Old Age Training

Training & Capacity Building:

The long-term, short-term and thematic-based courses that are presently being carried out by NISD/collaborating organisations are:

1. PG Diploma in Integrated Geriatric Care

Target Group: An individual having graduation and above educational qualification and interested in working in this field.

Aims and Objectives:

• Develop a cadre of frontline skilled/trained personnel of geriatric care
• Provide a comprehensive and scientific knowledge base on various aspects relating to the geriatric care
• Develop an appropriate aptitude and skill for working with older persons

The course curriculum broadly includes:

• Gerontology
• Public Policy and Planning
• Clinical Geriatrics
• Geriatric Management
• Psychology and Counselling
• Research Methodology

Academic inputs include:

(i) Seminar Presentation
(ii) Dissertation
(iii) Group Project
(iv) Field work/Placement
Duration of the Course: 1 Year
Number of Seats: 20
Announcement of the Course in National/Regional Dailies: May/June

Admission to the course is made on the basis of Common Aptitude Test (CAT) held on all-India basis, group discussion and interview

Tentative Date of Commencement of Course: October 1
Career Prospects:
The career opportunities for the post-graduate course could range from non-governmental sectors, government sectors, corporate sectors and academic institutions as:
• Project Director/Programme Managers
• Counsellors & Consultants in CBO
• Associates with RWA and NGOs
• Professionals in Hospital Settings
• Prospective Faculty Members and Instructors/Trainers in Academic Institutes

2. Certificate Courses in Geriatric Care

(i) Three-Month Basic Course for Caregivers /Bed Assistants
Target Group: Any individual having passed 10th standard, having a desire to serve senior citizens.
Aims & Objectives:
• Create a cadre of caregivers in bed-care assistance, etc
• Provide palliative care services, emergency and crisis-management
Course Curriculum includes:
• Ageing
• Health Care
• Fundamental Care
• Other Aspects
Practical training inputs include:
• Field Visits in Old Age Homes/Age Care Institutions for exposure
• Short term Placement in Hospitals
(ii) Certificate Courses on Thematic Issues
The Six Months and Two Months certificate courses have been converted into Three Month Certificate Course.

3. One-Month Course on basic issues in Geriatric Care

Target Group:
NGO functionaries and service providers
Aims & Objectives:
• Build a comprehensive knowledge base on basic issues in geriatric care
• Enhance their skill and capacities in counselling and management of age care institutions
• Expose to various situations and innovative approaches in the field of ageing
• Enhance their knowledge in resource management, advocacy and networking
Course curriculum includes:
• Socio-Demographic Dynamics
• Public Policy and Planning
• Fundamentals of Ageing Care
• Geriatric Counselling
• Geriatric Management
Practical training inputs include:
• Field visits in old age homes/age care institutions for exposure
• Short-term placement in hospitals with specialised facility for Geriatric Care
• Innovative projects on the aged population
• Report writing and seminar presentation

4. Training Programmes on Themes like Geriatric Counselling, Management of Dementia, etc

Target Group:
NGO functionaries and service providers Aims & Objectives:
• Develop and enhance the basic skills in Geriatric Counselling of the key functionaries of different NGOs.
• Enable the participants understand the various psychological factors related to ageing.
• Orient the participants with various approaches in Counselling for the care of older persons.
• Give practical exposure of specialized intervention strategies while caring for the aged.
• Create awareness about dementia and its various types
• Educate volunteers and caregivers to identify early warning signs of dementia and early prevention
• Enhance the skills of caregivers in managing the elderly with dementia
Training includes:
• Classroom Sessions (Theory & Practical) on specific topics
• Field Visits in Old Age Homes/Age Care Institutions for exposure

5. One-Day Programmes

Target Group:
PRIs, Teachers, Counsellors, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA workers, School and College Students, Youth Aims & Objectives:
• Sensitise and create awareness for bridging the inter-generational gap
• Sensitise and create awareness on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007