Mindful Connections Program - The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTLHB), through cooperation with existing service agencies and key stakeholders, will, during this three-year project, expand and maintain training and services for a coordinated lifespan respite system that builds on the varied infrastructure currently in place throughout the four-state Great Plains Area (GPA) of SD, ND, NE, & IA. The goal of this project is to increase and strengthen knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through direct and enabling services, including screening and early diagnosis, risk reduction, quality of life, and community education in the GPA. Objectives: 1) Expand workforce capacity in Mni Luzahan/Rapid City, SD, and the GPA through education and training; 2) Adapt existing dementia training and education to create one GPA-focused program based on Tribal tradition and designed to build awareness of dementia in Indian Country; 3) Increase public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of ADRD and relevant care resources by developing a comprehensive community-informed care directory; 4) Train community-based service providers, family caregivers, and community members in dementia care. Anticipated outcomes: 1) Families and caregivers will have specific knowledge gains and tracked improvements in knowledge related to ADRD; 2) Providers will demonstrate increased competency in diagnosing ADRD; 3) Families will increase awareness of of risk reduction strategies and the SHARE evidence-based intervention; 4) Caregivers’ will have improved self-efficacy and reduced caregiver burden and stress; 5) A sustainability plan will be developed to support the project in the future. The expected products are outreach materials, caregiver and provider training, and an online respite database.
