Indigenization, Personalization, and Intersections: A Qualitative Study to Identify Essential Components for...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Indigenous Studies
• Decolonial approaches in healthcare research
• Culturally congruent dementia care models

Background:

• Existing dementia care models often reflect colonial legacies, necessitating culturally appropriate alternatives.
• There is a critical need for dementia care that respects and integrates Indigenous worldviews and practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe essential components for co-developing a freely accessible, Indigenous-centered dementia care model.
• To foster a partnership approach involving Indigenous individuals with dementia, families, and communities.

Main Methods:

• Employed sequential focus groups and Keeoukaywin (The Visiting Way), an Indigenous methodology.
• Research guided by Indigenous advisors and Elders, prioritizing ethical and decolonial principles.
• Co-analysis of data using reflexive thematic analysis, incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems.

Main Results:

• Three core themes emerged: Indigenization, Personalization, and the Intersection of Challenges and Innovations.
• These themes illustrate practical strategies for operationalizing and adapting dementia care within diverse cultural contexts.
• The findings highlight the importance of integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into dementia care delivery.

Conclusions:

• This research provides a foundational framework for creating dementia care models aligned with Indigenous values.
• It advocates for a shift towards culturally congruent and decolonized dementia care practices.
• The co-developed model aims to enhance dementia care experiences for Indigenous populations.