On Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act became law, bringing relief for many Medicare beneficiaries who pay a lot for their prescription drugs. New benefits begin each year to lower your copays and out-of-pocket costs.
2023: The law caps copay at $35/month for certain insulin medications. Medicare covers 100% of Part D vaccinations, such as for shingles.
2024: Medicare Part D covers 100% of drug costs once you meet $8,000 out-of-pocket limit per calendar year. More people qualified for Extra Help to offset drug plan copays and deductibles.
2025: Payment plan spreads out prescription drug copays through the calendar year. Maximum out-of-pocket limit drops from $8,000 to $2,000 per calendar year.
2026: It significantly reduces costs of 10 lifesaving drugs. For a comprehensive list of drugs and their newly negotiated prices, visit hawaiiship.org.
The Inflation Reduction Act is a major step toward improving Medicare coverage. Beneficiaries can expect more enhancements soon to lessen financial strain and increase access to needed medications to support health and well-being.
If you have questions regarding Medicare or how these benefits may affect you, contact Hawai‘i SHIP using the information below.
HAWAI‘I SHIP 250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813 O‘ahu: 808-586-7299 | Toll free: 888-875-9229 hawaiiship.org Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling is provided by the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
On Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act became law, bringing relief for many Medicare beneficiaries who pay a lot for their prescription drugs. New benefits begin each year to lower your copays and out-of-pocket costs. 2023: The law caps copay at $35/month for certain insulin medications. Medicare covers 100% of Part D vaccinations, such…
In emergencies, quick, informed responses can make the difference between life and death. Whether it’s responding to a 911 call of an individual experiencing a medical crisis at home or or an impending natural disaster, access to critical information can empower first responders to act appropriately and effectively in saving lives.
The SMART911 service helps protect your family by providing this vital information to first responders. The public safety service enables individuals to create secure profiles with crucial information that first responders can access during emergencies. The core purpose is to enhance safety and response time by providing responders with important context about a person’s medical conditions, disabilities, care needs, personal preferences and other factors that could impact how they approach and assist in a crisis. This system is particularly valuable for people with disabilities or dementia, and older adults who may have specific access and functional needs.
Smart911 profiles can highlight health conditions, communication preferences, mobility constraints, cognitive impairment, medications, behavioral triggers, sensory sensitivities and more, giving first responders the context needed to respond safely and compassionately.
Instructions and emergency contacts can also be added. And incorporating an Advance Healthcare Directive and Power of Attorney document alongside SMART911 ensures that your wishes are clear. SMART911 allows these individuals or their caregivers to proactively share this information in a secure system, bridging communication gaps that can arise during stressful situations. This will enhance emergency response effectiveness, reduce distress, avoid escalation and promote dignified, informed care.
Set up a SMART911 profile at smart911.com. Join SMART911 and empower first responders with the information that could save lives when seconds matter. Together, we can contribute to a safer, more inclusive community, where first responders have the tools to help anyone in crisis — particularly our most vulnerable members.
HAWAI‘I STATE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 1010 Richards St., Room 122, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-8100 | hiddcouncil.org
In emergencies, quick, informed responses can make the difference between life and death. Whether it’s responding to a 911 call of an individual experiencing a medical crisis at home or or an impending natural disaster, access to critical information can empower first responders to act appropriately and effectively in saving lives. The SMART911 service helps…
When facing a loved one’s serious illness, family members rarely know how to reduce his or her suffering or where to turn. Ask your doctor about available options.
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with a serious illness. Care is focused on providing relief of symptoms and stress, helping to improve the patient and family’s quality of life. A team of doctors, nurses and specialists provide care by working together with a patient’s other doctors for an extra layer of support. Care is not based on the patient’s prognosis and it can be provided alongside curative treatment.
Hospice is another special kind of care helping those with a prognosis of six months or less to live. The hospice interdisciplinary team strives to relieve pain and suffering and prepare the patient and his or her family for the end of life. Hospice focuses on quality of life — caring, not curing. Care can be provided wherever the patient resides — usually in the patient’s home.
When facing a loved one’s serious illness, family members rarely know how to reduce his or her suffering or where to turn. Ask your doctor about available options. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with a serious illness. Care is focused on providing relief of symptoms and stress, helping to improve the patient…
Case managers help clients navigate the social service system. Community case managers help clients with housing, benefits and other resources. Private case managers work with clients in a variety of settings, including healthcare and mental health care.
■ Community case managers work for healthcare institutions and insurance companies. They manage large patient loads and support patient care transitions to the appropriate level. They are accessible to the consumer. They aim to keep the patient out of the hospital setting and safely cared for in a minimally restricted environment that supports optimum health. A case manager follows high-risk populations and identifies problems early to keep the patient in optimum health.
■ Private case managers are hired privately and often partner with local hospitals, clinics, home health and hospice agencies. They have close relationships with these providers as they ensure that all partners are aligned with the client’s plan of care, enhancing their quality of life.
