Dementia Models of Care Grantees

IHS received dedicated funding in fiscal year 2021 to address the dementia challenges facing tribal communities, people living with undiagnosed and diagnosed dementia, and their caregivers.

In September 2022 and 2023 IHS announced the awarding of 12 new cooperative agreements for tribal and urban Indian health clinics and systems to develop models incorporating comprehensive approaches to care and service for people living with dementia, and their caregivers.

Program awardees will design and implement locally developed, innovative models of culturally competent screening, diagnosis, and management of people living with dementia.

2023 Dementia Models of Care Grantees

The 2023 cooperative agreement awardees include:

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Oklahoma) — aims to refine its patient-focused dementia care system for the rural, non-reservation, American Indian community, establishing a foundation for a culturally tailored treatment and broadening dementia care services, mitigating symptom effects on tribal elders, enhancing caregiver well-being, and decreasing health care expenses.

Cherokee Nation Health Services Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Oklahoma) — will use grant funds to hire a patient services advocate, enhancing comprehensive dementia care by offering dedicated support to patients and caregivers, coordinating outreach, increasing awareness and early diagnosis, facilitating educational resources, and fostering community partnerships to benefit those affected by dementia.

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Oklahoma) — will implement a new program to improve dementia support for Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal members. It will provide assessments, caregiver assistance, training for the Healthy Aging Team, and collect data on cognitive impairment prevalence.

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Oregon) — are unveiling a comprehensive, culturally tailored dementia program to address the growing needs of their community, focusing on early detection, caregiver support, and holistic wellness.

The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Nevada) — will hire a dementia care specialist, assess dementia prevalence in the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone service area, identify care gaps, and introduce a culturally relevant, community-based care model guided by a Dementia Care Steering Committee from various tribal health organizations, while also promoting public education and establishing caregiver support groups.

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Alaska) — introduces a comprehensive dementia care program for tribal elders, combining interdisciplinary care, thorough oversight, and commitment to sharing insights.

The Norton Sound Health Center Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Alaska) — will utilize the grant to hire staff for coordinating patient assessments, referrals, and multidisciplinary team efforts, collaborating with regional tribal and community services, sharing best practices with IHS programs via the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and exploring funding options including a pilot program for respite care.

The Seattle Indian Health Board Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Washington) — aims to amplify culturally resonant, holistic dementia care for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals in Seattle/King County, integrating traditional Indian medicine, and will share insights with urban Indian organizations to address the unique needs of urban Native elders, caregivers, and health care providers.

2022 Dementia Models of Care Grantees

In September 2022, IHS announced $662,176 in cooperative agreements for tribal and urban Indian health clinics and systems to develop models incorporating comprehensive approaches to care and service for people living with dementia, and their caregivers.

Program awardees will design and implement locally developed, innovative models of culturally competent screening, diagnosis, and management of people living with dementia.

The 2022 cooperative agreement awardees include:

Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Bemidji Area) will develop a culturally appropriate standardized diagnostic approach by hiring a program manager and an elder from the community to work with community health workers to raise awareness of dementia.

Indian Health Council, Inc. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (California Area) will implement a multi-level, comprehensive approach to care and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers by supporting early detection of dementia. Their integrated case management system will ensure timely delivery of patient-centered care planning, monitoring, caregiver support, and access to specialized services.

Nez Perce Tribal Health Authority Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (Portland Area) through Nimiipuu Health, will educate tribal programs and clinical teams on how to recognize the signs of dementia and support elders and caregivers affected by dementia.

Northern Valley Indian Health, Inc. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (California Area) will expand services by hiring a program coordinator to oversee their Stronger Together Dementia Awareness Program. They will also create an early detection tool and individualized health plans to empower individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.