Increasing Trust and Acceptance: Tips for Caregiver Support Groups 

Those who care for patients living with memory disorders often experience" caregiver burden" and stress. These emotional challenges can negatively effect their health, employment, and finances. The Banner Health's Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) is providing support to Native caregivers and others through a variety of services, including group meetings and conversations. Their approach could be a helpful model for IHS Alzheimer's Program grantees and other tribal and urban Indian communities looking to expand their caregiver services and supports. 

More than a dozen support groups are offered by BAI, covering a range of personal and caregiver support topics. Groups are open and available to anyone, many by phone, virtually, or in person, including the Native American Caregiver Circle group.

"Sometimes, feedback can be difficult to hear, but receiving it from a peer may have a deeper impact since they are experiencing a similar situation. When members come to trust and accept one another, they generally receive feedback and gentle confrontation as a movement toward accountability and positive change," according to Lori Nisson, BAI Family & Community Services Director. 

For organizations interested in starting a support group, the BAI provided helpful tips and truths:
 

• Facilitators should help set group guidelines and steer away from conversations dominated by griping, conflict between members, or one person controlling the session. 
• Many people are initially nervous about sharing. Support participants might spend the first session simply introducing themselves and listening to others as they ease into participation. 
• When participants begin sharing with the group, it can be liberating, and most often, they find an outpouring of support from facilitators and peers.
• Participants are in control of what, when, and how much is shared with the group. Participants should not feel obligated to share what they are not ready to disclose. 

Above all, BAI states it's very important that group members feel safe and that those sharing are allowed to speak without judgment.  

Click here for more information on BAI.

IHS Elder Health Team Featured in Neurology Today Article

Neurology Today reached out to the IHS Elder Health team to respond to the National Institute of Health (NIH)-supported research that was recently published that found that 54% of older American Indians have a cognitive impairment, including 10% with dementia.

Dr. Jolie Crowder said, "The findings are likely not surprising to many who work in the field of Alzheimer's and dementia with American Indian and Alaska Native populations." She highlighted the cultural, social, and healthcare barriers that these communities face, stressing the importance of culturally tailored resources and programs to address these issues. 

This study highlighted a significant disparity in the rates of cognitive impairment and dementia. These results suggest the levels of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in American Indians who are 72-95 years of age are higher than those in other racial and ethnic groups. 

"The prevalence rates for dementia and cognitive impairment among American Indians and Alaska Native people are as high or even higher than those in other US populations," said Dr. Bruce Finke. "These findings clearly support the need for increased investment in care and services for American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia and for those who care for them." 

Click here to read the Neurology Today article. 

Webinar: Addressing Challenging Family Dynamics in Caregiving- August 7, 2024

Providing care for a family member or loved one can be emotionally and logistically challenging, especially when family dynamics come into play. 

Participants in this webinar will be able to:

• Understand hot-button issues that often cause highly emotional discussions among family members.
• Identify strategies to help families navigate these issues with a focus on what's best for the older adult.
• Learn tips to help family members cope with the demands of family caregiving.
• Discover resources that can help avoid or overcome conflicts.

Click here for the event website.