Public Invited to Gain Practical Dementia Care Skills at July Workshop

By S.Browne. Updated 7:37 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA) will host a Caregivers Training Workshop aimed at equipping caregivers, healthcare workers and members of the public with practical skills and knowledge in dementia care.


The Association stated in a recent press release that the half-day workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the SVG School of Continuing Education, Lower Bay Street, Kingstown. It will be open to paid caregivers, nursing home and home care staff, family caregivers, healthcare professionals and members of the public with an interest in dementia care.


According to SVGADDA, the workshop will provide participants with foundational knowledge of dementia, including its types, stages and risk factors, as well as practical guidance on the medical management of the condition and commonly used medications.


Participants will also be introduced to evidence-based strategies for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, along with practical techniques for bathing, feeding and daily care that support dignity and well-being.


The Association noted that caregiver well-being will also be addressed, including stress management and strategies for creating safe and supportive care environments.


The programme will also highlight approaches to brain health and dementia prevention, including the role of nutrition, physical activity, cognitive stimulation and social engagement. It will also address the management of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, which are among the leading modifiable contributors to dementia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Dementia is recognised as one of the fastest-growing public health challenges globally. According to the Association, more than 55 million people are currently living with the condition worldwide, a figure projected to nearly triple by 2050. In the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an ageing population is contributing to a rise in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, while awareness and training for caregivers remain limited,” the Association stated


“Caregivers are the backbone of dementia care in our communities, and they deserve the knowledge, tools, and support to do this work well. This workshop is SVGADDA’s commitment to ensuring that no caregiver in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to navigate this journey alone,” Founder and Vice President of SVGADDA Dr Glenna S. Brewster said.


Registration for the workshop is open online, with a fee of EC$50.00 for formal or paid caregivers and EC$25.00 for informal or unpaid family caregivers and community members. Spaces are limited and early registration is encouraged. To register, interested persons may visit https://forms.gle/CEBoW52avsziiEL86.


The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA) is a non-profit organisation established three years ago to support persons living with dementia and their families through advocacy, education and community engagement. The organisation is led by gerontological nurse scientist and family nurse practitioner Dr Glenna S. Brewster, who has expertise in sleep and dementia care, and is an assistant professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University.


Through such initiatives, the organisation seeks to raise awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen the national response to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

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