21 September 2011
By, Bhagyashree Kulthe
Pune, India
Society is facing an acute shortage of trained caregivers for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
Considering this, the Pune chapter of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), which is being inaugurated on September 21, will focus on training caregivers with 100% placement.
ARDSI is launching its Pune chapter, the third in the state, to mark World Alzheimer's Day. Rony George, secretary general of ARDSI, told DNA that the need for professional caregivers was growing, but the supply was not enough.
George, who is director of Chaitanya Mental Health Care Centre, which is taking care of 450 patients with mental disorders, including 40 dementia patients, said many people even called up for home care.
“We get numerous calls from families with a member suffering from dementia to send someone to take care of the person at home. While we are struggling with shortage of trained staff for our patients, we just cannot help people who are calling up to send someone for home care,” he said, adding that with proper training, the patients can be handled in a better way and there are more chances of his/her recuperation.
“With trained care, patients respond to treatment. But it is a tedious job and, therefore, people do not stick to it. We, therefore, face a shortage of manpower to take care of patients while families with such a patient in the house too are looking for trained persons. So there are lot of job opportunities in the field,” said George.
Two of Chaitanya Mental Health Care Centres are situated in Katraj, while one functions in Warje. It has branches in Goa and Kerala.
A minimum qualification is required for the training to be launched by the ARDSI.
“Education is not necessary, commitment is. Those with commitment to health care can join our course, which we will declare soon after our national conference in November,” said George.
Fifteen people will be trained in the first batch and the ARDSI has assured 100% placement.
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