Category: Programs & Services

Get Help Paying Health & Prescription Costs

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying some healthcare and prescription drug costs. Fifty-two percent of seniors in Hawai‘i qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program.

You may qualify for extra help if your yearly income and resources were below certain limits (the following are figures for 2021):

• A single person must earn less than $22,470 and have less than $14,790 in resources.
• Married persons must earn less than $30,300 and have less than $29,520 in resources.

Resources include money in a checking or savings account, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and IRAs. Resources don’t include your home, car or household items, your burial plot, up to $1,500 for burial expenses per person or life insurance policies.

If you qualify for Extra Help and join a Medicare drug plan, you will get help paying your plan’s costs and incur no late enrollment penalties.

Drug costs in 2021 for people who qualify will be no more than $3.70 for each generic drug and $9.20 for each brand-name drug.

For more information and to access an Extra Help application, visit socialsecurity.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS INSURANCE INC.
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 504, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-792-5194 | emotosue@fbihi.com
www.fbihi.com | FB: Financial Benefits Insurance

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying some healthcare and prescription drug costs. Fifty-two percent of seniors in Hawai‘i qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program.
Purpose Pals: A Kūpuna-Youth Connection

Purpose Pals is a free, virtual intergenerational program led by Christy Nishita and Colby Takeda, in collaboration with Age-Friendly Honolulu, Blue Zones Project Hawaii, and the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance. Purpose Pals matches adults 50 and over with high school through college-age students, fostering regular communication using Big & Mini’s web-based video conferencing platform. The program provides themed conversation starters to ensure pals have enriching talk story sessions as often as they like.

Most seniors have some form of mobile device. But early in the pandemic, the developers of Big & Mini realized that there was a need to connect older individuals with wonderful stories and experiences to younger generations. Soon, Big & Mini was born, shrinking the generational gap and helping to build meaningful intergenerational relationships.

Purpose Pals creates new friendships, and even enables seniors with a lifetime of experience to become career mentors for their younger pals. Older pals say their younger pals lift their spirits.

To become a pal or to bring Purpose Pals to your group, see the contact information below.

PURPOSE PALS
purposepals.org | info@purposepals.org

Purpose Pals is a free, virtual intergenerational program led by Christy Nishita and Colby Takeda, in collaboration with Age-Friendly Honolulu, Blue Zones Project Hawaii, and the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance. Purpose Pals matches adults 50 and over with high school through college-age students, fostering regular communication using Big & Mini’s web-based video conferencing platform. The program…
Annual Wellness Visits to Stay Healthy

During a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), you and your doctor will focus on overall wellness, prevention and early disease detection.

The AWV is designed to support you in taking an active role in managing your health and improving your well-being and quality of life. Doctors recommend the visit and encourage all Medicare patients to schedule one every year.

One of the most valuable parts of the AWV is the creation of a long-term preventive care plan based on Health Risk Assessment; a current list of medical providers and medications; screening for cognition, hearing, functional status and fall risk; family history, health risk factors and age-specific preventive screenings.

While both an annual physical and an AWV are important, they are not the same. During an annual physical, your doctor looks for signs of major problems and symptoms and conducts important routine tests.

Medicare covers 100 percent of the AWV visit. You are not responsible for deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance amounts.

Be your own advocate! Call your primary care doctor today and schedule your AWV.

MDX HAWAI‘I
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993
808-522-7500 | www.MDXHawaii.com
MDX Hawai‘i has over 35 years of experience serving the people of Hawai‘i. Our physician network represents over 630 top primary care physicians, and more than 2,200 leading specialists and hospitals. MDX Hawai‘i contracts with Humana MO, Humana PPO and AARP/UnitedHealthcare PPO Medicare Advantage Plans.

During a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), you and your doctor will focus on overall wellness, prevention and early disease detection. The AWV is designed to support you in taking an active role in managing your health and improving your well-being and quality of life. Doctors recommend the visit and encourage all Medicare patients to…
Workers & Social Security

Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter or other household worker at least $2,300 in 2021? This amount includes any cash you pay for your household employee’s transportation, meals and housing. If you will pay at least $2,300 to one person, you have some additional financial responsibilities.

