NISD Concludes Five-Day Geriatric Caregivers Training Programme in Diu

A five-day specialized training programme on geriatric caregiving organized by the National Institute of Social Defence concluded in the union territory of Diu. The workshop brought together frontline personnel, community caregivers, and family members to build localized capacity in eldercare. Officials confirmed the sessions finished following several days of practical instruction and interactive training modules.

The training was conducted at the Government Education Hub in Kevdi, drawing approximately 56 women participants from across the district. Attendees included Anganwadi workers, primary family caregivers, and grassroots public health functionaries directly involved in community welfare. Organizers noted that empowering women at the village and neighborhood level forms a core component of sustainable home-based eldercare.

The initiative was conducted in close collaboration between the National Institute of Social Defence, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the District Administration of Diu. Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the programme alongside senior ministry officials and local administrators. Diu Collector and District Magistrate Shri Rahul Dev Boora, Ministry Joint Secretaries Dr. Sandeep R. Rathod and Shri Sajeesh Kumar N., and NISD Director Shri Gaurav Singh Rajawat also attended the opening proceedings.

During the opening ceremony, dignitaries administered a formal Senior Citizen Pledge to all participants to reinforce institutional and personal accountability. The pledge emphasized upholding the rights, dignity, and overall well-being of senior citizens in family and community environments. Officials noted that sensitizing caregivers toward age-related vulnerabilities remains essential alongside hands-on medical and physical assistance.

Throughout the five-day curriculum, resource persons instructed participants in managing Activities of Daily Living for older adults experiencing mobility constraints. The sessions emphasized routine health monitoring, including measuring vital signs, ensuring medication adherence, and maintaining personal hygiene. Trainers also guided participants through proper nutrition planning tailored to age-related dietary restrictions and chronic health issues.

Safety and injury prevention formed another central pillar of the instructional coursework. Participants received guidance on identifying domestic hazards, preventing falls within households, and administering basic first aid in emergencies. The programme also demonstrated the correct handling and maintenance of mobility aids and comfort devices, reducing physical strain on both seniors and their caregivers.

Beyond physical support, the training addressed the psychological and emotional challenges frequently accompanying old age. Experts held dedicated discussions on recognizing cognitive decline, managing conditions such as dementia, and communicating effectively with older adults experiencing social isolation. Caregivers learned techniques to foster empathetic communication, address mental health concerns, and promote social inclusion within home settings.

The workshop also briefed attendees on relevant central and local government welfare schemes designed for senior citizens. By familiarizing frontline staff with existing social security pensions, healthcare entitlements, and helpline resources, organizers aimed to make participants effective navigators for elderly residents seeking official support. Grassroots functionaries were encouraged to connect eligible households directly with district welfare channels.

The Diu workshop reflects broader national initiatives by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the demands of India's rapidly aging demographic. As extended family structures evolve and nuclear households become more common, institutional and skilled community support systems face increasing demand. Training community members and Anganwadi workers allows authorities to establish decentralized care frameworks that do not rely solely on formal institutional facilities.

With the Diu programme concluded, the trained caregivers are expected to apply their skills across local anganwadis, community centers, and private homes. Officials indicated that the National Institute of Social Defence intends to continue rolling out similar localized capacity-building workshops across other union territories and states. Local authorities underscored that sustained community monitoring will help ensure senior citizens in the region receive compassionate, high-quality, and dignified care.