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Spiritual Values Among Older Native American Adults
Scott Kukar, Delitha Livingston, Laurel Mallett, Veronica Nieto
Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSWAssistant Professor
College of Public ProgramsSCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
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Native Americans: Background• 560+ federally recognized tribes• 200+ languages
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Native Americans: Background• Likely to live in rural areas and in poverty• Lower education level than other ethnic groups• Heterogeneous population
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Challenges
• False positives of cognitive impairment• Discounting background leads to false negatives• Alzheimer’s not treated if not viewed as problematic• Intertribal and intratribal variances
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Suggestions
• Acknowledge different life experiences including education.
• Establish rapport and show respect.• Use bilingual family members as interpreters with
caution because they may not provide the most accurate translations due to discomfort in translating sensitive topics..
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Nursing Homes
• A fraction of federally recognized tribes own and operate nursing homes.
• In a study conducted in the Northern Plains, paraprofessionals noted tribal language calmed down “confused” residents.
• Staff believed residents became more culturally traditional and monolingual as dementia progressed.
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Activities• Pow-wow music and traditional foods are important
for elder’s well-being but are not preventive or corrective to behavioral issues.
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Assimilation• Among the Anishinaabe tribe, “traditional” is
measured by:» being given an Indian name, » fluency in native language» participation in traditional activities
• Be aware of federal policies which affected tribes (relocation, reservations, schools).
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Navajo • Religious healing forms:
» Traditional Navajo ceremonial healing » Native American Church (NAC)» Navajo Christian faith healing
• Accommodate ceremonies/practices to life (e.g., surgery on 5th day)
• Importance of family
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White Mountain Apache• Social workers at nursing homes
rely on family to communicate spiritual needs of residents.
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White Mountain Apache• Some residents from the tribe have
adopted Christian religions.
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White Mountain Apache
• Staff are made aware of resident’s preference for participating/watching cultural demonstrations.
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Tohono O’odham
• Time outdoors and privacy are very important.
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Tohono O’odham• Traditional music and food are comforting.
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Tohono O’odham
• Communicating with ancestors is normal.
• A traditional healer may be helpful, if resident is distressed about something.
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Summary: Cultural and Spiritual Considerations
• Interpreters are needed for those who speak limited English.
• Being in unfamiliar surroundings can be frightening and connecting with nature can help.
• Family inclusion is very important.• Traditional food and music are comforting.• Keep an open mind when Native American clients
appear to be “isolating,” “talking to themselves” or eating lightly.
• Consult with family and traditional healers whenever possible.
• Realize you are all part of the “healing circle”.