Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 1: SaathiShift, a Mangaluru-based elder care companionship service, successfully concluded its inaugural six-day companion training programme from March 23 to 28. Held at Hope Villa, Nantoor, in partnership with Luminara, a local mental health and wellness initiative the programme culminated with a field visit to Ave Maria Palliative Care, Vamanjoor.

The training brought together selected companion candidates from across Mangaluru for six days of expert-led sessions designed to build the knowledge, skills, and empathy required for high-quality, person-centered elder care.

The programme

Each day featured a session led by a field expert:

• Day 1: Dr Lavina M Noronha, director of Ave Maria Palliative Care, introduced participants to the dynamics of aging, ethical caregiving, and compassionate companionship.

• Day 2: Dr Shyam Krishnan (PT), assistant professor at Kasturba Medical College, trained companions on safe mobility support, fall prevention, and maintaining professional boundaries.

• Day 3: Kripanjali Tellis Nayak, senior living consultant and registered nurse, conducted sessions on effective communication, de-escalation, and engaging seniors through meaningful activities.

• Day 4: Sudheer Pai, navy veteran, spoke on understanding veterans’ emotional needs, followed by advocate Kavitha Murugesh, who discussed elder rights, abuse awareness, and legal responsibilities.

• Day 5: Advocate Santhosh Peter D’Souza led a hands-on module on first aid, CPR awareness, and emergency response.

• Day 6: Dr Noronha concluded the programme with a field session at Ave Maria Palliative Care, focusing on dementia care, preserving dignity, and preventing caregiver burnout.