When you pay at least $2,300 in wages to a household worker, you must do all of the following:

• Deduct Social Security and Medicare taxes from those wages.
• Pay these taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Report the wages to Social Security.

For every $2,300 in wages, most household employees earn credits toward Social Security benefits and Medicare coverage. Generally, people need 10 years of work to qualify for:

• Retirement benefits (as early as age 62).
• Disability benefits for the worker and the worker’s dependents.
• Survivors benefits for the worker’s family.
• Medicare benefits.

You can learn more about reporting household worker income by reading Household Workers at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10021.pdf.

Call SSA at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778)
Mon–Fri, 8:30am–3:30pm.
Prince Kuhio Federal Building
RM 1-114 FED BLDG, 300 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96850

Or use the SSA Office Locator at www.socialsecurity.gov to find the office closest to you.

Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter or other household worker at least $2,300 in 2021? This amount includes any cash you pay for your household employee’s transportation, meals and housing. If you will pay at least $2,300 to one person, you have some additional financial responsibilities.
Medicare: Increased Benefits for Veterans

Many veterans don’t understand that the Veteran’s Administration (VA) offers a healthcare plan for veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard only.

This healthcare plan is not available to all veterans, as eligibility and qualifications are required to receive these healthcare services.

All medical treatment provided by the VA will be at VA facilities only; therefore, the veteran may have to travel long distances to access care.

They may also have difficulty obtaining a second opinion for certain specialty treatments.

Therefore, the VA recommends veterans turning 65 or those under 65 that qualified for Social Security Disability for more than two years should sign up for Medicare Part B when they are first eligible to enroll.

If you didn’t get Part B when you were first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you could have had Part B, but didn’t sign up.

In most cases, you’ll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B.

Once a veteran qualifies for Medicare Part A and B, he or she has the option to enroll into a Medicare Advantage Plan, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plan.” Medicare Advantage Plans include hospital and outpatient services, with or without prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans provide increased benefits for veterans. Some plans, at a $0 premium in addition to the Part B premium, will include added value enhancements to increase the veteran’s accessibility to care, such as non-VA emergency {Play} rooms and urgent care facilities, at lower costs.

In 2021, there are Medicare Advantage Plans that may provide benefits for health club membership and dental service. Based on the veteran’s zip code, some plans will provide a reduction for their Medicare Part B premium.

Finally, veterans with low income may now qualify for Extra Help or Medicaid Plan benefits with little or no out-of-pocket costs. Both programs can help with Medicare prescription drug program costs. Contact a licensed agent for more information on qualification guidelines and for application assistance.

During these difficult times, healthcare and extra value benefits like these are critical for some seniors in order to help them reduce costs.

Please contact a licensed agent specializing in Medicare Advantage Plans for more information and assistance.

COPELAND INSURANCE GROUP
1360 S. Beretania St., Ste. 209, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-591-4877 | Fax: 808-589-2399
margaret@copelandgroupusa.com
www.copelandgroupusa.com

Many veterans don’t understand that the Veteran’s Administration (VA) offers a healthcare plan for veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard only. This healthcare plan is not available to all veterans, as eligibility and qualifications are required to receive these healthcare services. All medical treatment provided by the VA will be at VA facilities…
Help & Hope for Parkinson’s Patients

In 1817, Dr. James Parkinson was the first person to systematically describe the symptoms of the disease that bears his name. In “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” he reported on three of his own patients and three persons whom he saw in the street.

In honor of his contributions to Parkinson’s diagnosis and symptom treatment, World Parkinson’s Day is held each year on April 11, the doctor’s birthday.

Although a cure has still not been found, the nonprofit Hawai‘i Parkinson Association (HPA), was established in 1996 to assist Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and their family members live the best life possible by uniting people, organizations and resources to treat their symptoms.

