In many American Indian and Alaska Native communities, caregiving is rooted in deep cultural values, but it can still feel lonely. Fallon Tribal Health Center is using storytelling to bring caregivers together and spark conversation, starting with a film called Wine, Women, and Dementia.

This documentary shines a light on the isolation, financial stress, and physical and emotional challenges caregivers face while supporting loved ones experiencing dementia-related illnesses.

It estimates that approximately 16 million people in the U.S. are unpaid caregivers for someone with dementia. In a system with limited resources, caregivers featured in the film must lean on one another for strength and learn to celebrate life on the long road to death.

The film describes itself as “a road trip connecting the disconnected—because until there’s a cure, there’s community.”

“We thought that it would be great for caregivers and also for our medical staff, including providers, to get in touch with how the caregiver is feeling and what they are dealing with,” said Fallon Tribal Health Center Associate Director of Clinical Services Susan Bracamontes.

The screening, hosted by the Fallon Alzheimer’s grant program team, welcomed a diverse group of community members, including Fallon Paiute Shoshone elders, employees, and caregivers; Walker River tribal caregivers; and Pyramid Lake tribal caregivers. Representatives from Churchill County Social Services and Patient Advocate Audrea Mendiola also attended.

“We wanted everyone to be aware of the difficulty of caring for a patient with dementia and Alzheimer’s, but also bring hope to an often hopeless diagnosis,” she added.

To create a powerful viewing experience, the film was shown at Fox Peak Cinema. With caregiver support as a key focus of the Center’s work through its Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s Program dementia grant, organizers said this event helped validate the emotions many caregivers carry in silence. “Everyone loved the film, even the providers. The film had us crying and laughing.”

To view the film, visit the Wine, Women, and Dementia website or check your local PBS listings. 

Pictured: Documentary “Wine, Women, & Dementia” was recently screened by the Fallon Tribal Health Center and its community. The film is about family caregivers experiences with dementia.
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Alzheimer's Program Grant Application Released: Deadline August 1

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Alzheimer's Program, effective June 30. The program offers up to $200,000 in funding to support culturally appropriate dementia care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The goals include:

• Expanding care services
• Improving care coordination
• Strengthening long-term support systems

Eligible applicants including tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian health organizations are encouraged to apply by the August 1, 2025, deadline. More details and application instructions are available on the IHS Alzheimer’s Program website.

Palliative Care Webinar: Communicating Effectively to Promote Patient and Caregiver Well-Being

Palliative care is a highly beneficial yet often overlooked approach to managing chronic and end-stage diseases. 

Participants in this webinar will be able to:

• Define palliative care and related terminology
• Identify when palliative care is appropriate
• Clarify how and when to discuss end-of-life care
• Review practical resources for palliative care conversations

The webinar is on July 16th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PDT. Register on the American Society on Aging website.