Cult Consult Publish Jan16 (1)

Published December 2016
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CULTURAL AWARENESS IN DEMENTIA
CULTURAL CONSULTANTS SERVING AAA REGIONS
(Published December 2016)
2
BACKGROUND
Name: Alice O. Lynch Phone: 612-387-4774
Email: aliceolynch@msn.com
I am a member of the African-American ethnic/cultural group whose
norms and values I know intimately.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Education: MSW My additional relevant education is: I am working on a PhD in
Public Policy and Administration.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: In addition to completing the
MBA dementia course, I cared for a Great Aunt who had beginning stages of dementia.
Lesson learned was that if we allowed her to talk through things and prompted her when she
was missing information she was able to pull it together and usually would have a good day
because she felt that she was accomplishing things. We kept lots of pictures around of family
which allowed her to bring information forward.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia:
Volunteer work with a social service agency working with their senior population. Met with
seniors on a weekly basis where we discussed concerns including caring for themselves. Also,
facilitated talking circles for seniors who were looking for employment and had health issues.
The services I can provide regarding ethnic/cultural norms and values are related to: Outreach;
Marketing/publicity design; Advertisement of services/program; Community presentations;
Ethnic/cultural specific social media; teaching on Diversity concerns in Communities of Color
in rural areas and African American Studies.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of an African-American ethnic/cultural norm or value related to
dementia that you may not have considered: In regards to the dementia Work-up: African
Americans have been told from childhood that "you don't put your business out there and
keep it to yourself." This makes it difficult for them to open up about what is going on in their
life if they don't feel that it is OK to tell their story.

3
BACKGROUND
Name: Steve Chapman Phone: 612-723-0006
Email: savingfamilystories@gmail.com
I am a member of the American Indian - Minnesota Chippewa Tribe,
White Earth Reservation ethnic/cultural group whose norms and values
I know intimately.
Education: MA Public Administration My additional relevant education is: I completed the
Minnesota Board on Aging's Advanced Dementia Capability Training series.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I had the honor of helping my
mother, an Ojibwe tribal elder, as she faced the final stages of dementia. To better serve her
needs I reached out to tribal members to gather recommendations and suggestions. Thus I
had the opportunity to assess and develop options that not only respected our Ojibwe values
and traditions, but provided an opportunity to share the importance of culture with health
care staff and as a team allowed my mother to stay in her home to the very end.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I have
extensive experience in providing services to the American Indian (AI) community as an
educator and advocate; taught college courses and given presentations on AIs to county and
CBOs; provided services to tribal members in several states.
The services I can provide regarding ethnic/cultural norms and values are related to: Program/service
development; Outreach; Marketing/publicity design; Advertisement of services/program;
Community presentations; Overview of American Indians in Minnesota; Historical Trauma.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of an American Indians ethnic/cultural norm or value related to
dementia that you may not have considered: The historical trauma that American Indian people
have experienced has resulted in a strong sense of community and family values that allow
the capacity for deep and true sympathy for those who need it.

4
BACKGROUND
Name: Linda Bane Frizzell Phone: 612-625-6189
Email: Frizzell@paulbunyan.net
I am a member of the American Indian racial ethnic/cultural group whose
Education: PhD My additional relevant education is: I have a doctorate degree in
physiology, education administration, and gerontology, and a post-doctorate in
epidemiology; professional preparation is both in medicine and education; dedicated to
improvement of quality of life across the life span.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have extensive experience
and practice as a provider and administrator with Indian health systems; was the Executive
Director, Staff Trainer for Developmentally Disabled Adults; was an Exercise Physiologist
Researcher to determine life satisfaction and physical strength of mentally imparted older
adults; was an Exercise Specialist, Physical and Occupational Therapy Programming at Ah-
Gwah-Ching Center, a Mental Health Facility of the State of MN.
Developed original "Stimi-Ex" system, to improve or maintain older adult mental and physical
functions. Ah-Gwah-Ching, MN
development; Outreach; Community presentations; Healthcare trainings; In-service trainings.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of an American Indian ethnic/cultural norm or value related to
dementia that you may not have considered: It is fundamentally necessary to understand that the
Indian health system is unlike any other. It serves the poorest, sickest and most remote
populations in the United States. Each tribe’s culture undergirds their population’s respective
unique needs in this complex environment. One must include respect and humility in the
provision of health services.