By hiring a private case manager, patients can benefit from dedicated support, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life. Investing in a private case manager can significantly enhance a patient’s healthcare experience. Private case managers focus on personalized care and deliver tailored health plans that cater to the patient’s unique needs. Their increased availability means patients can expect prompt responses to concerns and frequent communication, fostering a supportive environment for the patient’s health journey.
Moreover, they excel in coordinating with various healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless communication and alignment throughout treatment. As a dedicated advocate, a private case manager empowers a patient to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, confidently prioritizing his or her needs and preferences.
By monitoring a patient’s health closely, they identify potential issues early, helping to prevent costly hospitalizations and maintaining optimal well-being. Their holistic approach addresses medical needs and the social and emotional factors that influence a patient’s overall health.
A private case manager provides continuity of care, ensuring consistent oversight, especially for chronic conditions. Their flexible scheduling and personalized services help enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.
ALOHA COMPLEX CARE LLC 808-269-5463 | alohacomplexcare@outlook.com alohacomplexcare.com Aloha Complex Care LLC is a case-management and care company, networking island-wide, servicing all levels and stages of care, from the initial stages and on through hospice and bereavement.
Case managers help clients navigate the social service system. Community case managers help clients with housing, benefits and other resources. Private case managers work with clients in a variety of settings, including healthcare and mental health care. ■ Community case managers work for healthcare institutions and insurance companies. They manage large patient loads and support…
Caring for a family member is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges that may feel overwhelming. Even the most devoted caregivers might reach a point where seeking professional guidance is necessary to ensure their loved one receives the best care possible.
The first sign of caregiver burnout is physical or emotional exhaustion. If caregiving is starting to take a toll on your own health, it’s crucial to recognize that your own well-being is just as important. Another indicator is when the needs of your loved one surpass your ability to manage them safely, such as with advanced medical conditions, frequent falls or increasing confusion.
Additionally, if caregiving starts to impact your ability to balance other responsibilities — work, family or personal time — it might be time to explore outside help. Professional caregivers and experienced nurse advisors can provide expertise in managing complex medical conditions and ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate level of care, while giving you peace of mind.
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of failure, but a step toward ensuring the best care for your loved one. Knowing when to seek professional advice can make a significant difference in both your life and theirs.
Caring for a family member is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges that may feel overwhelming. Even the most devoted caregivers might reach a point where seeking professional guidance is necessary to ensure their loved one receives the best care possible. The first sign of caregiver burnout is physical or emotional…
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a widespread infection that can affect anyone. But the virus poses a heightened threat to infants, young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems. The virus tends to circulate more frequently during fall and winter. Gaining awareness of the virus’ symptoms, risk factors and available vaccines can help safeguard vulnerable individuals.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly infectious virus that impacts the respiratory system, particularly the lungs and airways. While most cases result in mild symptoms resembling a cold, some individuals may develop more severe respiratory illnesses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. These more serious cases often occur in infants and the elderly. The virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces. Due to its ease of transmission, it frequently spreads in schools, daycare facilities and nursing homes.
Symptoms of RSV
Symptoms of RSV usually begin to manifest within four to six days after exposure. The severity of symptoms can vary, influenced by factors such as age and pre-existing health conditions. Common signs include runny nose, persistent coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Older individuals with chronic lung or heart conditions may experience more significant respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, which may necessitate hospitalization.
High-Risk Groups ■ Infants, particularly those born prematurely or with health complications. ■ Children under the age of 2 who have chronic lung or congenital heart disease. ■ Adults over 65, especially those with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma. ■ Immunocompromised individuals of all ages.
Preventive Measures and Vaccines
For many years, RSV prevention was limited, as no specific vaccines existed. However, recent medical advancements have led to vaccines and treatments that provide greater protection for high-risk groups.
Vaccination for Older Adults
In 2023, the FDA approved a vaccine known as Arexvy, designed for adults aged 60 and over. This vaccine aims to reduce the risk of severe illness caused by RSV, particularly for seniors who are at an elevated risk for hospitalization. The vaccine is administered in a single dose to help protect against serious respiratory complications — ideally, before RSV season begins.
RSV, though common, can lead to serious health risks for certain individuals. Recognizing its symptoms and the current availability of new vaccines offer hope in reducing severe cases, particularly among those most at risk. With proper preventive measures, we can significantly reduce both the spread and the impact of RSV.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a widespread infection that can affect anyone. But the virus poses a heightened threat to infants, young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems. The virus tends to circulate more frequently during fall and winter. Gaining awareness of the virus’ symptoms, risk factors and available vaccines can help safeguard…
Incorporating fitness into your schedule doesn’t have to feel like a chore or an obligation you struggle to find time for. Adding physical activity — focusing on strength, balance and flexibility — can easily fit into your day.
Start Your Day with Gentle Movement
Before getting out of bed, awaken your muscles and joints. Begin with deep breathing and heel slides. Slide one leg up and down on the bed, lengthening and bending it. After a few reps, hug your knee to your chest and hold. Straighten your leg and repeat these motions with the other leg. With the soles of your feet touching, let your knees fall open like a butterfly to stretch your hips and thighs. A low trunk rotation is a good stretch for increasing your back’s range of motion. Allow your knees to fall to one side of your body at a time and take a breath.
