On June 10th, the "Caregiver School" course, developed by the Armenian Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and initiated by FAR in 2023, was launched in Ashtarak, Aragatsotn Province. The program brought together 22 community nurses to delve into geriatric nursing, focusing on enhancing the health and well-being of seniors. It also aimed to identify early signs of illnesses such as cognitive impairment and early dementia.
The “Caregiver School” is a certified three-day course within the "Supporting the Development of Geriatrics in Armenia" Program. It is designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of nurses working in local and provincial nursing homes and primary healthcare facilities in geriatric care.
Course instructor and trainer Lilit Muradyan emphasized that the training is tailored not only for healthcare providers but also for caregivers and family members who directly interact with seniors. “Armenia has a high number of elderly people, and community nurses often care for them. Therefore, these nurses need comprehensive skills beyond healthcare, such as understanding ageism, identifying early signs of dementia, and addressing elder abuse. Community nurses play a unique role as they work within the homes of patients and witness more than what is seen in clinical settings. Their task also includes educating family members about these issues.”
Local nurse Karine Manasyan shared her experience, highlighting the importance of understanding the nuanced behaviors of seniors. “I've seen situations where a senior's actions might be misinterpreted as manipulation by their family. This course helps us understand where this comes from and educate their relatives to differentiate between normal aging and signs of dementia. Realizing that memory loss accompanied by significant actions is often due to dementia, not intentional behavior, is crucial for providing better care.”
The "Supporting the Development of Geriatrics in Armenia" Program, launched in 2023, is generously supported by HoVeKim Foundation.
To support the continued education of community nurses and improve the health of people in rural Armenia, consider donating to FAR today.
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