2023 Kūpuna Resource Guide

Photo: Getty Images

Aloha!

All of us, hopefully, will grow old. Many of us also have parents and other loved ones who are aging.

Because of advances in medical science and healthy living, more of us will live longer, active and more fulfilling lives than our parents. But illness, accidents and genetics will lead some of us to need help as we age. Some of us will be thrust into the role of a family caregiver and will need help taking care of kūpuna.

That’s why AARP Hawai‘i is proud to sponsor and is grateful to Honolulu Magazine for putting out this year’s edition of the Kūpuna Resource Guide. We want kūpuna and caregivers to be aware of the resources available to them.

AARP strives to be a wise friend and a fierce defender of kūpuna. Besides the local resources contained in this book, AARP has information online to help family caregivers at aarp.org/caregiving. You can also download our Prepare to Care guidebook, which helps families have a conversation about caregiving, while a loved one can tell others how they want to be treated before an emergency that leaves them unable to speak for themselves.

Family caregivers also need to be able to take care of themselves. You can’t care for others if you don’t take care of yourself. Respite care is important, and caregivers should ask for help and know where to go to get help.

AARP Hawai‘i and other kūpuna organizations hold regular webinars and in-person caregiving workshops to help kūpuna and caregivers. Take advantage of those opportunities to learn how to best care for a loved one and to meet other caregivers. No kūpuna or caregiver should have to age or care for a loved one alone.

Sincerely,
Keali‘i Lopez
AARP Hawai‘i State Director

See our 2023 Kūpuna Resource Guide below.

Photo: Getty Images

Resource Centers

There are hundreds of organizations in Hawai‘i that offer education, assistance, care or support for kūpuna and their families. These four nonprofit groups and one state agency cover a wide range of services and are also invaluable for their work connecting those in need of programs with those who can serve them best. If you are not sure what you are looking for, turn to these experts for guidance.

AARP

AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to empowering adults 50 years and older and their ‘ohana. With nearly 150,000 members in the Islands, AARP Hawai‘i works tirelessly to meet the needs of kūpuna. From sharing practical resources to holding activities and events, AARP provides opportunities for seniors to choose how they live as they age. With their membership, seniors have access to community referrals, support and practical resources on caregiving, financial security, fighting fraud and much more. Each year, AARP Hawai‘i advocates at the state Legislature for government funds to ensure financial caregiving support and many other initiatives.

Hawai‘i Aging and Disability Resource Center

The Hawai‘i Aging and Disability Resource Center is a one-stop organization that helps older adults, individuals with disabilities and family caregivers find long-term support and services. The state- and county-funded ADRC also has county offices and directories of services to assist people of all incomes and ages for free. ADRC staff can help determine if you are eligible for public benefits and programs. They may also assist you and your family in finding providers and will work with you to develop a plan for your future long-term care.

Aloha United Way GET HELP/2-1-1

Aloha United Way is a nonprofit organization that brings together resources, organizations and people within the community to advance health, education and financial stability initiatives. Established in 1919, AUW aims to help families and individuals to thrive. One of its most useful resources is its 2-1-1 telephone help line, which works as a statewide comprehensive community referral service. Callers can speak with local experts who are trained to connect people to more than 1,300 agencies and 4,000 programs for food, shelter, financial assistance, elder care, disability service, COVID-19 and much more. The help line is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i has been serving the Islands since 1947 and is part of the largest private network of social service organizations in America. It helps 40,000 people each year with a variety of needs, including emergency financial assistance grants and housing. CCH networks with other agencies to provide material assistance such as clothing, utilities and food, and helps seniors fill out applications for public benefits and find transportation for shopping, errands and other activities.

Executive Office on Aging

The Executive Office on Aging is a state-run agency that coordinates aging and caregiver support services across the Islands, including Senior Medicare Patrol Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Healthy Aging Partnership, and In-Home and Community-Based Services.