Native ELDER Act Will Provide Improved Care for Senior Natives

By Isaac White

In recognition of Older Americans Month, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) introduced the Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act. This legislation aims to significantly enhance federal programs and services for older Native Americans, specifically targeting the unique challenges they face, such as cultural isolation and limited access to culturally competent healthcare.

The Native ELDER Act builds upon the foundational goals of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965, which has been pivotal in developing community-based and supportive services for the elderly. This new legislation introduces necessary adaptations to these services, ensuring that they are culturally relevant and accessible, thereby allowing Native American Elders to age gracefully within their own communities.

“We appreciate Senator Murkowski’s support of Alaska Native and American Indian elders through the introduction of the Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (ELDER) Act,” said Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, ANTHC President and CEO. “This act will bridge resource gaps for our elder culture bearers, allowing them to age with dignity and needed support. Quyana, Senator Murkowski, for your continued leadership and support of Alaska Native people, Tribes, and Alaska.”

Significantly, this act extends the efforts of the 2020 reauthorization, where Senators Murkowski and Smith co-led the Strengthening Services for Native Elders Act. With provisions set to expire on September 30, 2024, the timing of the Native ELDER Act is critical.

The legislation establishes a stronger advisory role for Native community representatives, enhancing the cultural relevance of programs under the OAA. It also prioritizes expanding in-home and community-based services, including modifications to homes to improve safety and accessibility. This focus aims to support elders in living independently within their communities for longer.

Additionally, the act addresses geographic isolation by improving the delivery systems of social and health services. Enhancements include better transportation services and the use of technology to bridge distances, making it easier for elders to access necessary care.

Training programs for caregivers and service providers will now include components on cultural sensitivity and practices pertinent to Native American communities. Furthermore, the act ensures adequate funding is allocated specifically for initiatives benefiting Native elders, with provisions for continual assessment and adjustment to meet these communities' evolving needs.

“Honoring and caring for elders is foundational to Native American communities. Tribal elders in Minnesota and across the country have been clear about their needs,” said Senator Smith. “Enhanced support for caregivers, funding for home modifications, and better training programs for Tribes to deliver in-home care are some of the basic needs this bill would help to meet. Taking care of our elders – giving them the tools to age comfortably and with dignity in their own homes – this is how we keep our communities strong, and I’m proud this bill will help to deliver on that promise.”

The Native ELDER Act proposes substantial expansions to the OAA's programs, designed to offer more comprehensive support. These expansions include increased funding for home modifications and enhanced support for daily living activities through local service providers.

“When meeting with Alaska stakeholders, they identified home modifications to improve accessibility and caregiver support as some of the greatest unmet needs for Alaska Native Elders,” said Senator Murkowski. “Our Elders already face substantially worse health outcomes at disproportionally higher rates than other seniors. We have to help bridge this divide by ensuring our Elders have the support they need to age at home, in their local communities. Prioritizing home modifications and supporting family members who act as caregivers, is essential in supporting not only Elders, but the entire community. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with ANTHC, Southcentral Foundation, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Maniilaq Association, National Indian Health Board, and the National Indian Council on Aging to help Alaska Native Elders live their lives with care and dignity, in the communities they call home.”

The act also proposes expanding training programs for caregivers to ensure all personnel involved in the care of Native elders are well-versed in cultural norms and practices. To overcome geographic barriers, it seeks to enhance transportation services and increase the use of technology for delivering health and social services remotely, including telehealth and virtual community engagement programs.

Moreover, the legislation focuses on enhancing nutrition programs to cater specifically to the dietary needs and preferences of Native elders, ensuring meals are not only nutritious but also culturally appropriate.

The Native ELDER Act mandates regular reporting to ensure transparency and effectiveness. It requires annual reports to Congress detailing the progress and outcomes of the services provided. These reports are essential for monitoring the act's impact and for making necessary adjustments.

Community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping ongoing and future services, ensuring they align with community needs. The insights gained from these reports will inform future policy decisions and legislative amendments, helping to craft more targeted interventions that better serve the aging Native American population.

“The Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is an important contribution to our native elder and aging population,” said Chairman William Smith, National Indian Health Board. “The Native ELDER Act will make changes to Title VI programs which reflect Tribal priorities including the establishment of an Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee and expanded technical assistance authority to help tribes keep their elders at home and age in place. The National Indian Health Board is proud to support the Native ELDER Act.”

The Native ELDER Act represents a significant advancement in enhancing the quality of life for older Native Americans. By expanding culturally sensitive programs, improving access to essential services, and ensuring ongoing evaluation through detailed reporting, the act promises to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many elders. As it moves through the legislative process, it sets a new standard for elder care in Native American communities across the nation.