ABSTRACT
Guyana, like most countries, is experiencing an increase in its aged population due to improved medical care and increased lifespan. The Care for the Elderly program was established in Guyana's Region 6 in November 2013 to provide low-cost holistic geriatric mega-clinics in the community. The program was specifically geared at improving the quality of life for the elderly within their own community, ultimately enabling them to live longer. The aim of the training sessions was to build capacity to complement each other's work. Partnerships were also established with faith-based organizations (FBOs), and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in order to develop well-functioning and properly coordinated local entities. The mega-clinics led to increased networking on an individual level as well as collaborative partnerships between previously isolated community organizations, thus improving communication and general efficiency. The mega-clinics also facilitated efficient information sharing and data management with the local health services.