HPA RESOURCE CENTER

For education and outreach, HPA recently opened a resource center at St. Francis Healthcare Center on O‘ahu. The center’s goal is to provide the members of the Parkinson community with the most up-to-date information available so they can conduct an informed discussion with their doctor about treating their symptoms.

Anyone affected by or with an interest in Parkinson’s is welcome to visit the center and find information on physicians, support groups, exercise, medications, clinical drug trials and studies, lending and reference libraries, and general information on Parkinson’s.

The primary tools used to assist people with Parkinson’s and their families are support groups. A patient has scheduled doctor visits every two to three months. In between visits, they can attend group meetings that provide emotional support and best practices for dealing with Parkinson’s.

HPA volunteer groups are comprised of people with Parkinson’s, caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals. Volunteers also help educate and support ongoing research in finding the cause and cure. HPA supports the volunteer support group leaders by providing access to resources. Currently, there are approximately 25 HPA-affiliated support groups statewide.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is categorized as a movement disorder because the condition generally includes tremors, slowness, stiffness, walking/balance problems and difficulty with speech/writing. The condition frequently includes non-motor symptoms, such as depression and memory problems.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, current treatments can help alleviate the symptoms but do not prevent or delay the progression of the disease. Even though there are broad similarities, symptoms and progression are unpredictable and vary from person to person.

How is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?

There is no specific test currently available that will generate a definitive Parkinson’s diagnosis. Rather, a diagnosis is based on an aggregation of a patient’s clinical history and both motor and non-motor symptoms observed during an exam by a neurologist. With no conclusive test and the large variation of symptoms among patients, misdiagnosis is not uncommon. Patients should strive to consult a movement disorder specialist (MDS) certified neurologist who has had specialized training in Parkinson’s diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Parkinson’s?

After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, people often ask how and why they got the disease. For most people, the root cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. However, research has revealed that Parkinson’s is caused by low dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine helps transmit signals between the areas of the brain that control all purposeful movements, including talking, walking and writing. Low levels occur when the dopamine producing brain cells are dying while the body’s dopamine consumption remains constant.

Research has indicated that the onset of Parkinson’s primarily has linkages to three environmental events: 1) genetics, 2) traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 3) prolonged exposure to certain pesticides and insecticides.

It should be noted that these are linkages only, not hard rules. Not everyone who has an identified Parkinson gene will develop the condition. Not everyone who has had a TBI or been exposed to a pesticide will develop Parkinson’s. Research is ongoing worldwide to try and better understand the linkages as a clue to create a cure.

How is Parkinson’s Treated?

Treating the whole person is the key to the Parkinson’s patient having the best quality of life possible. This type of treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach of medication, exercise and caring for the general well-being in order to slow and/or mitigate physical symptoms.

Medications typically work well in the early stages, but as PD progresses, patients typically experience increased drug-related complications, such as motor fluctuations and side effects. Exercise, including physical and occupational therapies, are important for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Cardio exercise proves to be of greatest benefit, but all exercise is valuable.

Nutrition, and spiritual and mental health are equally important in the daily treatment for long-term health and well-being of the PD patient.

National STATs for Parkinson’s

An estimated 1 million in the US and 8 million people worldwide currently live with PD.

Parkinson’s affects 1 in 100 Americans over the age of 60. It is reported that there are an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Surveys show that 35 to 42 percent of cases go undiagnosed. With an aging population, better health education and more effective treatments, it is anticipated that the prevalence of Parkinson’s will increase substantially in the next 30 years.

By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s is expected to double.

The average age of onset is approximately 62 years old; however, 10 to 20 percent of persons with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50. The under-50 group is referred to as people with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).

According to a 2019 study, the 1 million Parkinson’s patients in the US cost an estimated $52 billion per year in direct and indirect costs, or an average of $52,000 per person, per year.

PARKINSON’S IN HAWAI‘I

Based on a 2018 study, there are approximately 6,800 people aged 45 years and older living with Parkinson’s in Hawai‘i, with another approximately 2,500 undiagnosed.

