By Matters India Reporter
Pune, June 16, 2026: Religious sisters from across India gathered in Pune for a six-day training program on geriatric care and empowerment, equipping participants with skills to better serve the country’s growing elderly population.
The Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) hosted a six-day residential program on geriatric care and empowerment, training 33 nurses from various congregations in elderly care from June 8 to 13 at Mount Heights, Lullanagar.
The first three days, led by Dr. Joice Steffi and Dr. Veenashree, addressed aging from biopsychological perspectives, elderly-centered care, dementia, counseling skills, and coping with grief.
“You cannot pour from empty vessels,” Dr. Steffi reminded participants, emphasizing the importance of self-care for caregivers.
Dr. Patrik Jude continued with sessions on psychological considerations, cognitive retraining, expressive interventions, and preparing religious communities for aging transitions.
He also highlighted suicide prevention in geriatric contexts and guided participants in creating action plans.
All three resource persons from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, engaged participants with group activities and congregation-based exercises.
Sister Kanti Kanta of the Daughters of St. Paul said the training changed her perspective. “This course broadened my knowledge and changed my way of thinking, especially in caring for the elderly and self-care,” she said.
She added that case studies and group activities enriched her life and helped her better understand the challenges of elderly care.
The program concluded with CRWI sessions on safeguarding policies, grievance redressal, and awareness of abuse within religious communities. Legal frameworks such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act (POSH) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) were also discussed.
(Photo supplied)