The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) is deepening its commitment to Native elders and their caregivers by integrating dementia and memory care into its culturally grounded model of health services. Supported by the Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program, SIHB is ensuring families have access to care that is both effective and connected to American Indian and Alaska Native traditions.

“Guided by our IndigiKnow framework, our traditional medicine is centered in all we do,” said Public Health Services Director Thomas J. Lawrence. “Care teams provide holistic, wraparound services, and integrating dementia care into this model was a natural next step. When Elders present with memory concerns, our providers conduct initial assessments and coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure comprehensive, culturally rooted support for both relatives and caregivers.”

For more than 50 years, SIHB’s approach to wellness has been built on Indigenous cultural values and Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM). SIHB serves more than 6,000 unique relatives, a term used in place of “patients.” While people of every background are welcome, every visit reflects a native way of care. 

Expanding Memory Health Services

With IHS Alzheimer’s Program funding, SIHB is:

• Providing dementia and Alzheimer’s training, education, and culturally adapted resources for relatives, care teams, and caregivers.
• Improving internal care coordination and workflows between providers and caregivers.
• Expanding prevention programs and memory care activities through SIHB’s Elder services.

These efforts are part of the SIHB Elders Program, which serves community members age 50 and older, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Elders Program offers:

• Daily meals and health education
• Culturally informed wellness activities and social support
• Access to behavioral health, care coordination, and TIM referrals

“Here at SIHB, we envision a time when all Indian people live healthy and successful lives,” said Thomas. “That is my goal—making sure our people receive the best we can offer through high-quality health and human services, Indigenous research, strong advocacy, and respectful care.”

Pictured: SIHB Public Health Services Director Thomas J. Lawrence.

​​​​​​New Toolkit Helps Primary Care Teams Screen for Urinary Incontinence

The loss of bladder control, which is called urinary incontinence (UI), is a common chronic condition affecting more than half of women aged 20 and older in the United States. Yet fewer than 30% of women over 40 receive treatment.

Steps for Increasing Urinary Incontinence Screening: A Guide for Primary Care Practices, a new toolkit from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, provides the necessary resources to assist primary care teams with UI screening and follow-up care. This guide will create minimal disruption to existing workflows.

Explore the full toolkit for step-by-step guidance on planning and implementation to improve patient outcomes.

​​​​​​American Indian Elders Conference

September 29–October 3 

The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. holds the American Indian Elders Conference every 2 years as a forum to discuss aging services across Indian Country. The conference is an opportunity for attendees to raise concerns and make policy recommendations that help elders age in place.

The conference will be held in Durant, Oklahoma. 

Register for the American Indian Elders Conference on the website.