Bengaluru: Nightingales Medical Trust's free elder care training programme marks 25 years

A free training and certification programme in elderly care, run by Bengaluru-based Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), has entered its 25th year. It is aimed at those seeking caregiver jobs. The next session begins on August 18, with four more planned by the end of the year.

According to NMT, India faces a severe shortage of trained caregivers, especially for people living with dementia. The organisation receives 8-10 calls daily from families seeking support. Its co-founder and secretary, S Premkumar Raja, says bridging this gap is critical. “More people are living longer due to rising life expectancy. But the traditional joint family system is fading. In nuclear families, both spouses often work, making it harder to care for ageing parents. Moreover, many seniors are living alone,” he explains.

While the National Skill Development Corporation offers geriatric training, Raja believes more organisations need to follow suit. Some community colleges teach bedside care, but he notes these courses are often too theoretical. “Hands-on experience is critical, from brushing patients’ teeth to feeding and bathing them, changing their diapers, and helping them into wheelchairs. Even how you talk to dementia patients matters, as it can aggravate their mood swings,” he says.

Raja urges the government to promote caregiving as a respected profession. At the same time, he wants families, and the elderly themselves, to treat caregivers with respect. “Finding caregivers in Bengaluru is harder now than it was 20 years ago. Many prefer mall jobs. Earlier, people in their 20s signed up. Now, people in their 30s and 40s approach us,” he says. A majority of the applicants are women from low-income backgrounds, working as domestic help or in garment factories.

Caregiver salaries can range from Rs 18,000 to over Rs 30,000, depending on the workplace (NGOs, old-age homes, private homes, or retirement societies). Though attrition is high in the first 100 days, Raja says many stay once they settle in. “Some even find joy in caring for seniors. A few study for competitive exams between shifts,” he adds.

What the course covers

The month-long training includes bedside assistance, first aid (including CPR), fall prevention, communication skills, basic physiotherapy, and monitoring sugar and blood pressure. Applicants must be aged 18-45 and have completed at least Class 8. Trainees receive a stipend of Rs 5,000.

To register, call 080 42426565/80501 59091 or visit NMT, Banaswadi. Details on nightingaleseldercare.com

Caregiver academy

NMT is building a caregiving training academy near Doddaballapur. It will also provide free housing for 100 dementia patients from underprivileged families. The facility will offer students hands-on caregiving training and is expected to open around September 2026, Metrolife has learnt.