REPORT SUMMARY
OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO CULTURALLY SAFE AND APPROPRIATE DEMENTIA CARE SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN CANADA There is an urgent need for services to support Indigenous people with dementias. The Indigenous 1 seniors’ population in Canada is growing rapidly and there are higher rates of risk factors for dementias within this population, compared to the nonIndigenous population. Indigenous seniors often have complex health needs and face multiple barriers to getting dementia care services in their communities. In order to address their needs for these services, programs must reflect their preferences as well as the practical realities they face. This fact sheet provides an overview of the challenges and barriers to dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care in Indigenous communities, current services available for Indigenous seniors, and culturally appropriate and
safe dementia care services. This information is derived from the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health’s * 2018 report, Overcoming barriers to culturally safe and appropriate dementia care services and supports for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 2
These impacts have left Indigenous seniors with higher rates of chronic diseases and other conditions, compared to non-Indigenous seniors. These include risk factors for dementia, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Challenges and barriers to dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care in Indigenous communities
Fewer Indigenous seniors (52%) live in large population centres than non-Indigenous seniors (80%). As health services are more limited in rural and remote locations, many Indigenous seniors must travel to urban centres for health services beyond basic care. This can result in delayed diagnosis, poorer quality care, and impacts to their quality of life.
Indigenous people with dementia - and their families - face challenges in accessing dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care services. These challenges can include poorer health status, geographic isolation, socioeconomic inequities, racism, and jurisdictional issues. Many of these challenges are related to colonialism and its impacts.
* On May 30, 2019, the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) officially became the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous health (NCCIH). 1 The term ‘Indigenous’ is used through this document to refer to First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis peoples collectively, regardless of registered status or location of residence. When referring to specific Indigenous groups, the terms ‘First Nations,’ ‘Inuit,’ and ‘Métis’ will be used. 2 Please refer to this report for a full reference list for the information provided in this fact sheet.
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