5
BACKGROUND
Name: Blythe S. Winchester Phone: 828-497-9163 ext. 6329
Email: Blythe.Winchester@cherokeehospital.org
https://www.ihs.gov/nc4/members/
I am a member of the American Indian - Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians nation ethnic/cultural group whose norms and values I know
intimately.
Education: MD, MPH My additional relevant education is: I am the Chief Clinical
Consultant of Geriatrics and Palliative Care for the U.S. Indian Health Service.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I am the Medical Director of
the Tsali Care Center - Cherokee Indian Hospital in North Carolina and the Chief Clinical
Consultant - Geriatrics and Palliative Care with the U.S. Indian Health Service.
trained and given numerous presentations throughout the U.S. and Canada about dementia
and aging related to the American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) nations. My work in the
hospital puts me in touch with hundreds of elderly patients who are at risk of having the
disease. Due to my wide range of contacts, while there may be regional differences among
tribes, I am able to offer consultation on healthcare issues, diagnosis and treatment, staff
training, family dynamics and community initiatives relevant to all tribes.
development; Community Presentations, Healthcare trainings, In-service trainings.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of an American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) ethnic/cultural
norm or value related to dementia that you may not have considered: Trauma perpetrated on AIAN
children in boarding schools is living within those who are elders today. There are several
different ways this experience can affect an elder who develops dementia. Reactions of
elders to nursing staff in a facility or in a home may be an outgrowth of the trauma.

6
BACKGROUND
Name: Bill Akuma Phone: 612-978-7620
Email: wakuma2006@yahoo.com
I am a member of the East and Central African-Swahili ethnic/cultural
group whose norms and values I know intimately.
Education: BA - Healthcare Administration, MBA My additional relevant education is: I have a
certificate in Long Term Nursing Administration from the Univ. of St. Josephs Maine; Leading
Age of Minnesota - leadership Certificate; and MBA – Management from the Univ. of
California
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: Regional Director of Programs
overseeing research on sleep and Sundowning among people with dementia at a major
continuum of care organization.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: Regional
Dir. of Programs at a continuum of care organization: research on sleep and Sundowning for
people with dementia.
Community presentations; Healthcare trainings; In-service trainings; Ethnic/cultural specific
social media.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Kenyan ethnic/cultural norm or value related to dementia that
you may not have considered: During the British colonization in Kenya, people were required to
live in “camps”, given minimal education and forced to provide labor. People leaving their
camp were required by law to carry a pass, or kipande, that recorded name, fingerprint,
ethnic group, employment, etc. They were like concentration camps. This is one of the
reasons people born prior to 1963 are not comfortable seeing a white doctor! Even if they go
to them they may lie because they don’t trust the white person.

7
BACKGROUND
Name: Catherine Materu Phone: 763-442-6719
Email: Dydra12@gmail.com
I am a member of the East African-Swahili ethnic/cultural group whose
Education: MD - Tanzania My additional relevant education is: I finished Harvard
Medical School Continuing Medical Education courses on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia,
elderly abuse and driving; learned strategies for management of pain and infections in the
elderly patients.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: My father suffered from
dementia until his death; personally experienced dementia in my family for the past twelve
years; aware of the hardships of care takers of the patient and the health care providers for
affected families; hands on experience with elderly patients with co-morbid conditions
including dementia.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I was a
practicing MD in Tanzania; currently assists in the care of elderly patients in Minnesota clinics
and hospitals; have administered dementia assessment tools for elderly patients; possess
knowledge and skills in the Swahili culture which will allow me to assist persons who migrate
from any Swahili speaking East African countries.
development; Outreach; Community presentations; Healthcare trainings; In-service trainings;
Ethnic/cultural specific social media
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of an East African-Swahili ethnic/cultural norm or value related to
dementia that you may not have considered: When discussing dementia with elders it is
considered very rude to point at someone or call them to come by flexing the index finger.
However it is OK to use the entire hand to wave to them to come over to you.

