Eighteen healthcare workers from northern Sarawak complete Certified Dementia Train-the-Trainer programme

MIRI (Dec 1): A group of eighteen healthcare workers from Miri, Lawas, and Limbang successfully completed the Certified Dementia Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programme on Sunday, marking a significant step in strengthening dementia care capacity in northern Sarawak.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Bintulu Central (RCBC) under its Alzheimer’s Care initiative, the three-day programme from Nov 28 to 30 aimed to extend essential dementia care education to rural and underserved communities.

The fourth cohort follows the successful training of participants from Kuching, Sibu, and Bintulu earlier in the year.

The sessions were facilitated by a team of leading experts, including Consultant Geriatrician and Internal Medicine Specialist from Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Dr Elizabeth Chong Gar Mit; Consultant Geriatrician and Head of Geriatric Unit at Sarawak General Hospital, Dr Tiong Ing Khieng; and Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) members and Project Director, Gan Chong Shyan.

According to Project Coordinator Linnie Lee, the completion of this cohort marked represents a key milestone in RCBC’s long-term plan to build a qualified network of dementia care across the entire state.

“Participants who complete the training will serve as ADFM-certified trainers, delivering community-level dementia care education beginning in 2026,” said Lee.

She also noted that since 2024, RCBC has organised an annual three-part webinar series that provides guidance on early detection, practical care strategies, and emotional support for families of dementia patients.

“The series serves as an ongoing effort to bring together experts from various fields to strengthen dementia knowledge and awareness throughout Sarawak, complementing the TTT programme which builds the foundation for a certified human resource pool,” she explained.

Lee expressed RCBC’s appreciation to ADFM for its guidance, facilitation, and accreditation, which ensure the programme’s professionalism and high standards.

She also thanked Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) for its commitment in enabling healthcare workers from all divisions to participate, as well as the Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for fully sponsoring all four cohorts of the 2025 TTT programme.

Looking ahead, Lee announced that beginning in 2026, the TTT programme will be open to the public.

Individuals interested in becoming Certified Dementia Skills Trainers can express their interest via the official Facebook page, ‘Alzheimer’s Care by RCBC’.