The goal of the Elder Care Initiative is to promote the development
of high-quality care for American Indian and Alaska Native elders
by acting as a consultation and liaison resource for IHS, tribal,
and urban Indian health programs.
We recognize the Elder as an invaluable resource in our communities, deserving of honor and respect and the best care that we can give.
The number of elders is increasing rapidly, especially the oldest old. The need to develop a range of services to assist elders as they
age in their home communities has been identified as a high priority.
The core activities of the Elder Care Initiative are in information and referral, technical assistance and education, and advocacy.
These activities are accomplished in partnership with a variety of
tribal, state, federal, and academic programs.
For more information on the Elder Care
Initiative, contact Dr. Bruce Finke, Indian Health Service, 45 Vernon Street, Northampton, MA 01060, 413-584-0790
bruce.finke@mail.ihs.gov