Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1992 — Panelists discuss elderly services at ʻAha Kūpuna [ARTICLE]

Panelists discuss elderly services at ʻAha Kūpuna

by Pearl Leialoha Page Kūpuna at this year's 'aha also got an overview of some services designed especially for them. Suzanne Yamada, supervisor of Homemaker Services, Department of Human Services, said the agency helps seniors "achieve, restore or maintain independent living." Applicants are qualified by ineome levels to receive chore worker services to help with housework, personal care, errands and transportation to doctor's appointments. Adult day care is also provided for those with disabilities. Counseling services for seniors and their families assist those considering placement in a licensed adult residential care home. These homes are set up for the physically disabled or elderly who are no longer able to live alone. To qualify, the applicant's gross monthly ineome is limited to $524 for a one-member household, $768 for two, and $964 for three. "A person receiving Medicaid qualifies," Yamada said. The Senior Companion Program and Foster Grandparent Program offer volunteer opportunities with stipends to low-ineome seniors. The DHS also offers elder protective services for crisis intervention to adults age 60 and older, regardless of ineome. The service protects those who are in threat of being, or actually are physically or mentally abused or neglected or financially exploited. Respite services are also offered for low-ineome persons, age 55 and older, to assist families providing 24hour in-home care. Diane Terada, program director Catholic Charities, Services to the Elderly, reminded kūpuna who are taking care of frail spouses or even young children that they need to take time out for themselves. "There is a great need for elders in the family, but you must first take care of yourself, for you and your family," Terada said. Some of the services Catholic

Charities offers the caregiver is a Respite Care Center, on Saturdays, at St. Stephen's Church on the Pali Highway. It's free, and pre-registra-tion is required. Catholic Charities also offers assistance to locate affordable rental units and other housing options, such as house sharing with other seniors. Those receiving low to moderate incomes qualify for the assistance, regardless of religion or nationality. Seniors living in outlaying areas of O'ahu may receive home and eommu-nity-based services at no charge. These services include chore workers; escort and transportation, counseling, and advocacy services. Personal care is not provided. Estate planner Gregg Chee, a Honolulu attorney, Nancy Barry of Ka Hale Pulama, the Ronald McDonald House, and Dennis Kauahi of Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center were also panelists and explained the services they provide to children and adults.