There are several resources and programs available to support Native American elderly care, including services for healthcare, long-term care, and support for aging in place. Below is a list of resources that can help Native American seniors:

1. Indian Health Service (IHS) – Elderly Health Services

Purpose: IHS provides healthcare services to Native American seniors, focusing on aging-related conditions and preventive care.
Eligibility: Available to Native American elders who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
Services: Medical care, dental services, mental health counseling, prescription assistance, and health education for older adults.
Website: Indian Health Service

2. Older Americans Act (OAA) – Tribal Programs

Purpose: The OAA provides funding for programs and services that assist Native American elders, including nutrition, transportation, and in-home care services.
Eligibility: Native American individuals age 60 and older.
Services: Senior nutrition programs (e.g., Meals on Wheels), transportation assistance, in-home care services, caregiver support, and social services.
Administered by: The Administration for Community Living (ACL) through tribal organizations and service providers.
Website: Administration for Community Living

3. National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA)

Purpose: NICOA advocates for the needs of Native American elders, providing resources, education, and support for aging adults.
Eligibility: Native American elders and their families.
Services: Information on senior benefits, healthcare, caregiving resources, advocacy, and community education programs for Native American older adults.
Website: National Indian Council on Aging

4. Tribal Aging Services and Senior Centers

Purpose: Many tribal nations have senior centers or aging services that provide assistance to elderly members in their communities.
Eligibility: Native American elders living on or near tribal lands.
Services: These centers may offer meals, social activities, healthcare services, and home care assistance to Native American seniors.
Contact: Reach out to your local tribe’s social services or senior center for details about specific services.

5. Native American Long-Term Care (NALTC)

Purpose: Some tribes have their own long-term care programs that provide assistance for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meals.
Eligibility: Native American elders, typically over age 65, who require long-term care services.
Services: In-home care, nursing home care, respite care, and assistance with daily living tasks.
Contact: Check with local tribal health offices for available long-term care options.

6. Medicaid and Medicare for Native American Seniors

Purpose: These government programs help cover healthcare costs for seniors, including coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and long-term care services.
Eligibility: Native American elders who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.
Services: Medicaid provides coverage for long-term care and in-home services. Medicare offers healthcare benefits to those aged 65 and older.
Website:
- Medicare
- Medicaid

7. Veterans Administration (VA) Services for Native American Veterans

Purpose: The VA offers healthcare and benefits for Native American veterans, including those who are elderly.
Eligibility: Native American veterans who served in the U.S. military.
Services: The VA provides long-term care, home health services, and other support programs specifically for veterans, including geriatric care and support for family caregivers.
Website: VA Services for Native American Veterans

8. Lifeline Program for Native American Seniors

Purpose: The Lifeline Program provides discounted phone and internet services to low-income households, including those of Native American seniors.
Eligibility: Native American elders who qualify as low-income through federal assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.
Services: Discounts on phone and broadband services to help seniors stay connected with healthcare providers, family, and emergency services.
Website: Lifeline Program

9. National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)

Purpose: The NRCNAA focuses on issues specific to Native American aging and works to improve the quality of life for Native elders through research and advocacy.
Eligibility: Native American seniors and caregivers.
Services: The NRCNAA provides resources, research, and training related to aging issues in Native communities, including caregiving, health services, and cultural programs.
Website: National Resource Center on Native American Aging

10. Alzheimer’s Association – Tribal Resources

Purpose: The Alzheimer’s Association offers support for Native American elders and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Eligibility: Native American families affected by Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
Services: Information, caregiver support, and resources specific to Native American populations and Alzheimer’s care.
Website: Alzheimer’s Association – Tribal Communities

11. AARP – Resources for Native American Seniors

Purpose: AARP provides resources and advocacy for older adults, including Native American seniors.
Eligibility: Native American seniors aged 50 and older.
Services: Information on aging issues, financial planning, healthcare, and advocacy for Native American seniors.
Website: AARP

These programs and services can help Native American elders access the care, support, and resources they need to live independently and comfortably in their later years. To access these resources, it’s recommended to contact your local tribal health office, senior center, or social services agency to get more specific information about programs available in your area.

