October 10, 2024 – On this World Mental Health Day, Psychology World (an ODLQC accredited training portal) has partnered with the Dementia India Alliance (DIA) to launch an online Dementia-Orientation Certificate for Healthcare Professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and allied healthcare professionals. As India faces a growing dementia crisis—with 88 lakh individuals currently affected, and projections estimating 1.7 crore by 2036—the launch of this course aims to bridge the critical gap in dementia care training while addressing the often overlooked mental health needs of caregivers.

The emotional and psychological toll of caring for dementia patients has become increasingly apparent. Healthcare workers, often underprepared and untrained in dementia care, experience significant emotional strain while managing challenging symptoms such as aggression, confusion, and memory loss. Without proper training, many professionals report feelings of burnout, stress, and isolation. This silent crisis, which impacts both the quality of care provided and the mental well-being of the caregivers, demands urgent attention.

Dementia-Orientation Certificate for Healthcare Professionals course, developed in collaboration with DIA, is an online, self-paced program designed to equip healthcare workers with the necessary tools to provide compassionate and effective care for dementia patients. The course also incorporates a culturally relevant approach, acknowledging the unique caregiving dynamics within Indian families and communities. In addition to improving care outcomes for dementia patients, the course addresses the mental health struggles faced by caregivers, offering guidance on managing stress and emotional challenges.

“Through this initiative, we hope to empower healthcare professionals with the skills and support they need to manage dementia patients effectively, while also safeguarding their own mental health,” said Dr. Radha S. Murthy, President of Dementia India Alliance.

Shabd Mishra, Founder of Psychology World and Managing Director of Renaissance eServices Ltd., emphasized the importance of accessible, high-quality training: “This interactive, ODLQC-accredited course offers flexibility for busy professionals, allowing them to learn at their own pace. It ensures that healthcare workers across India are better prepared to meet the rising demand for dementia care, while also addressing the silent mental health crisis among caregivers.”

Mr. Shyam V, Secretary of Dementia India Alliance, announced, “Two additional self-paced online courses will soon be launched: one tailored for doctors and medical students, and another focused on creating dementia-friendly hospitals.”

The Dementia Orientation Certificate Course is now available for enrollment on Meducination.com for Indian professionals & students. This initiative marks a significant step in improving dementia care standards in India while supporting the mental health of the healthcare workers who are at the forefront of this growing challenge.

For more information about the Dementia-Orientation Certificate for Healthcare Professionals and to enroll in the course, please visit the Meducination website.  (https://meducination.com/course/dementia-orientation-certificate-for-healthcare-professionals-spl )