Incorporate More Movement
Throughout your day, add simple exercises. For example, try two to three sit-to-stands before you walk to your task. While enjoying your favorite show, do leg kicks during commercials or move pillows from one side of the sofa to the other to increase your torso’s range of motion. Daily outdoor walks are great, but consider adding a few laps around the grocery store or doctor’s office to boost your step count. When your grandkids visit, engage them in a game of catch using a ball or socks. Sit to catch and stand to throw. Get a small basketball hoop that attaches to a door and shoot while seated or standing, or play a game of HORSE. If bowling is more your style, mini sets can be used on the floor or tabletop. All of these offer fun, total body workouts that allow you to focus on balance, strength and flexibility.
End With a Breath and a Stretch
At the end of your day take a moment to focus on breathing and posture. Seated or lying, lengthen your neck, and relax your shoulders as you inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Imagine sniffing flowers and blowing out candles. Initially, you may feel muscle soreness from exercise, but remember that soreness doesn’t always indicate something is wrong. The right amount of work can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Gradually incorporating more activity as your body allows is an effective way to cultivate a more active lifestyle, helping you stay functionally fit and engaged in your daily life.
Incorporating fitness into your schedule doesn’t have to feel like a chore or an obligation you struggle to find time for. Adding physical activity — focusing on strength, balance and flexibility — can easily fit into your day. Start Your Day with Gentle Movement Before getting out of bed, awaken your muscles and joints. Begin…
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH) may not be new — in fact, the nonprofit has been serving people of all faiths and cultures in Hawai‘i since 1947. But there are many aspects of the organization and services available that go well beyond what one might associate with its name. From transportation to veterans’ services, housing and more, CCH provides much-needed programs statewide as part of the largest private network of social service organizations in the US, serving around 40,000 people every year. Because of the wide breadth of services CCH provides, we spoke with some of the principal staff members who make a difference in our communities.
Strengthening Families, Then and Now
After World War II, communities in Hawai‘i were devastated and families were broken apart. In 1947, Sister Victoria Frances Lamour of the Maryknoll Sisters came from New York with several other sisters trained in social work and founded CCH. Their initial work was strengthening and reuniting families, and placing children who were separated from their families following one of the largest and deadliest conflict in history.
“Over time, CCH continued to respond to community needs,” says President and CEO Tina Andrade, “and there are now over 50 different programs and services statewide, with about 335 team members.”
Because CCH serves people of all ages, their work is organized into four divisions: Family and Therapeutic Services Division which provides counseling and child welfare services; Youth Enrichment Services Division which provides behavioral services for youth; Housing and Referral Programs Division which provides housing and veteran services; and Community and Senior Services Division which provides community-based services for older adults and legal immigration services.
“Primarily, all of these deal with reunifying, strengthening and building familial bonds,” says Tina.
Tina herself has been involved with CCH for over 21 years. A graduate of Chaminade University, initially she worked as a director focusing on the agency’s mission and history. She also was a Catholic school teacher, helping youth stay grounded in their values and encouraging them to understand how their values relate to their life choices. “That’s been my work over a lifetime,” says Tina. “I like to describe my work as removing barriers, opening doors and creating conversations to help us reflect on our mission and values. That approach to work is always from a perspective of strengthening people.” Although a lot of Tina’s day-to-day tasks involve meetings and organizing schedules, “the value-centered approach brings people together with important conversations based on our values.”
Overseeing the Community and Senior Services Division is Diane Terada, whose time with CCH totals 30 years. She has been involved in aging programs for the duration of her professional career, with a license in social work and a diploma from the University of Hawai‘i. An example of CCH’s mission to serve people of all cultures and faith, Diane is one of the non-Catholics who works for CCH. “There are many of us who are not necessarily Catholic. And we do not, of course, only serve Catholic people. We believe in our mission to serve those in need.” Diane attests to the fact that what CCH seeks in potential team members is their ability to embody and support the mission to serve.
As Division Administrator, Diane manages the senior-specific programs which aim to help seniors remain independent in the community for as long as possible. Their community/senior services’ goal is to ensure people stay out of institutional settings whenever possible. Emphasizing the importance of advocacy for their clients, the various staff who represent CCH’s services in all four divisions have one common goal: to carry out their work with dignity, compassion, social justice and a commitment to excellence.
SENIOR SERVICES
Susie Chun-Oakland speaks with Lanakila seniors as they prepare for a blessing to commemorate LMPSC’s 55 years of service as Hawai‘i’s first multipurpose senior center.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
The Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) is the largest and oldest senior center in Hawai‘i, created by the State of Hawai‘i in 1969 as the Hawai‘i State Senior Center and operated by Honolulu Community College until 1981. The state then asked CCH to operate the center, which became the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. The LMPSC serves seniors aged 60 and older, promoting health and independence while organizing over 4,000 activities each year. Cultural club activities, special events, excursions, educational workshops, presentations and service projects are a part of this mix. The center offers over 60 classes every week — pickleball, ping pong, tai chi, yoga, hula, line dancing, stretch and tone, tap dancing, calligraphy, ukulele, guitar, online and more. Program Director Susie Chun Oakland adds, “Our senior center members are truly enjoying themselves. They feel valued. They have so much life experience, knowledge and a lot to contribute to our community. We are so fortunate to have such great people at our center.”
