ABSTRACT
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) culture values its elders, and caregiving is woven into family systems that bring an interdependent focus. Many AI/AN families do not relate to the word “caregiver,” as they see this role as an honor in caring for an aging family member. However, dementia is poorly understood and therefore underreported and underdiagnosed in AI/AN populations. This leaves family caregivers at a loss, as they are not connected with much-needed education, training, support and long-term support services. While AI/AN dementia caregivers experience stress and health-related concerns as in other caregiving populations, there is strength and resiliency in AI/AN caregivers who often report high levels of satisfaction in caring for a family member. This chapter reviews cultural aspects and culturally appropriate care and resources needed to serve AI/AN dementia caregivers while reviewing three evidence-based or evidence-informed caregiver programs that have been introduced in AI/AN communities across the US.