To treat these people, there are seven O‘ahu-based neurologist who have the expertise and/or experience to be called Parkinson’s experts: two at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, two at Kuakini Medical Center, one at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, one at the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute (an affiliate of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System) and one at Kaiser Permanente.

In Hawai‘i, the economic burden on the local economy is approximately $350 million per year. This onus primarily falls to the insurance companies and families of the patients, as many people with Parkinson’s are retired or disabled.

To make a contribution, click on “Make a Donation” at www.parkinsonshawaii.org.

HAWAI‘I PARKINSON ASSOCIATION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
808-219-8874 | info@parkinsonshawaii.org
www.parkinsonshawaii.org
HPA RESOURCE CENTER
2228 Liliha St., Ste. 206, Honolulu, HI 96817
808-762-0600 | resourcectr@parkinsonshawaii.org
Hours of Operation: Tues 9am–3pm, Wed 8am–4pm, Fri 9am–3pm, and by appointment

Although a cure has still not been found, the nonprofit Hawai‘i Parkinson Association (HPA), was established in 1996 to assist Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and their family members live the best life possible by uniting people, organizations and resources to treat their symptoms.
Declutter Your Home for a Move or to Age in Place Safely

An interview with Cynthia Arnold, Vice President of Senior Move Managers/De-Clutter Hawaii

How do decluttering and relocation services help seniors move or age in place?

These services assist older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or aging in place. The services are used when seniors are preparing to downsize to a smaller residence, retirement community or relative’s home.

Decluttering services are also used for those aging in place, to help clear and/or organize their home so that it is safer to live in. In all those cases, these services help relieve stress on the senior and help with a smooth transition.

When should decluttering begin?

People should always be thinking about decluttering. Clutter isn’t age-related. All of us can accumulate too many possessions. However, if you start to notice that you can’t find things or you can’t get into areas in your home, then that is definitely a time to start thinking about decluttering.

Can your services be used in preparation for downsizing for a move down the road?

Yes. When you start thinking about a future move, whether it’s one or five years from now, now is the time to start downsizing. The emotional aspect of getting rid of things can be difficult, so start as early as possible to help moderate the emotions of moving from your home.

How do you help seniors and their families make decisions about their possessions?

Making decisions on what to keep and not keep can be very emotional and difficult. Most clients want to keep everything because they love all their possessions. However, if we keep the focus on what we want in our future, like a move to
a retirement community — our decisions can be based more on that destination instead of the stuff. We focus our clients on their happy future and their new goals.

We stress that the value we need to hold onto is our memories and stories, and the journey we are about to embark on.

How do you help determine what to discard?

When working with clients, we can’t tell them what to discard. The question we always pose is “What do you want to keep?”

What can seniors do with unwanted items?

Unwanted items are often discarded, but www.Opala.org includes recycling guidelines and locations. There are many organizations that take used household goods, clothing and furniture.

How do you help them determine what memorabilia to hand down through generations?

Everyone has different memories or special feelings regarding different items, so family members are the only ones who can determine what they would want. Include immediate and extended family when you are considering gifting your items. Our general rule for family items would be to keep photos and videos. We also recommend scanning photos and digitizing videos.

What should seniors gift to friends?

It is nice to give a special gift to a friend, especially if you remember them saying “Wow, what a beautiful platter!” or “I love that jacket!”

How do you help them determine what to move to the new location?

When relocating, the first thing we like to do is create a floor plan of where you are relocating to, which will help you to see what furniture will fit versus what furniture you want to take. You can only take the furniture pieces if they will fit in your new home. After you make those decisions, decide how many books, how much clothing…

How do you help seniors determine what to declutter for safety reasons?

When we declutter to age in place, the first places to focus on would be walkways that are obstructed, such as hallways, stairways and high-traffic areas. We want to remove any trip hazards that we can see, like floor mats, and extension and computer cords. Ideally, there should be three feet of clear space in all walking areas.

When is renting a storage space for extra possessions a viable solution?