Lanakila’s staff of five employees and over 700 volunteers are the heart of this program. Many ideas for activities are a collaborative effort between staff and seniors. “Our center members feel comfortable making suggestions for new activities or improving existing programs. When I came to the senior center, I also really wanted this to be a food, flower and fern hub, not only for seniors, but for the community,” says Susie. For over seven years, every part of the LMPSC campus has flourished with flowers, fruit and vegetables to be used for activities that senior members can utilize. Susie stresses the importance of food sustainability and self-sufficiency. “When our center sees a community need, the members and staff make a wholehearted effort to address it.”
In a heartwarming example, she tells the story of how the City and County of Honolulu was short about 10,000 lei for veterans’ gravesites at Punchbowl. “The seniors made 4,000 ti leaf lei two years ago in partnership with the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation and made over 10,000 lei last year to honor our veterans.” The folks at LMPSC are committed to seniors’ health, wellbeing and independence for all.
Case Management Program
Judy Taketa, program director of CCH’s Case Management Program for the Elderly, leads a discussion with her team of case managers.
Judy Taketa is the program director of CCH’s Case Management Program for the Elderly, which assists elders in stabilizing their home and introduces any services that may be of assistance. The purpose of this program is to enable living a quality life free from fear of being homeless and/ or losing independence, learning options of what one can do about their health concerns. The case managers provide for client needs and matters of health and advocacy. “Sometimes,” Judy says, “when a doctor asks how they’re doing, they’ll first say, ‘I’m fine.’ However, there is so much that the senior does not say. They don’t know what or how to share with others, or are fearful that they would be considered senile or incapable of caring for themselves. We are the in-between to ensure we inform anyone of the issues on their behalf and what help they might need.” The program also offers linkages to home-delivered meals, transportation, health insurance and assistance in the home — all to ensure independence.
The program also works with families and caregivers of elderly clients, as support is crucial in caring for their loved ones. Caregivers and families often don’t know what options exist nor how to access them to care for their loved ones. Meetings with clients are one-on-one to suit a person’s unique situation and needs. CCH’s website has training videos and webinars that anyone can access. In addition, Judy’s team members are all master-level social workers. “Every day brings different challenges and different questions. My team is pretty good at maneuvering that as we try to be the connection between housing management, community, and resources.” Judy has worked with the elderly for about 30 years and enjoys working with them because, in her own words, “I’ve learned so much about who they are and what the future may hold. People shouldn’t be afraid of getting older. The future is bright. It’s all about how people visualize themselves.”
Benefits Enrollment Center
With a 2019 grant from the National Council on Aging, the Benefits Enrollment Center is a one-stop place to receive assistance through a variety of benefits, including help preparing for tax season by collecting information and documents; healthcare programs under Medicaid; obtaining coupons to access healthy food; and prescription drug discount programs (part of Medicare and SNAP). Peter Reyes, program director of the center, has been with CCH for 30 years. When Peter left the Army, he didn’t know where to start, so he began working with CCH. “I started as an intaker. My original plan was to stay with the agency for six months tops. Thirty years later, I’m still here. When people ask me why, I say I believe in the services we provide and how we make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Program Director Peter Reyes attended the National Council on Aging conference in Arlington, Va. He represented CCH’s Benefits Enrollment Center, gaining valuable insights on improving access to benefits for the community.
Peter and his staff collaborate with other entities, such as the Walmart Foundation grants through Catholic Charities USA, which helps with funding for outreach for SNAP education. “The outreach is significant,” says Peter. “It’s all about maximizing the benefits to help our kūpuna afford to live here.” Peter and his staff represent the center by having tables and booths at various conventions and events; doing in-service presentations to other service providers; and handing out flyers and informational brochures at food distribution events at various Hawai‘i Food Bank food pantries.
Transportation Services
Peter is also the program director of the transportation services that CCH offers. The two main programs are Transportation Friends for Kūpuna (TFK), a volunteer-driven privately funded service that offers one-on-one assistance to seniors, and their Transportation Service Program (TSP), which is a contracted service with the City and County of Honolulu’s Elderly Affairs Division. The services provide the state-funded Kūpuna Care Transportation service for individual frail seniors as well as the federally funded Title III Transportation Service that provides group grocery shopping and excursions. TFK complements their regular transportation service by having TFK volunteers available weekends and holidays when the regular transportation services may be closed. Peter calls TFK door-through-door service as opposed to door-to-door because volunteers assist clients from within the home to within their destinations.
