Dementia typically goes on for many years. Caring for someone with dementia is very different from living with normal elders. Families must understand how care will change over the years, so that they can plan for it. As the part of World Alzheimer’s Day Rajah Rehabilitation Centre conducted ‘Family Care Giver Workshop on Reducing Care Giver Burden in Dementia’ on 22 September 2018.This year the theme was to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. The program started at 10.30 am . The function was graced by the presence of chief guest Dr.R.V. Damodharan (Medical superintendent, RCMT), Mr. Abdul Aleem (Managing Trustee, RCMT), Dr.N.Pfizer (Consultant Psychiatrist, RRC), Psychologist, Social workers, Day care supervisors and Sreyas members.
Mrs. Lilly (Shreyas Executive Member) welcomed the gathering. In his opening remarks, Dr. N. Pfizer (Consultant Psychiatrist, Rajah Charitable Medical Trust) briefly explained about the Alzheimer’s disease and care giver stress. Dr. R.V. Dhamodharan (Medical superintendent, Rajah Charitable Medical Trust) delivered the presidential address. In his talk, he mentioned about the need of care giving in dementia diseases. Mr. Abdul Aleem (Managing trustee, Rajah Charitable Medical Trust) presented the exceptional care giver award to the caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease as reinforcement. Program culminated with vote of thanks by Mr. Mohammed (Shreyas Executive Member)
The care giver workshop was co-ordinated by Mrs. Kavitha M.A (Clinical Psychologist, Rajah Charitable Trust). She delivered a class on ‘Early Detection and Assessment of Dementia’. In her speech, she also highlighted the types and stages of dementia, reasons, and treatment methods of dementia. She highlighted on cognitive aids like puzzles, word games, cross words etc to improve patient’s cognition.
Mrs. Princy Rijo (Psychiatric Social worker) delivered a class on ‘Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia’. Ms. Anju & Ms. Christy (Psychiatric Social workers) spoke on the Intervention Strategies for managing BPSD in Dementia and Care for the Care giver. At the end of the class there was a video presentation and short film. About 60 caregivers participated in the program. At the end, audience clarified their doubts and concerns with regard to dementia and its prevention and care.