The KNUST Wellness Centre has graduated the first cohort of participants in its Caregiving for the Elderly Short Course, marking the completion of a pioneering programme designed to equip healthcare professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide quality care for Ghana's growing elderly population.
The programme, the first of its kind at the University, seeks to improve the quality of geriatric care while positioning the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) at the forefront of elderly caregiving education.
Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Esther Ohenewa, said the initiative was introduced to address the growing demand for quality care for older adults.
"The main idea was to improve caregiving for the elderly and to be pioneers in that field. We want to spearhead quality caregiving for the aged population," she said.
Dr. Ohenewa acknowledged that the maiden edition presented some challenges but said the experience had helped establish a stronger foundation for future cohorts.
"This is the first time we have mounted such a programme, so we encountered a few challenges. Thankfully, we now have a more stable structure that will make future editions even better," she said.
She added that the course has been accredited with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, while accreditation by the Ghana Psychological Council is being pursued.
Participants said the training had enhanced their professional competence and understanding of elderly care.
Ellen Owusu said the programme had broadened her knowledge of caring for older adults and strengthened her confidence as a caregiver.
"I understand older adults much better now than before. The programme has improved my caregiving skills, broadened my knowledge and also helped me build valuable professional networks," she said.
Another participant, Kate Oppong, said empathy was among the most important lessons she gained during the training.
"The most important thing I learned was understanding why older adults behave the way they do. When we understand them better, caring for them becomes easier, and they also feel valued and appreciated," she said.
Chairperson of the KNUST Wellness Centre Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Phyllis Tawiah, commended the organisers for successfully introducing the programme despite the challenges associated with launching a new initiative.
"Starting programmes is never easy. You just have to be bold enough to begin, and you've done an excellent job. It will only get better because you've taken the first step," she said.
She urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired with compassion, patience and genuine concern for older adults, stressing that while technical competence is essential, empathy remains the defining quality of effective caregiving.
Story: Belinda Opoku Danso Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
