Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Return to Search

LTSS and Dementia

Guidance for LTSS and dementia in American Indians and Alaska Natives communities.

Final

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: August 20, 2020

LTSS and Dementia

As the number of older adults in Indian Country increases, the need to provide culturally appropriate long-term care to people living with dementia is growing.

Overview

Dementia refers to a variety of conditions that affect brain function, memory, and thinking skills. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. The confusion that often accompanies dementia can present unique challenges for caregivers of those with dementia.

Learn more about LTSS and dementia:

Cognitive assessments in Indian Country

Understanding cognitive function is important to providing appropriate care to elders who may be experiencing cognitive decline. To assess cognitive function in the context of diverse tribal cultures and disparities faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), there is a need for culturally appropriate tools. Some cognitive assessment tools show promise for possible adaptation for use in Indian Country.

Learn more about existing assessment tools:

Resources

These videos showcase the efforts of the International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) around Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Dave Baldridge with IA2 logo in background

Hear how IA2 addresses the need for culturally appropriate resources on the topic of dementia.


 

Kitchen scenario from the Dementia Friends Rooms Experience

Learn about resources that IA2 offers to help people recognize the early signs of dementia.


 

Breana Dorame with screenshot from the video I Can't Remember: A Native Family's Story of Dementia

Hear about some of the challenges that come with providing care for a loved one who has dementia.  


 

Breana Dorame with image of two articles about wandering

Hear about work on the Wandering Project with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in northern Nevada.

Person holding tablet with information about Dementia Friends program for American Indian and Alaska Native communities

Learn about efforts to educate communities about what dementia is and how it affects people.


 

Molita Yazzie with screenshot from IA2's dementia-specific Tribal Resolution Toolkit webpage

Hear about resources that IA2 offers to spur creation of dementia-specific tribal laws, plans, and policies.


 

Breana Dorame with screenshot of Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain fliers

Hear about resources that IA2 provides to promote healthy cognitive aging across Indian Country.


 

In the following infographics, see tips for caregivers providing LTSS to those with dementia:

 

The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

 

HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.