Veronica Alave (standing, right), a Dementia Capable Care certified instructor and instructor of Nursing at Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health at the University of Guam, presents during an in-person caregiver session hosted by the Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. During the session, participants learned about proper repositioning/body mechanics and safe shower and bed bath practices in this file photo from a training session in 2023.

Veronica Alave is a Dementia Capable Care certified instructor and instructor of Nursing at Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health at the University of Guam, working in the Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (G/M GWEP).

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The DCC-WL recognition is awarded to provider organizations that directly care for individuals with dementia, as well as preparatory organizations like colleges and universities that offer CPI Dementia Capable Care training by at least one Dementia Capable Care certified instructor on staff. Preparatory organizations must maintain these standards throughout the recognition period, which lasts for two years.

SOH achieved the recognition through its Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (G/M GWEP). The program aims to transform the health systems serving the region’s elderly and individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Since 2022, it has provided CPI Dementia Capable Care training for caregivers, certified nursing assistants, and other healthcare workers and students.

Dr. Yvette Paulino, dean of the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health, expressed pride in the achievement and commended the work of SOH Nursing and G/M GWEP Instructor Veronica Alave and her team.

“We are grateful for Veronica Alave’s efforts to continue this excellence in dementia care,” Paulino said. “Together with co-faculty trainers Ms. Antoinette Kleiner and Maria Sandra Cruz, they helped put Guam on the Dementia Capable Care map.”

Alave, who is also a Dementia Capable Care certified instructor and instructor of Nursing at SOH, said G/M GWEP has played a significant role in highlighting the importance of dementia education in elderly care. “As a growing aging population is a worldwide concern and will cause a big impact to our present and future healthcare system, we need to understand the needs of our elderly and engage our younger generations in how to care for them,” Alave explained.

Alave believes increased awareness and knowledge go a long way in meeting those needs. Pointing to the strong family values that extend throughout the many cultures and generations living in Guam, Alave said that through G/M GWEP “we can make a better connection with our elderly and continue to have a quality of life.”

“G/M GWEP offering education and training on dementia care demonstrates the impact of UOG's service to the community and our commitment to developing the professional workforce,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. “The program is testament to the School of Health’s continued efforts to improve the health and well-being of our people, especially our manåmko'.”