8
BACKGROUND
Name: True J. Thao Phone: 651-771-2155
Email: truethaocounseling@gmail.com
I am a member of the Hmong ethnic/cultural group whose norms and values
I know intimately.
Education: MSW My additional relevant education is: I am a consultant and trainer
in the State of MN with a focal concentration in the area of cross-cultural mental health.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have completed the training
module provided by DHS/MBA on Dementia.
development; Outreach; Community presentations; Ethnic/cultural specific social media.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Hmong ethnic/cultural norm or value related to dementia that
you may not have considered: Due to limited knowledge of science, some Hmong may interprete
the signs and symptoms of dementia as punishment for sinful acts.

9
BACKGROUND
Name: Pa Chua Vang Phone: 651-276-9489
Email: pachuavang@hotmail.com
I am a member of the Hmong ethnic/cultural group whose norms and
values I know intimately.
Education: AAS-LPN My additional relevant education is: I have a certificate of
completion in Direct Care Competency Train-the-Trainer Program and a certificate of
completion from Wisconsin Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Train-the-Trainer.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have organized and lead a
discussion on dementia. I have taught dementia at various PCA/PCW trainings in MN and WI.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I am
passionate about my job and as a health care resource, guide and network person. I am
friendly, respectful and a very good listener. I also teach Youth Mental First Aid through
NAMI. One perception that many do not know is that Alzheimer’s and dementia can also have
an early onset in childhood, teenagers and young adults. My job is help train people to
recognize the symptoms and get early preventative care.
social media.
you may not have considered: The youngest son will have the role of being the care provider for
the parents. If the family members are not educated on what the medical conditions are
related to the dementia, the youngest son will make all the final decisions. If the family still
practices Shamanism, they will seek a healer before finally accepting and seeking
professional help from a family doctor.

10
BACKGROUND
Name: Pakou Xiong Phone: 720-982-4541
Email: Pakxyooj@gmail.com
I am a member of the Hmong ethnic/cultural group whose norms and
Education: BSA My additional relevant education is: I have completed the 40-Hrs Bridging
the Gap Medical Interpreter Training Certification in 2008 and the MakeItOk Ambassador
training in 2015.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have firsthand experience
taking care of my elderly grandmother in the 9 years she was in assisted living. In the last 3
years before her death, her dementia increased more significantly so I helped in whatever
way I could.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I’ve
always had an interest in health especially prevention and education. I’ve worked with
diverse low income, refugee, immigrant, first generation and elderly communities over the
last 15 years in navigating the health system through education, prevention and providing
resources.
social media.
you may not have considered: In the Hmong language, there is no exact vocabulary to translate
an English word, therefore the English word is translated into the Hmong language by
describing (defining) what it means based on the context of how it is being used.

11
BACKGROUND
Name: José William Castellanos Phone: 651-231-1651
Email: cast0072@umn.edu
I am a member of the Latino/Hispanic/Chicano ethnic/cultural group
whose norms and values I know intimately.
Education: MD - National University of Colombia, PhD- U of MN My additional relevant
education is: I have a MD from the National University of Colombia, a PhD from the University
of Minnesota, and have studied Community Psychology.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have more than 15 years of
clinical experience in Colombia including urgent and long term services caring for patients
diagnosed with Alzheimer and other dementias.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I am
expert in Culturally Competent and Linguistically Appropriate Programs and Services (CLAS) in
Health and Health Care standards; skilled in health promotion and prevention initiatives,
community-based participatory research, and development and implementation of health
equity policies.
development; Outreach; Community presentations; Healthcare trainings; in-service trainings;
Ethnic/cultural specific social media; Research, Health Education; Community engagement.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Latino ethnic/cultural norm or value related to dementia that
you may not have considered: Some recent immigrants from Latin America do not look for help
for their relatives suffering from the disease because they believe that caring for them is part
of their responsibilities, even if that requires quitting their jobs, not taking care of themselves,
and looking for alternative treatments frequently provided by charlatans.

