Alzheimer's Grant Programs Create Memory Care Bags

Our grantees see the value in supporting caregivers and their patients.

Several Alzheimer's Models of Care grantees of the Indian Health Service (IHS) use memory care bags as a resource for caregivers and people living with dementia. There is often a high level of emotional stress in caregiving, and memory care bags for caregivers are one way to offer support and share information. Each bag is unique to the community and can include items for a caregiver, a person living with dementia, or both. Some popular items are puzzles or an activity that can increase interaction between caregivers and loved ones.

The IHS Alzheimer's grantee at Nimiipuu Health in Idaho recently created caregiver memory care bags and gave them to their community. Their bags support, engage and recognize caregivers' important roles. Caregivers include family members, extended relatives, friends, or other people from the community who provide help for a person living with dementia. The bags included:

•    A thank you card 
•    Journal
•    Lotion, shower steamer, and foot soak
•    Step counter 
•    Alzheimer's bracelet
•    Color Your Mind adult coloring book 
•    $10 Starbucks gift card 
•    Educational materials on Balancing Caregiving, Family, and Work from the Department of Veteran Affairs and many other resources supporting the caregiver

A memory care bag was also created for people experiencing memory issues. Items included: 
•    A journal and pen 
•    Step counter
•    Alzheimer's bracelet
•    Brain activities (Crossword puzzle book, puzzle) 
•    Lotion

Some content ideas for an elder's bag could include books like I-Spy, photo albums with pictures that can spark conversation, simple hand-held puzzles, magnetic toys, small games, art supplies, and memorabilia. For American Indian or Alaska Native elders, culturally relevant books, pictures, tribal music, or newspaper articles on important moments in their Tribe's history can support conversations between elders and their caregivers. 

Dementia can be challenging. Memory care bags are one way to help promote and support high-quality care for elders and those caring for them.

Alzheimer’s Models of Care awardees design and implement locally developed, innovative models of culturally competent screening, diagnosis, and management of people living with dementia.
 

Elder Health Team News

IHS Alzheimer's Team Visits Oklahoma and Nevada

In February, the IHS Alzheimer's Grant Program visited the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Clinic in Tahlequah, OK, and the Fallon Tribal Health Center in Fallon, NV. 

The grants aim to enhance understanding and recognition of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within the IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian communities. During the visit, grantees shared their plans for empowering healthcare providers, family caregivers, and tribal leaders with the essential knowledge and resources for early detection, diagnosis, and effective management. The team also engaged in tours and discussions about the vibrant cultures of the local communities. 

(Photo) IHS Elder Care Data Coordinator Valerie Jones (left), Cherokee Nation Health Services Patient Experience Manager Jessica Lewandowski, IHS Management Analyst Jamie Olsen.