Merck Healthcare, a leading science and technology company, today announced a new collaboration with the United Nations-guided Global Initiative on Ageing (GIA) to provide a training course on critical skills for family carers.
The course, consisting of 5 modules, provides professional instruction and guidance on essential topics in caregiving such as using medical equipment, creating safe environments and overcoming communication barriers. The course is available on Merck’s Embracing Carers® website: EmbracingCarers.com.
“As the world’s population of ageing adults continues to significantly increase, the importance of carers has become even more critical to address their health needs,” said Ambassador Luis Gallegos, Chairman of the Global Initiative on Ageing. “By bringing together the trusted experience of the GIA and Merck’s industry-leading carer initiative, Embracing Carers®, we can better support carers around the world with these newly launched, vital courses.”
The availability of the training modules coincides with European Carers Day on October 6, as well as Family Caregiver Awareness Month in the U.S. this November. The modules provide support for a broad range of carers – whether they care for patients impacted by cancer, multiple sclerosis or other diseases and chronic conditions.
“At Merck, we recognize the invaluable role family carers play, not only in the lives of patients, but across the entire healthcare ecosystem. Providing tangible support and resources is the sort of impact we aim to have every single day,” said Peter Guenter, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck. “As we embark on this exciting new collaboration with the UN’s Global Initiative on Ageing, I look forward to seeing what more we can achieve in the future.”
Originally developed in Spanish, the modules have been translated into English to reach a broader audience. The modules focus on the following topics:
- Feeding and nutrition techniques and commonly encountered issues
Identifying communication and language problems - Assisting with motivation and learning for elderly, disabled, and/or ill people
- Understanding and encouraging positive social relationships and behaviors in those requiring care
- Adapting and creating safe and comfortable environments
Additionally, carers who complete the training courses have the option to receive UN certification as a professional caregiver through the GIA website, if desired.
👉 Embracing Carers UN Collaboration | Merck (merckgroup.com)
