As a tribal program, IA2 does not provide emergency or direct services. If you are in an unsafe situation or need immediate assistance please dial 911.

What is NAEJI?

IASquared’s Native American Elder Justice Initiative has the commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of older adults, specifically focusing on addressing and preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

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Enhancing Communication with Native American Elders for Nurses

Effective communication is a cornerstone of quality nursing care, especially when addressing the unique needs of Native American elders. Respectful and culturally sensitive communication not only enhances the care experience but also fosters trust and rapport between nurses and elders.

Healthcare professional administering care to a patient.Native American elders hold a revered status within their communities, often seen as keepers of wisdom and tradition. It’s essential for nurses to understand and respect these cultural values. Elders may prefer to communicate in their Indigenous language and may value spiritual practices such as smudging, singing, and other forms of prayer. ⁴ Here are some considerations for nurses serving Native American elders:

Consent and Capacity: An elder’s ability to make decisions is influenced by their cognitive and functional capacities. Nurses should be aware of the factors affecting consent and capacity, including medical conditions, cognitive functioning, and the risk of undue influence. ⁵ It is important to ensure that elders can make informed decisions freely and voluntarily. ³

Elder-Focused Assessments: Conducting thorough and culturally sensitive assessments is vital in providing appropriate care for Native American elders. These assessments should ensure that the elder’s choices are consistent with their values, preferences, and patterns, respecting their lifetime values and preferences, even if they differ from the norm. ¹

To effectively communicate with Native American elders, we encourage nurses to:

Use Respectful and Gentle Language. Avoid terms that may be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive. Be mindful of the tone and volume of your voice
Pay Attention to Non-verbal Communication. Observe body language and facial expressions. Maintain appropriate eye contact, as it can vary in significance across different cultures. Be patient and give elders time to express themselves. ⁴
Build Trust and Rapport. Show genuine interest in the elder’s life and experiences. Engage in active listening and validate their feelings and concerns. Respect their autonomy and involve them in decision-making processes
Identify and Report Abuse. Familiarize yourself with the common signs of abuse for elders. ⁴ Conduct thorough screenings using tools like the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test and the Native Elder Life Scale. ⁴

Elder abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and spiritual abuse. ² Most tribes have special jurisdiction or policies for elder abuse cases through their elder abuse codes. ² Report suspected abuse to appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services (APS) or tribal law enforcement. To learn more, visit our webpage Elder Abuse Codes.

By being mindful of how we communicate with Native American elders and understanding the factors affecting their consent, capacity, and potential abuse, we can provide effective, compassionate, and culturally conscious care. Continuous learning is vital in ensuring that our interactions are respectful and meaningful.

For more information on serving and caring for Native American Elders, we welcome you to visit our website at iasquared.org.

The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational association dedicated to improving the lives of indigenous elders. Our mission is to ensure the provision of quality services and resources, expand opportunities for community involvement, and protect the rights of elders, including their freedom from abuse and neglect.

Article highlight:
Enhancing Communication with Native American Elders for Nurses

This article by Elder Justice Associate Danelle Woodman offers essential guidance for nurses on providing culturally sensitive and respectful care to Native American elders. It highlights key practices to build trust, support autonomy, and recognize signs of potential abuse.
Read the Article at Nursing Network

Factsheet: Jurisdictional Issues Concerning Elder Abuse in Tribes

The Tribal Code is the law of the tribe and gives cultural and legal guidance about how to form the response to an elder abuse matter
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Factsheet: Elder Justice in Tribal Communities

Elder Justice in tribal communities refers to the protection and advocacy of the right, dignity, and well-being of older adults within Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and unrecognized tribal communities.
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Elder Abuse Codes

Elder abuse codes are key legal tools for identifying and preventing various forms of senior mistreatment, adapted for cultural sensitivity in indigenous communities.
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State & Tribal Hotlines

This hotline center offers vital information on elder abuse hotlines, providing support and resources for Native communities.
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Trainings

Educational modules to train those in Indian Country to identify, address elder abuse, and provide culturally sensitive support to Indigenous elders.
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Resources

Supporting Native American elders through advocacy, education, and resources for safeguarding their rights and dignity.
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Scam Awareness

Information from the United States Social Security Administration about identifying and avoiding scams.
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AI/AN Medical Forensic Exam Considerations

This guidebook was created to enhance care delivery to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients, families, and communities affected by violence by providing resources and support to forensiv healthcare providers serving in Indian Health Service and other tribal and urban indian settings.
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What's New at NAEJI?

Featured Resources:
My Advance Care Plan and Guide for Native Americans
This guide assists Indigenous people in planning for health issues, end-of-life decisions, and being able to share their wishes with loved ones.
Recent Podcasts:
The OGs of Elder Justice
In this installment of “The OGs of Elder Justice,” Bill Benson and Iris Freeman reflect on their inspiring careers in elder justice. They share insightful anecdotes from their work, discuss legislative achievements, and highlight the invaluable lessons gleaned from past policy struggles.
A Conversation with the Native American Elder Justice Initiative
In this podcast, Jennifer Spoeri, APS TARC Subject Matter Expert, will speak with Bill Benson and Peggy Jo Archer from the Native American Elder Justice Initiative (NAEJI). We will learn more about how NAEJI works to address the lack of culturally appropriate information and community education materials on elder abuse in Indian Country.
Listen to Dr. Jacque Gray talk about these issues in Indian Country:
Elder Abuse Warning Signs:
Native Elder Protection Team Toolkit:

A step-by-step guide for developing a successful model for addressing Elder abuse in Indian Country. The Toolkit is designed to help you identify and

The Native American Elder Justice Initiative is supported by grant number HHS-2021-ACL-AOA-IERC-0034, and a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Any information, content, or conclusions on this website are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by the ACL, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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