World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed each year on June 15th with the goal of bringing awareness to elder abuse and neglect but it is also a time to recognize and honor the contributions of elders in our communities. Caring for our elders is a foundational value of native people and is non-negotiable. Our elderly people are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect due to isolation and without access to timely resources. At the same time, caregivers and family members who provide much needed daily care for elderly family members also need respite care so that they’re able to provide the best care they possibly can.
Our aging population is anticipated to rise significantly in the next decade with a projected growth of 60%. We need to prioritize programs and services for our elderly population when it comes to aging in place (remaining in the comfort of your home while being taken care of), dementia prevention and services, hospice and memory care and so much more.
With a newly formed Elder Task Team made up of incredibly bright, talented and passionate tribal staff, increased coordinated care efforts to guide this work including the implementation of the first Elder Protection Ordinance, paints a promising future for our beloved elders.
We know all families need help sometimes. The Elders Committee is one group of people that are doing good work by helping people connect the dots to the right programs. As a liaison to the committee, we had the pleasure of meeting with Community Health Staff recently to hear about the advocacy work happening for our elders including a presentation by Chris Martin, the Tribal Navigator. The Tribal Navigator was a first-of-its kind position created in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Offices of Aging and People with Disabilities. As a Tribal Navigator, Chris can help with:
- Exploring services that are available under the Older Americans Act
- Explaining the process and guidelines for applying for services
- Provide support and advocacy while working with Oregon Department of Human Services staff and area agencies on Aging
- Coordinate services within the tribe, the Oregon Department of Human Services and other community partners.
For more info on the CTGR Tribal Navigator functions, contact Chris Martin at 503-879-1992 or email [email protected]
In addition to tribal services and programs, there are also an array of community outreach programs such as the HelloCare Senior Services based out of McMinnville Oregon that provide in-home elder care services such as housekeeping, cooking and health and hygiene services.
Visit https://hellocareinyourhome.com for more info.
Today there are also nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. New research is showing us that the changes that occur in the brain are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms even start. While those statistics can be overwhelming, it does suggest a substantial window that is available for intervention services which is promising. The experts tell us that there isn’t one single cause of Alzheimer’s or Dementia and many risk factors can be modified to reduce a person’s risk such as increased physical activity, challenging your mind with brain games, monitoring blood pressure and diet amongst many others.
Most importantly, we never lose hope, we never stop advocating for our elders and we continually pray for the health and well-being of our Wisdom Keepers.
In closing, the National Indian Council on Aging is a great resource and starting point to learning how to become a field advocate for native elders. To learn more visit Nicoa.org – National Indian Council On Aging
Hayu Masi, be well.