Financial Assistance for Caregivers

Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Programs (CDPAP) allow individuals, including Native Americans, to directly manage their own care by hiring personal assistants (often family members) who provide support with daily activities. These programs are designed to give greater control and flexibility to recipients, allowing them to choose caregivers, manage care schedules, and customize the assistance they receive. The following is a list of resources and programs that can assist Native Americans in accessing consumer-directed personal assistanceThe amount you’ll get paid depends on several factors, including: The amount you’ll get paid depends on several factors, including:

Veteran service record
Your state
Your plan
The care that’s required
Financial status
Program availability

Medicaid Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS)

Purpose: Medicaid offers consumer-directed personal assistance services to eligible individuals, including Native Americans. This program allows participants to hire, train, and manage their own personal assistants.
Eligibility: Native American individuals who are Medicaid-eligible and require assistance with daily living activities.
Services: Help with activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care.
Administered by: State Medicaid programs, with specific plans for Native Americans living on tribal lands.
How to Apply: Contact your state’s Medicaid office or tribal health programs to inquire about consumer-directed services available in your region.
Website: Medicaid

Native American Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Purpose: Many tribal nations offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs that allow Native American elders or individuals with disabilities to receive personal assistance at home. Some of these services may include consumer-directed options.
Eligibility: Native Americans with long-term care needs, particularly seniors or individuals with disabilities.
Services: Personal care assistance, help with daily activities, and sometimes support for family caregivers who provide care.
Administered by: Tribal health departments or local agencies that partner with the federal government.
How to Apply: Contact your tribe’s health or social services department to inquire about consumer-directed programs available on your reservation.
Website: You can contact your local tribal health office for more details.

Older Americans Act (OAA) – Tribal Aging Programs

Purpose: The OAA funds programs designed to help Native American elders maintain independence. Some tribal programs funded under the OAA may include consumer-directed personal assistance or caregiving options.
Eligibility: Native American seniors, typically age 60 and older.
Services: Personal care services, respite care, and assistance with activities of daily living, which may be consumer-directed.
Administered by: Tribal Aging Services or Senior Programs.
How to Apply: Reach out to the local tribal aging program or senior center for information on available consumer-directed services.
Website: Administration for Community Living

Tribal Medicaid Waivers for Long-Term Care

Purpose: Some tribes have Medicaid Waiver Programs that provide long-term care services, including consumer-directed personal assistance for those who need support with daily living activities.
Eligibility: Native Americans eligible for Medicaid and requiring long-term care services.
Services: The program allows participants to hire personal assistants, control their care schedules, and decide on the specific services they need.
Administered by: Tribal Medicaid programs or state Medicaid agencies.
How to Apply: Contact your tribal Medicaid office or the tribal health department for more information on the Medicaid Waiver Program and consumer-directed options.
Website: Medicaid Waivers

Veterans Administration (VA) – Veterans Directed Care

Purpose: For Native American veterans, the VA offers a Veterans Directed Care program that provides more flexibility in managing home care services, including personal assistance for daily living tasks.
Eligibility: Native American veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system.
Services: The Veterans Directed Care program allows veterans to manage and direct their own care, including hiring personal assistants to assist with activities of daily living.
Administered by: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to Apply: Contact your VA care coordinator or tribal veteran service officer for details on accessing Veterans Directed Care.
Website: VA Veterans Directed Care

Native American Long-Term Care (NALTC) Programs

Purpose: Some tribes offer long-term care programs with consumer-directed services for Native American seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to hire caregivers and manage their own care.
Eligibility: Native American elders and individuals with disabilities requiring long-term care assistance.
Services: Personal care, assistance with daily living, and potential access to consumer-directed personal assistants.
Administered by: Tribal health departments or specific long-term care programs.
How to Apply: Inquire through your tribal social services, healthcare provider, or aging services office to learn about consumer-directed long-term care options.
Website: Local tribal government or health department contact.

National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA)

Purpose: The NRCNAA supports Native American communities with resources and information related to aging. They may provide advocacy and help connect Native American elders with personal assistance services, including consumer-directed options.
Eligibility: Native American seniors and caregivers.
Services: Training, resources, and information on personal care options, including consumer-directed services for aging individuals.
Website: NRCNAA

Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York

Purpose: In New York, the CDPAP allows participants to hire caregivers, including family members or friends, to assist with daily activities, giving the participant greater control over their care.
Eligibility: Native American individuals in New York who are Medicaid-eligible and need personal assistance.
Services: Personal assistance for activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping.
Administered by: New York State Medicaid.
Website: New York State CDPAP

Indian Health Service (IHS) – Long-Term Care Programs

Purpose: Some IHS facilities offer long-term care services that may include consumer-directed personal assistance for elderly Native Americans.
Eligibility: Native Americans enrolled in IHS services who need long-term care.
Services: In-home care assistance, personal care, and support services may be offered with consumer-directed options in some locations.
How to Apply: Reach out to your local IHS facility for more information about consumer-directed care options.
Website: IHS Long-Term Care

These programs and resources help empower Native American individuals to take control of their care by providing them the flexibility to direct their own personal assistance services. To access consumer-directed personal assistance services, individuals can contact their tribal health office, Medicaid office, or senior services agency. You can contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn more about their program and how to enroll. For more information, click here.

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