12
BACKGROUND
Name: Yolima M. Chambers Phone: 612-874-1412
Email: ychambers@centromn.org www.centromn.org
I am a member of the Latino ethnic/cultural group whose norms and
Education: BA My additional relevant education is: I have completed several trainings
with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Minnesota Board on Aging's Advanced Dementia
Capability Training Series.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have been the Project
Manager for the ACT on Alzheimer’s Latino Collaborative since 2014. This collaborative is led
by Centro Tyrone Guzman with partners from the health care sector, the social service sector,
and the community at large. I have gained a deep understanding of Latino community needs
and opportunities.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: As a the
Health and Wellness Department Administrator at Centro Tyrone Guzman, I am coordinating
the educational sessions in Spanish for caregivers and also the caregiver support group. We
are providing the educational piece but also constant support to these families and referrals
to the different services they may need.
Community presentations; Ethnic/cultural specific social media.
you may not have considered: Be mindful of the written and spoken language used to have
effective communication. English may be the third language and Quechua is the language
many Ecuadorians, Peruvians, and Bolivians feel very comfortable with.

13
BACKGROUND
Name: Aracely Duerkop Phone: 952-220-6719
Email: duerk010@umn.edu
I am a member of the Latino/Hispanic ethnic/cultural group whose norms
and values I know intimately.
Education: BS- Nursing, May 2018 My additional relevant education is: I am currently
on my 3rd year of nursing school, expected BSN, May, 2018.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have assisted with care for
my grandmother who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. As a Nursing
Assistant, I provided care to nine residents with various types/stages of dementia. I assist
with culturally tailored services to Hispanic/Latino families with ADRD in the Minnesota
Memory Care Management Clinic - helping identify the barriers related to effective care and
support for those families struggling with ADRD.
worked as a Spanish Medical Interpreter with Latinos; and I’m currently volunteering with
educational programs, and community outreach through the University of Minnesota school
of nursing and Fairview to help with the awareness and to provide education for older Latinos
with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
development; Outreach; Community presentations; Healthcare trainings; In-service trainings;
Ethnic/cultural specific social media.
you may not have considered: When encountering a Peruvian/ Hispanic/ Latino always ask if
they are currently taking Aloe Vera, because this plant is the number one plant they tried
before seeking for medical health care and may have contraindications for prescribed
medications.

14
BACKGROUND
Name: Luisa Vintimilla Phone: 952-913-0445
Email: lmvintimilla@gmail.com
I am a member of the Latino ethnic/cultural group whose norms and
Education: BA- Social Communications (pending) My additional relevant education is: I hold a
Personal Care Attendant (PCA) certificate.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I provided highly professional
care services for Alzheimer patient – assisting with self management of disease; recreational
and entertainment activates; motivational activities to improve the patient's quality of life
and behavior modification under a physician care.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I have 5
years of experience providing services as a Medical Advocate to persons with memory loss;
conducted comprehensive and preventive screenings for patient; and provided support to
staff in their daily patient interaction, as needed.
The services I can provide regarding ethnic/cultural norms and values are related to: Outreach;
Marketing/publicity design; Advertisement of services/program; Community presentations;
Ethnic/cultural specific social media.
you may not have considered: It is extremely important to consider the cultural and ethnic
background of a caregiver vs. an interpreter or paid caregiver. Communication about ADRD
may be affected as well as the quality of the relationship. For example: “chocho” in Uruguay
has two meanings depending on the context of the conversation: a) A pejorative and cruel
adjective for elderly people who have poor mental health or b) A synonym of joyful; while
“chocho” in Puerto Rico and Spain is a vulgar term. A contracting agency must make sure the
interpreter takes this into account while also providing him/her training for ADRD discussions.

