Site: Older Citizen Happiness Center, Ajman
A workshop for training old-age citizen caregivers was conducted on the June 27, 2024, by faculty from the College of Medicine, Center for Disaster Medicine, GMU in collaboration with Senior Citizens’ Happiness Center, Ajman – Ministry of Community Development, UAE. Students from the MD & MBBS & Biomedical Science programs participated.
The objectives included educating caregivers about elderly health and train caregivers on how to support a person who is choking; how to do a recovery position for an unconscious person; how to check blood pressure using a digital device; demonstrate how to check for blood sugar using a personal device; how to examine diabetic foot; and how to use medication organizer for the elderly.
During the training session, participants were introduced to the importance of various skills in ensuring the health and safety of older individuals. The facilitators used videos to illustrate these essential skills. They demonstrated each skill in action with the assistance of a volunteer. Following this, participants actively engaged in practicing these skills under the guidance of the facilitators and student volunteers. This hands-on approach allowed for a practical and interactive learning experience, enhancing the participants’ understanding and proficiency in the skills being taught.
“We had the great opportunity to meet with elderly caregivers and their recipients. It was an accomplishing activity as we were able to educate both groups on important health issues and management, such as diabetic foot and hypertension management. Overall, today’s session was interesting and I’m looking forward to participating in similar events in the future”, said Fatima Mansoor, a second year MD student.
Reflecting a similar sentiment, Badriya Alansari, a third-year biomedical science student said, “I volunteered to take part in educating the elderly on the importance of first aid, diabetes, and blood pressure measurement. The atmosphere was full of enthusiasm and truly sparked a joyful experience in me in several ways: educating the elderly, providing help, and interacting with the audience and the faculty. Such activities strengthen our knowledge further and allow us to provide that service with empathy to others”.
Shahd Abouelenen, a final year MBBS student echoed, “Engaging with the Ministry of Community Development in Ajman was profoundly rewarding, especially in educating the elderly and their caregivers on emergency principles and living with chronic diseases. Witnessing their empowerment and confidence grow in handling critical situations underscored the importance of such community initiatives. It was a privilege to contribute to their safety and well-being, fostering a more resilient and informed community. I would surely appreciate more opportunities to contribute to the community meaningfully. I want to thank the Community Medicine Department at Gulf Medical University for their constant commitment to the overall well-being of society and for organizing such meaningful community engagement activities”.
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