As dementia continues to affect a growing number of families across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 42 caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members received practical, evidence-based training to better support persons living with dementia during a Dementia Carers Training Workshop hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA) on Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.
The workshop is part of SVGADDA’s ongoing mission to raise dementia awareness, reduce stigma, educate caregivers, and advocate for improved dementia care throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since its establishment three years ago, the Association has been working to ensure that persons living with dementia and their care partners have access to education, resources, and support.
Facilitated by Dr. Glenna Brewster, Associate Professor at Emory University, gerontological nurse scientist, and Founder and Vice President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association (SVGADDA), the interactive workshop equipped participants with practical strategies to recognize the signs of dementia, communicate effectively, respond to behavioural and psychological symptoms, support safe daily care, and promote caregiver well-being.
Participants learned through role-playing, case scenarios, practical demonstrations, group discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, creating an engaging learning environment that encouraged the sharing of experiences and solutions to common caregiving challenges.
“Too many families are caring for a loved one living with dementia without the knowledge or support they need,” said Dr. Glenna Brewster, Founder and Vice President of SVGADDA. “Education empowers caregivers with practical skills, builds confidence, reduces stress, and ultimately improves the quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their care partner. Every caregiver deserves access to this knowledge, and SVGADDA is committed to making it available throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Mrs. Sylvia Gould, President and Co-founder of SVGADDA, emphasized that caregiver education remains one of the Association’s highest priorities.
“Every workshop strengthens our communities by equipping caregivers with practical tools, confidence, and hope. Together, we are building a more dementia-friendly St. Vincent and the Grenadines where families know they are not alone.”
The Association expressed sincere appreciation to its dedicated volunteers whose commitment contributed to the success of the workshop, including Clifford Gould, Pearlina Joseph, Sally-Ann Marks, Ophelia Allen-Henry, and Florrie Davy, who generously volunteered her time to prepare refreshments. SVGADDA also extends its gratitude to St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown for graciously providing the venue for the training.
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults worldwide and is expected to become an increasing public health challenge as populations age. Through community education, caregiver training, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy, SVGADDA is working to ensure that families across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are better prepared to meet this challenge with knowledge, compassion, and dignity.
SVGADDA encourages individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community groups to join its mission by becoming members, volunteering, partnering with the Association, or supporting future caregiver education and dementia awareness initiatives.