15
BACKGROUND
Name: Alla G. Kazi Phone: 763-250-8383
Email: kazix006@umn.edu
I am a member of the Russian-Ukrainian speaking ethnic/cultural group
whose norms and values I know intimately.
Education: MPH My additional relevant education is: I am certified in Quality
Improvement through the Univ. of MN - SPH Certificate in Performance Improvement (2016).
I also trained in health services research through my Postdoctoral Fellowship completed
through the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I work as a Minnesota Health
Care Services (MNHCS) enrolled provider managing the Adult Foster Care program and
providing services to the clients with disabilities, dementia, brain injury, and elders. I
participate in seminars and aging studies courses offered through the Univ. of MN - Center on
Aging and the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS).
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I
completed a qualitative research related to provision of case management services to the
chronically homelessness elders -assessing current gaps in social services delivery process, and
provision of language services.
Healthcare trainings; Ethnic/cultural specific social media; Quality Improvement; Assessment
of Language Services; Health Services Research.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Russian-Ukrainian ethnic/cultural norm or value related to
dementia that you may not have considered: Since free healthcare and education were basic
concepts of Socialism in Russia, immigrants understand the scientific background of Western
medicine and usually trust medical doctors (even those who are illiterate or from rural areas).

16
BACKGROUND
Name: Farhiya M. Farah Phone: 612-702-5051
Email: ffarah@globeglow.com www.globeglow.com
I am a member of the Somali ethnic/cultural group whose norms and values
I know intimately.
Education: MPH My additional relevant education is: I will complete my PhD in 2016.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have worked with over 70
Somali seniors who are 65 and above for over four years; am intimately aware of their
dementia related struggles; and understand it’s complication caused by their resettlement in
the US, cultural differences, language difficulties, literacy concerns and other barriers.
Here’s a little more info I would like you to know about my work or skills regarding dementia: I am a
public-health researcher and my experiences and passion rests with innovative and creative
community engagement/research work with the limited english population LEP population;
includes the development of health education tools for both community and practitioners and
includes exploring ways to improve dementia screening and diagnosis tools for the LEP. I am
the principal of GlobeGlow Consulting and Research.
development; Research; Community Presentations.
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Somali ethnic/cultural norm or value related to dementia that
you may not have considered: The practice of placing Somali loved ones with dementia in an
institution is frowned upon. Caregivers are expected to never express needs for self-care.
There is very little tolerance in admitting to the stages of Kubler-Ross’s model as caregivers
are expected to instantaneously bounce to the acceptance stage.

17
BACKGROUND
Name: Abdirashid Shire Phone: 507-261-3759
Email: director@herisa.us www.herisa.us
I am a member of the Somali-American ethnic/cultural group whose norms
and values I know intimately.
Education: PhD My additional relevant education is: I completed my B.Sc. in Biological
Sciences in 1988 from Lafole College of Education, Somali National University; M.Sc. in
Medical Parasitology in 1995 from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
(LSHTM), University of London; Ph.D. in Molecu
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO
Let me tell you about my experience with dementia care or services: I have first-hand experience of
dementia as I had cared for a close family member who passed away due to the disease; have
been constantly involved in the support of another close family member who also died of the
disease; have an interest in several aspects of dementia. and successfully completed the MBA
Dementia training courses – basic, advanced, and cultural awareness – as well as in-person
dementia training.
extensive experience in working with Minnesota’s Somali community in research, community
health education, and community health engagement. I am the principal of Health and
Research Institute for Somali Americans (HeRISA).
social media; Culturally and Linguistic Appropriate Service
CULTURAL TIP: Here is an example of a Somali ethnic/cultural norm or value related to dementia that
you may not have considered: Somalis appear to be more engaged if the health effort is being
presented to them in a way that is linguistically, culturally and religiously appropriate.

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