Caregiving in Indian Country: Tribes Supporting Family Traditions

“Family members provide an estimated 90% of long-term care in Indian country (IOM, 2008), yet there has been little research about these caregivers, the people they care for, or their need for assistance and support. Taking care of an elder is a continuation of an ancient custom of extended family and lifelong care for family. But that tradition may now be colliding with new realities as more Native people live off their tribe’s reservation, have more chronic health problems such as diabetes and obesity, and are less connected with tribal traditions and supports.”

This article continues with input from Dr. Bruce Finke, MD Indian Health Services (IHS) as well as statistical data covering the aging population, caregiving issues in Indian Country, caregiving needs, Tribal resources, and much more.