Seeking Hope: Transforming Dementia Care for Native American Communities
The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System is focused on improving essential care and support for tribal community members affected by dementia. Its new Indian Health Service dementia models of care grant builds on previous work designed to ensure that individuals with dementia and their families receive person-centered care, providing cultural sensitivity and understanding in its services.
The health system employs highly trained certified dementia specialists who deliver Home and Community-Based Services. These services include caregiver support training, dementia-specific consultations, resource assistance, and home care planning. These specialists are dedicated to providing expert guidance and support, ensuring the highest quality of care.
The Music and Memory program recognizes the power of music in enhancing the lives of people with dementia. iPods with Bluetooth speakers, loaded with the individual's favorite songs, are provided to improve mood and increase physical activity. The program includes personalized assessments, home visits for instruction, and ongoing support, all at no cost to participants.
Atheda Fletcher serves as the Tribe’s project director for the Indian Health Service grant and knows the importance of Native Americans and their music. “Music evokes emotions and memories, which is why this intervention has shown the therapeutic benefits for people with dementia.”
Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country is a specialized training program adapted for use in Native American communities. It is designed to help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. “During our participation in health fairs and other community events, we have found that many individuals do not know much about dementia,” said Fletcher. The program offers six training sessions focusing on understanding dementia, developing self-care strategies, accessing resources, managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining a manageable routine. This training is available in-home and in group settings, making it accessible and convenient for caregivers.
Tina Ontiveros shared her dementia journey and how it started with her mother, Hazel Battice, and spoke about what the training has done and how it has helped to increase her knowledge about dementia. “It helps you to understand dementia, and there’s all types,” said Ontiveros. "The (Savvy) training was very informational. I wanted to know what is [sic] going to be coming down the road. I wanted to be prepared for that.”
Both programs aim to empower caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide high-quality care while prioritizing the unique needs and backgrounds of Native American communities. By offering culturally sensitive and comprehensive support, the health system aims to improve the quality of life in all aspects of its services, ensuring that care is respectful and effective.
- Click here to view a video featuring Tina and Hazel’s experience with the Savvy Caregiver and Music and Memory programs.
- Click here to learn more about the new 2024 Indian Health Service dementia grants. Applications are due 7/16/2024.
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month – In recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in June, IHS will be releasing a series of weekly social media messages and a blog post. 
