Category: Articles

  • Benefits Enrollment Center

    The Benefits Enrollment Center program helps low-income kūpuna 65-plus and disabled Medicare beneficiaries to access food benefits. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, kūpuna were encouraged to stay home and self-isolate. Dining in restaurants or grocery shopping became difficult for all of us, but particularly for seniors who were most vulnerable.

  • ATRC Links People With Assistive Technology

    Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai‘i (ATRC) is a nonprofit resource center that provides information about assistive technology (AT) to persons with disabilities, as well as their family members, employers and educators. Its mission is to link people with AT and empower individuals through its use.

  • Caregivers Can Help Seniors Downsize

    When the time comes for Mom and Dad to move or downsize for safety reasons, they may find it difficult to decide what to do with what they consider to be their precious heirlooms. Designating items to friends, family or charities in a will or trust will ensure their destination, while passing on these items…

  • Should I Become a Full-Time Caregiver?

    Every year, an increasing number of seniors are needing 24/7 care, whether it is due to a fall, heart condition or old age. Some have prepared for this, determining in advance who will be their power of attorney and who will care for them at home. Others may have already decided to go to a…

  • Senior Well-Being Amidst the Pandemic

    Our kūpuna need our attention now more than ever. The pandemic hinders not only casual gatherings but also activities that contribute to the happiness of our elderly. This is especially hard for them, since they eagerly look forward to family time, when they get to truly enjoy our undivided attention and company.

  • Senior Retirement Community Living

    Take inventory of your situation before you begin looking into senior retirement communities. You can start by determining your timeline and reviewing the information in this article. You will then be ready to call the senior community sales department and ask the right questions.

  • Art Therapy Facilitates Meaningful Expression

    Many experts believe that art therapy can help individuals with dementia express themselves — beyond words and language. “In nurturing, calm, supportive settings, they sometimes have moments of clarity and express things that shock us all,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association.

  • When Mom Falls, What Happens Next?

    The unexpected can occur at any time, no matter how prepared we think we are. A crisis will bring families together in an instant. If you are distanced from the area, there are ways to manage the situation. Working as ‘ohana with strong communication will help coordinate what is needed. Recently, I experienced a crisis…

  • Nonprofit Hospice Care Offers Help, Hope and Guidance Through Uncertain Times

    Navian Hawaii’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of care is designed to provide patient-centered care for every life journey, offering relief from suffering, support for the entire family, and hope, compassion and love.

  • How to Brush and Floss if You Have Arthritis

    Arthritis can be a painful condition that comes with aging. Those who have rheumatoid arthritis may have an even harder time staying on top of their oral hygiene routine due to inflammation in the joints and knuckles. Simple movements such as holding a toothbrush and floss may make it difficult to clean teeth and gums…