CCH’s regular transportation service has been ongoing since 1975, with qualified drivers and a fleet of vehicles from walk-on vans with wheelchair lifts to minivans and sedans. Eligibility for both services differs: TFK’s clients are usually elders who are more frail and require individualized careful attention while regular service is more for individual and group rides. Clients must be 60 and older to qualify for both services. Peter notes that while there are other rideshare services on the market today, CCH provides programs designed for kūpuna — the staff is vetted, reliable and trained. “Being that Honolulu is one of those areas where there’s lots of kūpuna, the need for specialized senior transportation will continue. That’s what we do. We take our kūpuna safely to wherever they need to go to make sure they remain safe, healthy and can continue to live independently.”
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i offers dementia patient caregiver trainings and workshops.
Housing Assistance Program
As program coordinator for the Housing Assistance Program, Crystal Kalima-Gascon has been working with seniors for seven-and-a-half years. The program helps seniors in need of affordable housing and helps them with matters of eligibility, how to apply, affordability and how long they will be on a waitlist, as waitlists for affordable housing usually span a year or two. The program serves seniors aged 60 and older, providing them with application help and CCH’s O‘ahu Housing Guide (OHG), an annually updated list of affordable senior housing including information regarding rent, utilities, waitlist times and amenities. Because many seniors are low-income, the program staff helps them determine which places they qualify for. Crystal and the program also manage the three Small Group Homes (SGH), which are living spaces sharing common areas and house responsibilities for seniors aged 62 and older. The SGH is one solution to the program’s waitlist. Rent is on a sliding scale basis. While some seniors choose to live there indefinitely, others live in SGH in the interim while waiting for affordable housing availability.
May Alcaide, a 74-year-old resident of the SGH, is living her best life as she waits for affordable housing to open up. May has endured hardship. So her sister helped her apply for housing. “I told them of the situation and Crystal was the coordinator. She helped me with all of that.” When asked how she felt about co-ed living, May was a bit skeptical at first. “I said, okay, I’ll go check it out. That’s the chance you take in life, yeah?” When asked about her routine while living in the SGH, May says, “Me, I get plenty hobbies. I crochet, I read, I watch videos and then I go out and get fresh air because we have a park and a pond. I talk with my neighbors. I keep myself mentally and physically busy, and on days when I feel not good, I stay indoors and check our household and what needs to be done.” May sets an example in encouraging her age group, other ku¯puna, to take advantage of every opportunity. “Chance it. Just chance, ‘cause you may never get to again.”
Hawai‘i Circle of Care for Dementia
Jody Mishan is subcontracted by CCH to coordinate the agency’s federal dementia grant, the second grant they have received to advocate for elders with dementia and their caregivers. In 1999, Jody was taking care of her father, who had a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. She brought her father back with her from Florida and was his primary caregiver for eight years until he passed. In that time, she noted that services were low-quality or not available. “I started advocating here and there for caregivers at the legislature,” she says. Jody was then hired by the Executive Office on Aging to coordinate the first state plan on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. That work is continuing today.
CCH’s Hawai‘i Circle of Care for Dementia continues to ensure that Hawai‘i’s unpaid dementia caregivers have access to training for a better understanding of behavioral challenges related to dementia. The project targets persons with dementia who live alone, and those living with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The project wants to bring awareness to the ways that dementia affects the individual and their families, and develops resources for folks both enduring dementia/early symptoms and their families and caregivers. The Circle of Care works with Queen’s Geriatric Services to provide additional support, emphasizing the importance of working closely with specialists who can accurately screen for symptoms and prognoses.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i offers dementia patient caregiver trainings and workshops.
Some of the available resources include the SHARE and REACH programs. The SHARE (Support, Health, Activities, Resources, Education) program is evidence-based and works with persons with dementia who are at the early stage, and their care partners. REACH Community is another evidence-based program which provides one-on-one coaching for caregivers. CCH is also working with the Alzheimer’s Association to develop a support group for those with early symptoms. “You need to know you’re not alone in this,” says Jody, noting that staying connected is paramount to a sustainable life.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Phone-A-Friend
Lyn Moku is the program volunteer coordinator for CCH’s Memory Mentor and Phone-A-Friend programs of the senior services division. Lyn has been with CCH for five years, but has been with nonprofits for over 30 years. Phone-A-Friend is a program for seniors aged 65 and older who are living alone with little to no caregiver support, who also have health problems that prevent them from socializing. Volunteers call clients and have friendly conversations with them. “And hopefully,” says Lyn, “in the process, they develop trusting friendships. Most of our volunteers who have been matched with a senior have stayed with the same senior for as long as they’ve been in the program.” Lyn and the volunteers look forward to expanding their services and connecting more kūpuna with volunteers — friends who care.
Memory Mentor
Lyn is also the volunteer coordinator of the Memory Mentor program, a service for those living alone or with little to no caregiver support, who may show symptoms of memory loss, confusion or dementia or have a diagnosis of dementia. A volunteer will go to a client’s home for a friendly visit. Clients may be totally homebound or may leave home infrequently. Volunteers may also provide shopping services and help the client assess their mail, keeping bills and important items and disposing of junk mail and possible fraud material. Volunteers also help with reminders, such as medication schedules, doctor appointments and birthdays.
