LTSS Focus Areas
Guidance for the various focus areas of LTSS including hospice and palliative care, LTSS for Native Veterans, tribal nursing homes, caregiver support, elder abuse prevention, and emerging LTSS issues.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: January 16, 2020
People who need long-term care require different types of LTSS. For example, those nearing the end of life may need hospice care. Caregivers may also need support while providing long-term care, which can cause stress that affects their wellbeing.
To help you navigate these needs, the LTSS Focus Areas section offers research on LTSS for specific groups or needs.
Traditional Foods in LTSS
Providing access to traditional foods in long-term care settings may improve elders’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Traditional foods, including salmon, venison, squash, and beans, can provide nutrition and cultural connection. They can also help bring elders back into the larger community and support sustainable hunting, gathering, and agriculture.
Learn more about traditional foods in LTSS
Hospice and palliative care
Providing compassionate care for those nearing the end of life is a growing LTSS need. Learn more about end-of-life care and review examples of hospice programs that serve Indian Country.
Learn more about hospice and palliative care
Caregiver support
Promoting the health and wellbeing of caregivers is an important part of long-term care. Learn more about supporting caregivers in Indian Country, including examples of successful tribal caregiver support programs.
Learn more about caregiver support
LTSS for Native Veterans
Native Veterans often face challenges accessing care. Tribal LTSS programs can help connect Native Veterans with long-term care. See how other tribes are addressing this need.
Learn more about LTSS for Native Veterans
Elder abuse prevention
By raising awareness and engaging the community in preventing elder abuse, tribes can help ensure elders are honored and protected. Read more about tribal elder abuse prevention efforts.
Learn more about elder abuse prevention
Tribal nursing homes
Tribal nursing homes can provide culturally appropriate long-term care for AI/AN people while keeping them close to home. See best practices from tribal nursing homes on a variety of topics, from providing trauma-informed care to incorporating traditional foods. Also, learn more about Uniting Nursing Homes in Tribal Excellence (U.N.I.T.E.), a tribal nursing home collaborative.
Learn more about tribal nursing homes
Dementia
Providing LTSS for people with dementia requires special considerations. Learn more about diagnosing dementia and providing care for those with dementia in Indian Country.
Emerging LTSS issues
Find research on several key LTSS issues, including LTSS for people with disabilities and funding for home- and community-based services.
Learn more about emerging LTSS issues
Program examples
Profiles of tribal LTSS programs offer real-life examples of how tribes successfully provide LTSS in their communities through diverse tribal and intertribal programs.
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.