We do suggest a storage unit when clients have a hard time getting rid of things or if they are short on time. If a client needs to be moved out of a place by a specific time and the sorting process is taking much longer, then a storage unit can accommodate those items for the time being.

Most times, if you are moving from a four- or five-bedroom home to a one-bedroom home, it will be difficult to let go… We also encourage clients to pack up their “maybe” items and put them into storage. If they don’t think about those items in three to six months, then that probably means they don’t mean much to them. This is a good way for them to have more time to process.

What tips can you offer to motivate everyone approaching their golden years to start decluttering on a regular basis?

We have what we call a “De-Clutter Sweep.” Take a box/bag and go into each area of your home and take things out that you quickly see you don’t want — for example, trash items. Take a trash box/bag and discard old mail, paper clippings, food wrappers, etc. You may be surprised how much trash is on the floor.

Once you get the hang of it, you can then do this with things you don’t like; things you haven’t used in a while; things you don’t need; then, things you don’t want. If you do a declutter sweep once a week, you’ll be surprised how many things you are getting rid of. Before you know it, you’ll have several boxes/bags to get rid of. Call your favorite nonprofit to schedule a monthly donation pickup.

What are some of the benefits of hiring an expert rather than attempting to do it with the help of friends and family?

When our clients moved into their homes 50-plus years ago, they were in their 30s and they called their friends with trucks to help. Moving in 2021 is very different than moving in 1971. Now that they are in their 80s, it’s not that easy to call those friends and ask them for help.

Having a hired professional will help relieve the stress and ensure that all the details of moving are completed: packing up all the items, moving the furniture, unpacking and even getting your cable, internet and phone set up. There are so many aspects to moving now and it can be extremely stressful, so it is very helpful to hire a professional who can walk you through the entire process.

When looking for decluttering or relocation help, are there any certifications to look for that help ensure quality service?

To be a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), you need to be reviewed based on experience requirements, certifications and insurance coverage prior to being accepted. Read testimonies or reviews about a company, but also ask around. Many retirement communities have resources on specialists like us. Another place to call is the Elderly Affairs Division, which has many resources as well.

What advice would you give to those approaching their golden years about the importance of decluttering and downsizing?

Don’t wait. It is never too early to start the process of decluttering and downsizing. Educate yourself about all the retirement communities on the island. Decide which one you like the best now, that way, when the time comes and you want to move, you are ready to go to the place you like. It is also a good time to get all your affairs in order, like your wills, trusts, life insurance paperwork and such. Not only is it good to declutter for today, but to also prepare for the future.

When should decluttering begin? People should always be thinking about decluttering. Clutter isn’t age-related. All of us can accumulate too many possessions. However, if you start to notice that you can’t find things or you can’t get into areas in your home, then that is definitely a time to start thinking about decluttering.
The Power of Healing, Harmony & Hope

Mental health is a serious concern in Hawai‘i. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 percent of the state’s adult population were struggling with some form of mental illness. Yet two out of three were receiving no treatment at all for this illness, which can contribute to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, epilepsy and cancer, along with higher risks of adverse health outcomes.

Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii is the culmination of a dream shared by two University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa social work students, Terry Fisher and Judy Hormell. The center opened its doors in 1989 to provide professional and accessible behavioral health counseling sensitive to the spiritual traditions of individuals, families and communities. Mental health services are offered to all, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability to pay.

Services include telehealth counseling, in which professional mental health counselors offer at-home confidential guidance. To receive telehealth counseling, you need a smartphone, computer or tablet with Internet access and audio-video capabilities, and a private, secure location.

The center combines the best practices of today with an understanding of the power of sacred traditions to enhance lives. The center’s vision is for everyone in Hawai‘i to have access to quality behavioral health counseling that integrates their spirituality to enhance health and wholeness. Its professional counselors and therapists understand the close relationship between mind, body, spirit and community. The center’s counselors believe that spiritual health is a source of strength, healing and growth.

