With the outbreak of Coronavirus being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, people worldwide are facing a major challenge. Coronavirus has significantly affected all of our lives, but it is also challenging our ability to adapt and be resilient.
We are in a state of emergency and must react with different ways of working, shopping, learning and communicating. Online shopping and social networks are not new to us, nor is distance learning.
In order to adapt to these changing times, Community Action on Dementia in Mayo (CADM ) is preparing to deliver its inaugural Family Carer Training online for 2020. Operations Manager Frances Maloney said: “we realise that for some people distance and on-line learning is not something they are familiar with. COVID-19 has prompted us all to explore and use technology in ways we never previously imagined”.
She went on to say: “however, there has been a significant increase in calls from Family Carers since early March. Family Carers are finding it more difficult to support their loved ones under the current pandemic restrictions. Other family members have also been in touch in an attempt to better understand and support the primary carer who is often older and cocooning. The need for direction, information and emotional support is greater now than it has ever been and we must use technology to help meet these needs”.
CADM’s free, online training online course aims to reach and support as many people as possible. The course will run consecutively over five to six sessions. The group will be a confidential and safe space for those looking to learn more about dementia to come together to learn and share. It will use the Zoom App which is free to download and allows face to face interaction with the group. Group sizes will be kept to a personal level so that everyone’s voice is heard.
Topics covered will include- What is Dementia? Communication Skills, Behaviours that challenges, Legal & Financial Affairs, Dementia Supports and more. ”
To register for free you are advised to contact Frances on (086 )8366312 or Fiona 0860294029.
Anyone living with dementia or caring for a loved one with dementia in these unprecedented times please feel free to give either Frances or Fiona a call on the above numbers.
