiving practices.

While the programme was specifically designed for caregivers outside the University, some University of Ghana faculty and students enrolled in the workshop.

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 would help them improve their caregiving skills for the older adults. She mentioned that the Centre is responsible for conducting cutting-edge research that would provide empirical evidence to offer insights into the circumstances of older persons to inform the formulation of policies and programmes to enhance their wellbeing. She added that the Centre also organizes research conferences, colloquiums, and outreach programmes.

Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke

The facilitators for the workshop were Prof. C. Charles Mate-Cole, Dr. Akosua Agyemang, Dr. Robert Akuamoah-Boateng, Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong and Dr. George Domfe. 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 service 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.

Participants during a training session

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 present their group reports to other participants. 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.

During the closing ceremony, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke expressed her gratitude to the participants and resource persons for their active participation in the training workshop. Certificates were presented to all participants and facilitators.