Alzheimer Grant Program Site Visits 2023

The IHS Elder Health Team conducted site visits to the four new Dementia Models of Care recipients. All of the communities are gearing up to enter their second year of work on the cooperative agreements.

The collective experiences were helpful and instructive, built on mutual respect and a shared mission to improve health care services for tribal communities relative to elder health needs.

They underscore the value of collaboration between IHS and these communities and a commitment by all to continuous learning.

California Grantees

In mid-September, the Elder Health Team of the IHS Alzheimer’s Grant Program visited two grant recipients—the Indian Health Council, Inc. of Valley Center, California, and the Northern Valley Indian Health at Chico, California. The Indian Health Council showcased its expertise through in-depth discussions with its senior and project leadership teams about dementia screening tools, electronic health record data mining opportunities, collaboration with their diabetes program, and culturally sensitive case management.

Northern Valley Indian Health has a dedicated team of community health specialists addressing dementia care, with year two plans including the introduction of a mobile health care unit to expand services, expansion of Mini-Cog and AD8 screening tool use, opportunities for electronic health record system enhancements, introduction of an evidence-based caregiver intervention, and launching a memory cafe to reach rural communities.

Idaho and Minnesota Grantees

Dr. Jolie Crowder and Valerie Jones from the IHS Alzheimer’s Grant Program conducted site visits at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis and the Nez Perce Tribe’s Nimiipuu Health Clinic in Lapwai, Idaho in July. Both visits were marked by a deep sense of warmth, engagement, and shared mission. The visits began at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis with a dementia caregiving session for elders taught by the Alzheimer’s Association chapter, one of the board’s project partners. The day ended with a peaceful and uplifting visit to the garden across the street from the clinic. This unique space highlights the clinic’s holistic approach to health and well-being.

At the Nimiipuu Health Clinic, the medical director emphasized the need to acknowledge and address the historical trauma endured within her tribal community, such as boarding schools and land relocation, to inform their holistic care approach. She explained how the words "Alzheimer’s" and "Dementia" do not translate to the Nez Perce language, leading to the decision to call their program “Memory Care.” This culturally sensitive approach reflects a deep understanding of the community’s unique needs and history, creating a framework for care that resonates more closely with those they serve.

Both locations generously offered a tour of their facilities and engaging discussions with clinical staff about the assessment and management of people living with dementia.