Lyn Moku recruits volunteers for Phone- A-Friend and Memory Mentor programs.
Another benefit of both the Memory Mentor and Phone-A-Friend programs is that they give caregivers respite “even if it’s just a phone call or a visit,” and provide wellness checks.
Both the Memory Mentor and Phone-A-Friend programs receive many referrals through public health nurses, discharge planners at hospitals, geriatricians and nonprofits, as well from Aloha United Way and VolunteerMatch.
Looking at the future of the programs, Lyn expresses a desire to expand services island-wide. “There are quite a few people who live out of Honolulu proper, but we don’t have volunteers who live in those outlying areas, so being able to recruit those volunteers to service the rest of the island will only help us grow the program and meet the needs of the people.”
Transportation Friends for Kūpuna (TFK)
Julie Chang is the program volunteer coordinator for Transportation Friends for Ku¯puna. The program’s clients are ku¯puna aged 60 and older, who are unable to drive. When the program started, volunteers driving their own cars primarily took clients to medical and dental appointments, but services have now grown to include grocery shopping and other types of errands. When clients want to request a driver, Julie suggests they call her at least two weeks in advance, in order to give her adequate time to find an available volunteer. Drivers sometimes also chaperone/escort clients who need assistance into the doctor’s office or store, as TFK emphasizes door-through-door service versus simply door to-door.
TFK Volunteer Coordinator Julie Chang discusses the program with potential volunteers and clients.
Julie, like Lyn, wants to expand their services island-wide, especially in areas like Waianae and the west side of O‘ahu, where volunteers may be less available than they are in more populated areas. “I’m just so happy with the volunteers that I want to brag about them a little bit.” She goes on to tell the story of a couple giving a client a ride to the dentist. When the client let the volunteers know she was not feeling well, they encouraged her to seek medical attention when she was hesitant. She ended up being admitted to the hospital for two days and was immensely grateful that the volunteers were able to advocate on her behalf. That same client ended up needing a variety of radiation treatments, so other volunteers stepped up to transport her. Julie recalls being moved at how “the volunteers cared and made the time to be there for her.”
One stellar volunteer driver is Lori Harrison, who started driving for TFK at the beginning of last year after going through CCH’s orientation. Lori feels she is making a difference for someone every time she provides a ride. This care and attention is the most fulfilling part for Lori. Whether it’s a ride, a phone call or a visit, what Julie, Lyn and the volunteers champion is that meaningful connection with our island kūpuna.
SERVICES FOR ALL AGES
Counseling Center
CCH’s Counseling Center features various programs. The largest is general counseling, where anyone can get therapy at a price they can afford. Program Director Chiyo Churchill is a licensed marriage and family therapist. After leaving CCH to start her own practice, she returned because she feels at home at CCH. She’s been with CCH for 15 years total. Much of the center team’s work is keeping up with funding sources for the program and creating new programs to reach more people. They interface with the community and other CCH programs, always ensuring that they are working toward the same goal: ensuring their clients have somewhere and someone to turn to.
Counseling Center Program Director Chiyo Churchill (holding bag) and Kūpuna to Kamali‘i staff.
Chiyo also sees clients to stay in touch with the therapeutic world. “It’s very rewarding,” she says. Chiyo and the other center therapists balance learning from the latest research and applying their learning through providing trauma-informed care, while understanding that “real life happens, too.” When clients miss sessions, Chiyo emphasizes empathy and patience. “We want them to know we’re not going anywhere. We’ll be here for them whenever they’re ready.”
A newer center program is Kūpuna to Kamali‘i, based in Waianae and now also growing on Maui. The program’s foundations are based in being culturally appropriate, and recognizing their clients’ generational or cultural trauma, “from Kūpuna to the kamali‘i, the children. Recognizing how important family is for us islanders, especially the Native Hawaiian community, is why we focused on the west side,” Chiyo says. She and her team want to give people the opportunity to experience therapy in a way that feels more like talking story. “It’s important for people to feel safe in their community, and it’s hard to do when people are still dealing with so much.” In striving to be a vital resource and a place of acceptance, Counseling Center staff exemplify care and aloha.
Veterans Services
Dianne Lim-Tam is CCH’s program administrator of the Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) unit. Its three main programs are Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SPG) and Legal Services for Veterans (LSV). SSVF staff help with housing searches, landlord mediation, temporary financial assistance, emergency housing and assistance in accessing US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits toward gaining and maintaining permanent housing. SPG is unique. The program is not only for veterans, even though it is funded by the VA, but also for active service members who need resources and suicide prevention services, which include peer support, transportation assistance, child care assistance, healthcare navigation, financial literacy education and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment options. LSV is the newest program of the three and helps veterans who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness with legal issues. After determining eligibility, CCH connects the veteran with attorneys to help them with military discharge upgrades, divorce, custody, landlord-tenant issues, foreclosures and more. The program can also pay the client’s attorney fees. Dianne emphasizes sustainability as one of the program’s goals. Consistency is vital in helping veterans and their families sustain independent living.
