As well as attending presentations on many themes and topics, and attending site visits, Richard Semanda, executive director Geriatric Respite Care Foundation-Uganda (GRCF-U), felt his main benefit from attending the the ACSA/IAHSA joint conference on our scholarship program was having the opportunity to interact and share his experiences with a wide range of professionals.
“It was an enriching encounter with the different stakeholders globally and I acquired new knowledge that will enhance my work and personal life,” he said.
Richard highlighted he met professors, lecturers, CEOs, founders, international age care organisations, government officials, municipality administrators, age care funders, careers and many other stakeholders in ageing.
Other benefits include H1 Healthcare offering GRCF-U caregivers free online training on how to manage older people and the possibility of Dementia Care Australia sponsoring two GRCF-U staff for three weeks of intensive dementia training in Australia in 2016.
Having acquired a lot of new knowledge and skills in ageing from the conference, Richard is actively looking at ways to improve the quality of care of older persons in Uganda’s communities and how GRCF-U can educate Uganda’s ageing population on preventive measures of common conditions associated with ageing.
“I also hope to sensitise the public, policy makers and all stakeholders on age friendly activities and hope to organise both international and local workshops,” he said.
About the Geriatric respite care foundation – Uganda (GRCF-U)
Formed in 2010, GRCF-U is dedicated to working with and providing quality health care of older persons integrated in the communities of Uganda. The Foundation’s core goals and objectives are in line with the Uganda Government’s National Policy for older persons of 2009 which aims at older persons ageing with security and dignity. Since health plays a key role in the quality of life and well-being of older persons, the Foundation also compliments the Uganda National Health Guidelines of providing comfort to older persons.
GRCF-U’s key areas of work and focus includes:
- the promotion of Geriatric Community and Palliative Care services (GCPC) through W.H.O Global Age-Friendly Cities and Communities
- information, education and communication (IEC) access by older persons
- research
- fundraising for the service van/ambulance to boost and support the frail in the community, outreach services and other aged care programs
- plan to set up a health centre focusing on geriatrics and palliative care services.
GRCF-U caregivers set to benefit from H1 Healthcare’s offer of free online training