Grand Ronde Dementia Services expansion Project - The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde seeks to expand its culturally grounded Dementia Education and Care Program to address the growing needs of Tribal Elders and caregivers across its six-county service area. Following the Tribe’s federal restoration in 1983, Tribal Elders continue to face geographic, systemic, and cultural barriers to dementia diagnosis, care, and support. The Tribe currently operates three Adult Foster Homes, provides a wide range of elder services, and has already launched a successful dementia initiative focused on prevention, early detection, and caregiver support. Building on these efforts, this project will implement targeted activities aligned with the five national drivers of dementia care: increasing awareness, improving early diagnosis, delivering interdisciplinary assessments, providing person-centered care, and supporting caregivers. Activities include: expanding wellness education for mid-life adults, enhancing home-based dementia screenings, implementing culturally attuned care plans, integrating dementia services into Tribal health infrastructure, and launching a Tribal Caregiver Champion mentorship network. Special attention will be given to training both professional caregivers in adult foster homes and non-paid family caregivers, with a culturally responsive curriculum. Through this holistic, community-driven approach, the Tribe will improve outcomes for Elders living with dementia and ensure culturally respectful, accessible support for caregivers across the lifespan.