SMVF’s Dianne Lim-Tam and Benefits Enrollment Center Program Director Peter Reyes at a senior fair.
Dianne has been with CCH for over seven years. She began on Hawai‘i Island, working in a transitional housing program. She returned home to O‘ahu and eventually rejoined CCH, serving in an administrative role. She feels that she is right where she belongs, serving those who served our country.
Dianne and her team also do a lot of outreach. “We go out to the Daniel K. Akaka Clinic in Kapolei once a month, at least, and when veterans are coming in for their appointments, they stop by our booth and ask questions about the kind of services they may need.” For Dianne, this outreach is instrumental in expanding their services and ensuring the community knows about these programs and the benefits that they offer.
The passion and expertise of CCH’s staff are reflected in the smiles of their clients, young and old. For Tina, what motivates her every day when facing challenges in her work is the care demonstrated by the staff and the way that they serve each client with personal, thoughtful attention. “They see people as individuals with dignity,” she says. “They embody our mission.”
Tina and Diane are hopeful about expanding CCH’s services to neighbor islands. Regardless of age, faith or culture, CCH has embodied their mission to achieve social justice with a commitment to excellence for 78 years and beyond.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH) may not be new — in fact, the nonprofit has been serving people of all faiths and cultures in Hawai‘i since 1947. But there are many aspects of the organization and services available that go well beyond what one might associate with its name. From transportation to veterans’ services, housing and…
Donating to charities can be a profoundly impactful and rewarding experience, but not all charities use donated funds responsibly. So here are three quick and easy tips to ensure your future contributions make a meaningful impact:
◆ Vet the charity: Quickly research the charities you plan to donate to. What is the charity’s BBB rating and community reputation? Does it have the necessary government registration with state authorities? If you plan to use the donation for a tax deduction, ensure the charity you’re considering qualifies; they usually need to be a 501(c)(3) organization.
◆ Ask questions: Ask the charity about its intended use of donations. How much of the funds collected are going to the intended recipients and how much does the charity or fundraising organization keep for itself?
◆ Watch for look-alikes: Impostors commonly mimic well-known charities. Carefully check URLs, logos and spelling, and educate yourself on the other telltale signs of an impostor scam.
Maximizing the impact of your charitable giving can be quick and easy. Guard against impostors. Ask questions. Do your research.
Donating to charities can be a profoundly impactful and rewarding experience, but not all charities use donated funds responsibly. So here are three quick and easy tips to ensure your future contributions make a meaningful impact: ◆ Vet the charity: Quickly research the charities you plan to donate to. What is the charity’s BBB rating…
Decluttering can bring a sense of peace, especially for seniors seeking to simplify their lives. The S.O.R.T method — Sell, Offer, Retain, Toss — provides an easy, step-by-step approach. Starting with less-used areas like storage rooms and guestrooms helps maintain momentum and make visible progress.
Step 1: Sell
Items like vintage pieces or furniture can be sold locally. Platforms such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or consignment stores allow seniors to pass items to others without needing to ship them, which reduces environmental impact.
Step 2: Offer
Friends, family or community members may appreciate items with sentimental or practical value. Passing items on is a meaningful way to preserve memories and share family traditions.
Step 3: Retain
Keeping only the essentials or items with true sentimental value helps create a home focused on functionality and joy.
Step 4: Toss
Some items simply need to go! The City and County of Honolulu provides disposal options through Opala.org, including monthly bulky item pickup. O‘ahu’s Waimanalo Gulch Landfill and similar sites on other islands handle larger items, although fees may apply.
Donation Resources
Helping Hands Hawai‘i: This organization accepts a variety of gently used household goods, benefiting programs for local families.
Goodwill Hawaii and Salvation Army: Both organizations have locations across the islands and accept many items, from clothing to small furniture.
Local Churches:Many churches hold thrift sales to support community projects. Donating items to these sales aids their charitable work and supports those in need.
Decluttering with S.O.R.T. not only creates a more organized and safer living environment for seniors, but also supports Hawai‘i’s community through donations and recycling. With a step-by-step approach, seniors can enjoy a cleaner, more serene and secure home that fosters clarity, calm and peace of mind.
Decluttering can bring a sense of peace, especially for seniors seeking to simplify their lives. The S.O.R.T method — Sell, Offer, Retain, Toss — provides an easy, step-by-step approach. Starting with less-used areas like storage rooms and guestrooms helps maintain momentum and make visible progress. Step 1: Sell Items like vintage pieces or furniture can…
China is the top rice-producing country in the world; it accounts for more than 144 million metric tons of the grain annually or 28% of the global output. The per-capita consumption of rice there is estimated to be a whopping 220 pounds per year, compared to 27 pounds for the average American and 100 pounds for Kama’aina (the most in the United States).
The Cantonese word “fan” means “meal” as well as “rice,” underscoring its importance. Here are three other tidbits that reveal the cultural and historical significance of rice to the Chinese people.
