LTSS Newsletter—November 2022

Stay tuned for the December 2022 LTSS webinar

Flyers to increase awareness of dementia symptoms

The International Association for Indigenous Aging website offers culturally appropriate flyers listing 10 signs of thinking or memory changes that might be dementia symptoms.

Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, the flyers encourage people with one or more of the 10 signs to talk with their doctor, who can help determine whether dementia is causing their brain health issues.

Tribes and urban Indian centers have the option of either downloading the flyers or requesting a limited number of printed copies.

Early bird registration for On Aging 2023

November 30 is the early bird registration deadline for On Aging 2023, the annual American Society on Aging (ASA) conference, to be held March 27–30, 2023, in Atlanta.

The conference theme is “Advancing Health & Well-Being.” Programming will align to ASA’s five priority areas:

• Justice and equity
• Innovation and social impact
• Health and well-being
• Economic security
• Ageism and culture

All conference attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Stay tuned for the December LTSS webinar

An LTSS webinar will not be held in November. Check back soon for more information about the December 14 webinar.

In the meantime, visit the LTSS TA Center to view archived LTSS webinars, such as The Many Facets of Advance Care Planning.

Songs for Native people with dementia

Music can help people with dementia connect with others, even after verbal communication has become difficult.

To help improve quality of life for tribal community members with dementia and their caregivers, the Native American Outreach Program at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute collaborated with Sunshine Music Therapy and Canyon Records to record a compact disc (CD) of songs performed by Native artists.

Titled “Walk with Me,” the CD will be distributed in tribal communities where outreach on the topic of dementia may be difficult.

Caregivers may also opt to email Banner Health Institute directly to request the CD.

Tribal Transportation Program funds

Deadline: January 15, 2023
Learn more about the Tribal Transportation Program funding opportunity

Federal Highway Administration funds are available for projects to prevent transportation-related deaths and serious injuries in tribal communities. Projects must fall into one of the following categories:

• Transportation safety plans
• Data assessment, improvement, and analysis activities
• Systemic roadway departure countermeasures
• Infrastructure improvement and other eligible activities

Federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply.

Dementia Friends information session

November 29, 3–4 p.m. Eastern

Register for a Dementia Friends information session

As part of its effort to create more inclusive environments for people with dementia, the International Association for Indigenous Aging will host a Dementia Friends information session for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The session will explain what it is like to live with dementia. Attendees will be asked to take practical steps to help someone with dementia in their community.

Webinar on long-distance caregiving

December 5, 2–3 p.m. Eastern

Register for the December 5 webinar

Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges. Plan to attend an American Society on Aging webinar to better understand those challenges and the services available to help people cope with the stress of caregiving from afar.

Webinar on nutrition and companionship

December 7, 1–2 p.m. Eastern

Register for the December 7 webinar

Elders who eat meals with others tend to eat healthier foods than people who eat alone. Join the American Society on Aging for a webinar that will cover:

• The causes and warning signs of poor nutrition
• The benefits of companionship at mealtime
• Resources to support nutritious meals for elders