Savvy Caregiver peer support for American Indian dementia caregivers
Enhancing American Indian Caregiver Mastery through a Savvy Caregiver Peer Program
This project provides a culturally adapted six-week Savvy Caregiver class plus peer-led support to help American Indian family members caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141648 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a six-week Savvy Caregiver course with weekly two-hour sessions that teach practical skills, coping strategies, and home practice. Researchers are partnering with White Earth Nation community members and will hold talking circles with past American Indian caregivers to adapt materials so they reflect local values and needs. The program adds a peer-led education and support component where experienced caregivers share knowledge and experience. The team uses community-based participatory methods to refine the program and offer it to caregivers in the community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are American Indian family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, especially members or residents of White Earth Nation who can attend group sessions.
Not a fit: People who are not caring for someone with dementia, caregivers unwilling to attend group classes, or those living far from the local area may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers may feel less isolated, gain skills and confidence, and be better able to support loved ones with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: The original Savvy Caregiver program has reduced caregiver strain and improved knowledge in prior studies, but this culturally tailored, peer-led version for American Indian caregivers is a new adaptation.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Jordan Paul — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Jordan Paul
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.