EDUCATION

Caregiving for the elderly requires a balanced blend of right skills, knowledge, and attitude. We have put in place a three-month long program to train young men and women from the underprivileged backgrounds as professional caregivers. Our program is a blend of theory, practical and on-the-job components. We deliver this training program directly as well as through our partners. We aspire to create a network of partners across the country who will work with us to create and strengthen a cadre of professional caregivers for seniors.

Training is important not only for professional caregivers but also for family caregivers. A significant majority of care for seniors is provided by family members. They are often caught unaware about the evolving health condition, challenges and what a positive response to such challenges would be. We aim to create on and offline training programs for family caregivers.

ENGAGEMENT

Caregiving is often a solitary journey. It has the possibility of causing stress. we work with family and professional caregivers to help them manage the demands of caregiving Professional caregivers: we provide a range of support services to caregivers who arrive in cities from rural areas. These could be assistance with finding accommodation, with getting their paperwork done (PAN card, Aadhaar linkage etc.), getting a sim phone, registering for annual tax returns, etc. We conduct continuing education programs on specific topics for caregivers based on demand from their employers. We organize award and commendation events for caregivers, based on requests.

Family caregivers: we are starting to work with family caregivers. We aim to conduct training sessions for specific diseases for family caregivers.

RESEARCH

Caregiving is a constantly evolving field. We have a mandate of exploring through action research solutions that work to improve the life of a caregiver. Such research could relate to the personal wellbeing of the caregiver or professional progress of the caregiver or may be specific to disease conditions, the suitability of caregiver responses. Any area of research that has the potential to influence caregiving is of interest to CCTD. We look forward to forging collaborations and partnerships to further this agenda.

ADVOCACY

Caregiving activity is as old as time itself. But the rapidly growing senior population is presenting family members with the need to understand geriatric conditions and respond to them. We are generating knowledge, through training, engagement and research on various aspects of caregiving. Our efforts of advocacy are aimed at improving the quality of life and work experience for the family and professional caregiver by sharing our experiences with key influencers.