Healthy Brain Initiative
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America (VOA) Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support and Dementia Services Team provides support to low-income older adults with chronic health conditions and caregivers in communities of color.
The team takes a holistic and culturally responsive approach to chronic disease management, motivated by the higher rates of risk factors and chronic illnesses in BIPOC communities.
"The aim is to build trust, decrease isolation, increase understanding, and promote long-term self-management of chronic disease," said Tuesday Glover, Director of Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support & Dementia Services Program.
The team collaborates with Community Health Workers and a nurse to reframe chronic disease and increase culturally responsive education opportunities for the community. With the availability of a mobile health clinic and established community relationships, VOA aims to gather and share valuable lessons enhancing quality of life, reducing health care costs, and advancing health care equity.
One unique aspect of their approach is the new beauty/barber shop dementia education initiative. The idea was Glover's, who has 20 years of experience in the industry. Over the years, she witnessed beauty salon clients who lacked education and resources to seek help for chronic illnesses, dementia, and depression.
Beauty shop owners receive dementia training. This training allows them to become a dementia friendly establishment, but also speak to caregivers, referring them to supportive services in the community. Upon on completion, receive a sign to display in their shop window indicating that they are a dementia-friendly establishment. The VOA also plans to engage in conversation through a podcast establishment. The VOA also plans to engage in conversation through a podcast and establish an ongoing referral system to continue partnerships with the shops.
"I believe VOA has made huge strides in the BIPOC community by building rapport and trust with community members, stakeholders and community organizations. Our mission is to continue to support caregivers, care partners and families caring for PWD, continue to promote and implement memory screens, health screens, offer whole health education and eventually create a dementia friendly community but there is much work to do," Glover said.
VOA aims to secure more funding for Community Health Care Workers, as they play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and community members. The team also aspires to have more nurses conduct home visits for older adults to address dementia risk factors, oral health care, and mental health issues and stigma. Ongoing program development is guided by client stories and caregiver needs.
