Malta introduces training programme for dementia caregivers

Malta became the first country to introduce iSupport, an online training by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for caregivers of people with dementia. The training launched in Malta is the result of a two-year collaboration between the Ministry for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing, clinicians, academics, civil society organisations and carers of people with dementia, to adapt the original version developed by WHO to the Maltese context. This launch is the latest show of commitment by Malta to recognising and addressing dementia as a public health issue; the country has been working with WHO for many years on initiatives to reduce the burden of dementia and is one of just 50 countries with a national dementia strategy and plan. iSupport provides advice both on preventing and managing the physical and psychological difficulties associated with being a carer for someone with dementia, and also on providing effective care. In addition to the online version, the training is available as a hardcopy manual, with easy-read reference posters (iSupport Lite), and a short video with practical tips also available.