Alzheimer's Disease Program Initiative & Dementia Resources
The Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative (ADPI) grant is a cooperative agreement between the federal government and states/communities to provide people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) and their caregivers access to sustainable home and community-based service systems that are dementia friendly. The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) was awarded the ADPI grant in September 2023 and funding is provided through the federal government until September 2026. As part of the grant award, DDA proposed to implement Dementia Navigators statewide to provide support to persons living with ADRD and their caregivers. Through the grant DDA is also providing community and professional education, training and certifications.
Dementia Navigators
Many people living with dementia are living in their communities and not in long-term care. But dementia can cause challenges—both for people living with the condition and their caregivers. The Dementia Navigator program offers support for both the caregiver and care receiver. Dementia Navigators work to improve the quality of life for people with ADRD who are living at home and also provide support for their caregivers.
What do Dementia Navigators Do?
Provide free information and support for Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD).
- Navigators can provide cognitive screening to detect changes in the brain. These screens are for information purposes and should not be considered a medical diagnosis.
- Navigators can help connect individuals living with MCI or ADRD to resources in the community to keep them active. This may include senior centers, support groups, or friendly visitors.
- Navigators can assist those living with MCI or ADRD find research studies that attempt to further understand the causes and possible treatments for ADRD.
Support for Caregivers
- Navigators can work with family and friends of those living with MCI or ADRD to develop a care plan. This care plan can address current needs, assist with planning for the future, and provide referrals to legal and financial planning support.
- Navigators are knowledgeable about opportunities in communities that provide resources including support groups. They can assist caregivers by connecting them to local senior centers, support groups, or community organizations.
- Navigators have knowledge of a variety of evidenced based, and evidence informed programs that can assist caregivers in understanding more about dementia and challenging behaviors.
Community Support
Navigators assist in creating dementia-friendly communities to support caregivers and care receivers. Dementia-friendly communities typically include:
- Dementia training and education
- Connection to Memory Cafes
- Education for dementia-friendly businesses
- Coordination with first responders to provide dementia capable emergency response
What is a Care Plan?
A care plan is a written agreement that outlines the care and support that a person with MCI or ADRD and their family, friends, care team, etc., will develop with social care professionals like dementia navigators. A dementia care plan can help enhance the quality of life and well-being of the person with MCI or ADRD by focusing on their abilities, interests, preferences, strengths, and daily routines. A dementia care plan can also include flexible and regular schedules for activities, sleep, and meals. Dementia care plans allow the care someone receives to be more personalized and tailored to their individual needs/requirements. This helps to ensure that their needs are always met to the standards and wishes of the person receiving care.
How can I be referred?
If you or a loved one is in need of dementia navigator services, you can reach out to the Statewide Dementia Coordinator, Keita Cole, at keita.cole@tn.gov or 615-347-6890.
If you would like to create your own care plan, you can click here (link to care plan document) and download a care plan template.
Resources
Memory Lane Guide (Print-Only Document)
Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias - TN Department of Health