Masterclass targets rising pressures of dementia care

Paul H. Williams/Gleaner Writer

While its purpose is to make people’s lives better — more liveable, if you will — caregiving is perhaps one of the most stressful roles in the world. Whether the ‘patient’ is a stranger, an acquaintance, a family member or a distant relative, the work is demanding and time-consuming. It can be stressful and demoralising, at times to the point of undermining the caregiver’s own health.

Many caregivers quietly shoulder the emotional, physical and mental responsibilities of supporting a loved one, often without the guidance, community or practical tools that might make the journey easier. The challenge is even greater when the person being cared for is living with dementia and at times has absolutely no idea what is happening to them.

“Caregivers often face a range of challenges that affect their emotional, physical, and financial well-being. There is research that states many caregivers die before the person they are caring for. One of the most common challenges is emotional strain, mental stress, particularly when caring for a loved one experiencing memory loss, behavioural changes, or declining independence due to dementia,” Golden Designs, a registered entity that provides services for the benefit of elderly people, says.

“Dementia cases continue to rise rapidly across our country. Families everywhere are finding themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. They are trying to understand the condition, manage daily care, and support the mental and emotional well-being of themselves and the person receiving care.”

“Another major challenge is limited access to information and training,” Shelly-Ann Thompson, founder and managing director of Golden Designs, told The Gleaner. “Many caregivers are unsure how to respond to behavioural changes, manage daily routines, or communicate effectively with someone living with dementia. Let’s remember that many caregivers are within the sandwich generation, building their own families while taking care of older relatives.”

It is against this backdrop that Golden Designs will host The Caregiver Masterclass: Dementia and Mental Wellness on Saturday, March 28, at Regardless (The Manley Centre), 4 Washington Drive, Kingston 10. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The full-day masterclass will offer paid and family caregivers – as well as interested participants–practical knowledge, expert guidance and supportive conversation on caring for people living with dementia, while also helping caregivers protect their own mental wellness.

“The primary objective of the caregiver masterclasses is to empower caregivers with knowledge, practical tools, and emotional support so they can provide effective care while maintaining their own well-being. Ultimately, the goal of the masterclasses is to strengthen the care-giving community by ensuring that care-givers feel informed, confident, and supported as they care for senior citizens,” Thompson said.

Two experienced professionals – Dr Sharon E. McKenzie, dementia specialist and senior lecturer/unit coordinator in the Social Work Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona; and Dr Charmaine Mignott, mental-health professional – will lead discussions on understanding dementia, responding to behavioural changes, supporting emotional well-being and equipping caregivers with strategies for everyday care.

“My presentation will focus on helping care-givers better understand dementia, including the changes it brings to memory, behaviour, and daily functioning. We will explore practical strategies for responding to these changes with patience, empathy, and confidence,” said Dr McKenzie.

“The caregiver masterclasses were inspired by the growing number of families who are quietly navigating the responsibilities of caring for ageing loved ones, particularly those living with dementia and other cognitive conditions,” Thompson told The Gleaner. “Through its work with senior citizens and caregivers, Golden Designs had observed the increasing demand for practical guidance, emotional support, and a supportive network around ageing and dementia care.

“Our last caregiver masterclass was a tremendous success. The energy in the room was warm and deeply meaningful. Participants shared openly, learned from each other, and many left asking when we would host the next one. It is because of that strong response and continued demand that we are pleased to bring this session to the community once again.”

Golden Designs remains dedicated to providing support and meaningful experiences for caregivers and senior citizens. Guided by its tagline, ‘Bold Solutions for an Ageing World’, the organisation continues to develop programmes and initiatives that promote holistic well-being, dignity and the active engagement of older adults.

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