At the Samaritan Counseling Center, your health and safety come first. At this time, mental health counseling via telehealth and video therapy are recommended. A limited number of counseling sessions are offered in-person by appointment only in Honolulu. When it is safe to do so, the center will begin cautiously reopening its six offices on O’ahu, following recommended health guidelines.

Call the number below to decide whether telehealth is right for you. Donate to the center’s Client Assistance Fund to subsidize counseling for uninsured, underinsured, elderly and low-income clients at www.samaritancounselingcenterhawaii.org/giving.

SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER HAWAII (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
1020 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814
808-545-2740 | info@samaritanhawaii.org
www.samaritancounselingcenterhawaii.org

Mental health is a serious concern in Hawai‘i. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 percent of the state’s adult population were struggling with some form of mental illness. Yet two out of three were receiving no treatment at all for this illness, which can contribute to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma,…
Oh Those Medicare Commercials!

You’ve seen hundreds of those ads on TV telling you to call a toll-free number to hear all about the new Medicare Advantage benefits. These commercials insinuate that all the extras are free and some suggest you might even be able to get money back.

These ads are misleading, at best. The reality is that it’s nearly impossible to find one plan anywhere in America that includes all the free benefits they list. And the idea of contacting a mainland call center to speak to someone who does not specialize in Hawai‘i plans isn’t something I’d recommend.

A better thought might be to work with an agent on-island who is a trained expert in Hawai‘i’s local plans. They can assist you to make sure you are signed up for a plan that addresses all of your medical and prescription needs, while getting you the maximum benefits for the lowest cost. A local agent could also help to see if you qualify to be reimbursed for the monthly $148.50 Medicare Part B premium.

Most importantly, they would be available to assist you all year — which I don’t think you can say about the telemarketers at a call center on the mainland.

THE MEDICARE GEEK
1221 Victoria St., #3103, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-724-4993 | robin@themedicaregeek.com
www.themedicaregeek.com

You’ve seen hundreds of those ads on TV telling you to call a toll-free number to hear all about the new Medicare Advantage benefits. These commercials insinuate that all the extras are free and some suggest you might even be able to get money back. These ads are misleading, at best.
Dementia Patients ‘Remember Thru Music’

The powerful documentary Alive Inside, created by Music & Memory, became a call to action for Big Island resident Jen McGeehan. Music & Memory (musicandmemory.org) is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical conditions to engage with the world, ease pain and reclaim their humanity through the use of personalized music.

Jen looked for a similar program in Hawai‘i and found none, so she was moved to create her own nonprofit, Remember Thru Music.

Remember Thru Music is a community-based, no cost, public program based on the Big Island that focuses on improving the lives of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through personalized music. Jen and her team of volunteers provide portable MP3 music players loaded with a personalized selection of songs for eligible applicants.

Family members and/or caregivers are asked to complete a simple music questionnaire for the recipient. What music seems to pique their interest or cause a pleasant reaction from them today? The more specific the details about the recipient you provide the better the selection of songs will be. Then, our team’s “music angel” loads personalized music onto the MP3. This specially selected music can help open doors to their fading memories when little else can. This is evident in the smiles, singing and arm-waving while listening to their own player.

Extensive research has shown that language and visual memory pathways are damaged early on as Alzheimer’s and dementia progress. For patients who are losing contact with their environment, personalized music programs can help activate and calm the brain. Music has been shown to ease anxiety, helping recipients and their caregivers better manage times of stress.

Music can truly become a lifeline between those people living with this debilitating disease and those caring for them. Our No. 1 goal is to get as many of these life-enriching, individually personalized MP3 music players loaded with music and into the lives of those who can benefit most. If you’re caretaking someone you believe may benefit from this program, contact the team using the information below.

REMEMBER THRU MUSIC (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
PO Box 519, Hawi, HI 96719
808-747-2365 | rememberthrumusic@gmail.com
www.rememberthrumusic.org

The powerful documentary Alive Inside, created by Music & Memory, became a call to action for Big Island resident Jen McGeehan. Music & Memory is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical conditions to engage with the world, ease pain and reclaim their humanity through the use of…
Medicare’s Other Enrollment Periods

SHIPMates Carol and Stephen explain Medicare to fair attendees.