Nian Gao
Nian gao (gau), a steamed or baked Chinese New Year treat, is made of three basic ingredients — glutinous rice flour, brown sugar and water. Nian means “year,” and gao means “cake.” A homonym for gao is defined as “tall” or “high.” Thus, there’s a metaphorical association: Eating nian gao comes with the hope of personal growth, career promotions and financial success in the new year. Another translation for nian is “sticky;” the cake’s gummy texture and round shape symbolize familial harmony and unity.
One tradition related to nian gao concerns the Kitchen God, who watches over every Chinese household. At the end of every year, it is his duty to review each family’s conduct and report to the Jade Emperor, ruler of Heaven. Before New Year’s Day, families place nian gao on their home altars, next to images of the Kitchen God. They believe that when he eats that sticky, sugary offering, he will say only sweet things about them or his lips will be sealed, preventing him from divulging anything negative.
Rice-Fish Farming
Rice-fish farming is not unique to China, but scholars believe that’s where it began some 1,700 years ago to optimize land use by cultivating two types of food at the same time.
This sustainable, symbiotic ecological practice yields numerous benefits. The movement of fish through flooded fields increases the water’s oxygen level. Fish excrement adds nutrients to the soil, so fertilizer is not necessary (in particular nitrogen-based products, which release greenhouse gases). In return, rice fields provide fish with a cool, shady environment; protection from predatory birds; and plenty of food, including weeds, worms, plankton, insects and decaying leaves. This diet not only keeps the fish well fed, it reduces the risk of disease and the need for pesticides and herbicides.
About 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) are being used for rice-fish farming in China, primarily in mountainous southeastern and southwestern regions, which are far from coastal fishing areas and have few bodies of water suitable for conventional aquaculture. Because of the steep terrain, rice can be grown only in small terraces, resulting in limited harvests. Concurrently farming fish in those terraces generates additional income.
The Great Wall of China
Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China spans 13,170 miles across the country’s northern border; that’s more than half of the 24,901-mile circumference of the equator. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as “an outstanding example of the superb military architecture, technology and art of ancient China.” And literally holding a large part of it together is rice.
Construction on the wall began around 220 BC by order of Qin Shi Huang, who unified seven warring kingdoms to establish the Qin dynasty and become the first emperor of China. His vision was to connect previous bulwarks and build new sections to create a massive barrier winding over plains, deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus to stave off invasions from the north. Work on the wall — which also includes barracks, bastions and watchtowers — continued until the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The most extensive and best-preserved segment of the wall — stretching 5,500 miles in Badaling, 43 miles northwest of Beijing — was erected during the Ming empire. This is the section that’s seen and photographed by more than 10 million visitors annually.
It has stood the test of time thanks to a mortar of glutinous rice paste and calcium hydroxide powder, which scientists call one of the greatest innovations of that period. Amylopectin, a type of complex carbohydrate that makes glutinous rice sticky, made the ancient mortar as strong, durable and water-resistant as concrete. This adhesive’s seal has remained so tight over 500-plus years, weeds reputedly have not grown between the Great Wall’s bricks and stone blocks.
The Hawai‘i Book of Rice Volume Two ($22.95, hardcover and spiral-bound) is available at bookstores and other retail outlets throughout the islands. It can also be purchased on amazon.com and Watermark Publishing’s website, bookshawaii.net. Watermark provides free shipping to all Hawai‘i addresses and to the mainland US for orders over $50. For more information, peruse bookshawaii.net or call 808-587-7766 or toll-free 866-900-BOOK from the neighbor islands.
China is the top rice-producing country in the world; it accounts for more than 144 million metric tons of the grain annually or 28% of the global output. The per-capita consumption of rice there is estimated to be a whopping 220 pounds per year, compared to 27 pounds for the average American and 100 pounds…
In May 2024, Hawaii Theatre Center launched a partnership with the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation to host Kūpuna Movie Mornings, a monthly “pay what you can” film series created to provide seniors, the LGBT community and cinema lovers in general the opportunity to socialize and watch a classic movie in a safe, welcoming environment at little to no cost.
The movies are chosen by our patrons, who fill out ballots at every screening. “Some Like It Hot,” “Vertigo,” “Casablanca,” The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Wizard of Oz” are a few of the films we’ve shown based on audience input.
Kūpuna Movie Mornings are usually held on the second Tuesday of the month. The lobby opens at 10:30 am. Complimentary, sponsored coffee and pastries are provided so attendees have a chance to enjoy a snack and talk story time before the 11:30 am showtime.
Despite the name, Kupuna Movie Mornings attract film lovers of all ages. At our most recent show, the youngest attendee was 23; the oldest, 94.
We would love for you to join us for our next Kūpuna Movie Morning! Please visit our website (below) and click on the “Join Our Mailing List” link to learn about future shows.
In May 2024, Hawaii Theatre Center launched a partnership with the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation to host Kūpuna Movie Mornings, a monthly “pay what you can” film series created to provide seniors, the LGBT community and cinema lovers in general the opportunity to socialize and watch a classic movie in a safe, welcoming environment at…
