In line with its efforts to find alternative work for Filipino nurses working as household helpers in Hong Kong, the Department of Labor and Employment-Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong conducted a free seminar on dementia care.
Labor Attaché Jalilo O. Dela Torre of POLO-Hong Kong reported to Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III that the seminar was offered by the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing and led by Ms. Mariam Lee, the service manager of the POLO’s seniors’ training program, along with the core group of Philippine nurses in Hong Kong.
“The seminar taught 17 Filipina nurses in understanding the conditions associated with old age, such as loss of memory and other mental abilities,” Dela Torre said.
They were also briefed that an elderly has special needs–from physical, psychological and emotional, to social, spiritual and even intellectual–as well as safe environment, and let them feel that they are secured, loved and cared for.
“Elderlies still need to feel recognized and appreciated for their ideas, abilities and talents, thus caregivers must make them feel that their choices are followed and that they are given the chance to make their own decisions,” Dela Torre added.
In order to help the elderly patients, the participants were also taught on how to identify and resolve problems; make an effort to understand the elderly, and avoid judging or overreacting towards them.
After the activity, participants expressed their appreciation for the seminar, which helped upgrade their skills on geriatric care. [via DOLE website]