Every year, Medicare provides two enrollment periods that run from Jan. 1 through March 31. During the General Enrollment Period, individuals can apply for Medicare if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. If you missed your IEP when you turned 65, you may incur late enrollment penalties that will increase your premiums.

During the second period — the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) — beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage plans can switch to another MA Plan or return to Original Medicare and purchase a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Beneficiaries can only make one change during the MA OEP.

Hawaii SHIP counselors provide information and plan comparisons, helping beneficiaries decide which coverage is right for them. The service is free, confidential and unbiased. Hawaii SHIP is a federal, volunteer-based program serving beneficiaries, their families, caregivers and soon-to-be retirees. For more information about services or volunteering, call Hawaii SHIP.

HAWAII SHIP
Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling provided by the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
Oahu: 808-586-7299 | Toll free: 888-875-9229
www.hawaiiship.org

Every year, Medicare provides two enrollment periods that run from Jan. 1 through March 31. During the General Enrollment Period, individuals can apply for Medicare if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. If you missed your IEP when you…
Help for Military and Veteran Caregivers

John Dudoit attributes his well-being to his family’s support and the help he received from a VA psychiatrist.

John “Longie” Dudoit returned to Moloka‘i in 1969 after a year in the infantry in Vietnam and married his high school sweetheart.

“But something wasn’t right,” John recalls. “In our first years of marriage, Lorna stood by me but couldn’t understand what was happening.”

Back then, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) wasn’t widely understood. It was difficult for veterans to get help. “My wife’s strength was the only thing that kept me going,” John says. “But along the way, I knew I needed help.”

John credits Dr. Kathleen McNamara, a Veterans Administration psychiatrist, with helping him work through his PTSD. John now runs the nonprofit Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans, helping them attain VA medical services. John says the keys are persistence and asking for help, something veterans may be reluctant to do.

In West Hawai‘i, Lori Smith-Starnes helps Big Island veterans as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow. The foundation works to empower and support military caregivers. Lori is a military caregiver and volunteer who reaches out to veterans about the services available to them and their families. Most veterans know services are available, but may not know where to get information.

For example, veteran and military caregivers may qualify for a stipend so they can get paid for caregiving, counseling services and respite care.

Lori is a caregiver for her husband Dave, an Army veteran who has PTSD, severe headaches and other effects from a traumatic brain injury he suffered in Iraq. Lori is able to talk to other veterans and caregivers from her own experiences.

She says veterans with PTSD may get frustrated and give up because of the paperwork involved with VA care. But the foundation, Wounded Warriors Project and other nonprofits can help. AARP also helps military and veteran caregivers.

Of the 53 million caregivers in America, 5.5 million are caring for a wounded or disabled veteran. A growing number of caregivers are millennials and teenagers; one in four is a millennial.

Young caregivers include Kamile and Kaleo Kapanui of Kaua‘i, who put college on hold to care for their grandfather, Bobby Nawai, a veteran living with dementia. The Kapanuis were profiled in the documentary Sky Blossom. “School will always be here. Grandpa won’t,” says Kamile. Filmmaker Richard Lui says the Kapanuis and young people like them are unsung heros. They are “the next Greatest Generation,” he says.

John and Lori agree that family caregivers are key in caring for veterans.

“I thought I had given up, too,” John says. “But family strength keeps us going.”

Nonprofit resources for military/veteran caregivers:
www.aarp.org/veterans
www.Elizabethdolefoundation.org
www.Woundedwarriorsproject.org

John “Longie” Dudoit returned to Moloka‘i in 1969 after a year in the infantry in Vietnam and married his high school sweetheart. “But something wasn’t right,” John recalls. “In our first years of marriage, Lorna stood by me but couldn’t understand what was happening.” Back then, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) wasn’t widely understood.

Category: Programs & Services

An interview with Cynthia Arnold, Vice President of Senior Move Managers/De-Clutter Hawaii