PANAJI
The Jeevan Spandan (Pulse of Life) Institute led by the Pilar Sisters is launching the ‘Home and Community Caregiver Course’, a one-year programme designed to equip individuals with practical skills, emotional intelligence, and basic healthcare knowledge for elder care.
The course aims, to be conducted at the Fr Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar, aims to bridge the gap in qualified caregivers and ensure respectful support for seniors.
The ‘Home and Community Caregiver Course’ is the first of its kind in Goa, where qualified caregivers will foster a community to care for elders with respect, dignity, and love. Elder care is now a societal necessity, not just charitable work.
The course also offers employment opportunities, with job placement assistance upon completion, encouraging young men and women to pursue meaningful careers in caregiving. Interested individuals are encouraged to register early at the college’s venue office and collect the syllabus. This initiative is more than just training; it is a movement toward building a society that deeply cares for its elders.
The course starts on July 14th and registration of seats will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration time is from 10 am to 12 noon and details are available on Ph: 9921561425.
Speaking about the importance of the course, Sr Luiza Fernandes, msp, of the Jeevan Spandan Institute stated that as Goa’s elderly population grows, so does the need for compassionate, skilled care.
“Many seniors now live alone or in assisted homes, requiring attentive support to maintain their dignity and health. Trained caregivers can greatly improve seniors’ quality of life through companionship and daily assistance. However, there's a shortage of qualified caregivers and hence, there is an urgent need for specialised training programmes,” said Sr Luiza.
“The term ‘Home Nursing’ is often misunderstood, mistakenly associated solely with medical professionals. In reality, it refers to non-medical caregiving services focused on providing emotional support and daily assistance.”
“Many individuals claiming to be ‘home nurses’ lack formal medical qualifications or registration, leading to confusion about their roles and capabilities. This situation highlights the urgent need for clear definitions, standards, and regulation within the caregiving sector to ensure transparency and quality service.”
Sr Luiza said the ‘Home and Community Caregiver Course’ aims to create a community where every elderly individual feels loved, respected, and valued.
“Candidates will empower themselves to serve with compassion, and transform lives, thereby fostering personal growth while uplifting the community,” she added.
