Dementia Care in Indian Country Needs Trained Caregiver Coaches

Dementia care in Indian Country is growing fast, and Tribal health programs that train local caregiver coaches now will be better prepared to support elders and the families who care for them.

What the IHS Caregiving Report Found

An IHS Alzheimer’s Program report on dementia caregiving across the Indian health system, prepared by Cardea with the IHS Elder Care Team and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, says the number of older American Indian and Alaska Native adults is expected to triple in the next decade.

It reports that one in four Native adults identifies as an unpaid caregiver. Program staff interviewed for the report said there are simply not enough staff to deliver programs, especially in-home visits. The workgroup behind its recommendations met from July through December 2024.

Dementia Care in Indian Country Already Has a Foundation

IHS is building on real momentum. In a March 5, 2026 IHS blog on expanding dementia care, Valerie Jones and Jolie Crowder reported that 2025 training reached more than 1,500 clinicians, the network grew to 98 geriatric champions, and 114 Community Health Representatives joined dementia care training.

Twenty CHR programs also joined a dementia screening pilot. The caregiving report recommends preparing CHRs, public health nurses, and peer mentors as Caregiver Coaches, with training pathways and certification so Tribal members can grow into these roles.

What Tribal Health Leaders Should Plan Next

Start with a workforce plan that names who will screen elders, coach families, and arrange respite care, then protect time for that work in every schedule.

Ellsworth, a Native-owned healthcare staffing company serving IHS, Tribal and 638, and rural facilities, sees dementia care as relationship work that depends on steady, culturally competent clinicians who come to know Our Relatives and their families.

When a clinical vacancy pulls CHRs and public health nurses away from home visits, we can help cover that gap so elders keep their coaches. Reach out to Ellsworth to talk through your coverage needs.