Caregivers Trained to Handle Needs of Senior Citizens

Tammy Simmons

A team from the University of Indianapolis in Indiana is in Belize working with caregivers for senior citizens through HelpAge Belize and the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly.  We spoke to one of the facilitators, Professor Tammy Simmons.

Tammy Simmons, Professor, University of Indianapolis

“It can be a little tricky, but I think the thing we try to concentrate on is to really make sure that the caregivers know not to do too much and I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but to really teach caregivers how to facilitate their loved ones or their charge to do much as they can and only help them as much as they really need because that is the key to really helping them maintain their mobility and lifestyle.  And it also protects the caregivers – when caregivers do too much they’re more prone to breaking down physically and emotionally. So we really concentrate on trying to teach caregivers how to facilitate the mobility and caregiving for their loved one or again their charge, rather than doing things for them so to speak.”