Category: Programs & Services

When Grandparents Become Parents Again

What would you do if your daughter or son was suddenly unable to take care of their keiki? Have you ever thought about becoming a parent after retirement? This decision for families is often unexpected and comes under very difficult circumstances. About three million children in the U.S. are being raised by a grandparent. The term “grandfamily” refers to families where grandparents (or other aunties and uncles) take on the full-time responsibility of raising children in the family who are not their own. There are many reasons why this occurs: the child’s parents may be deceased, in jail, suffering from addiction or deployed for work. Every grandfamily is unique in its strengths and challenges. The common thread is that children being raised by a grandparent, instead of entering the foster care system, have been proven to do better in school. Grandfamilies are prevalent in our communities, our culture and across the country, but often need support.

What is the GRANDcares program?

GRANDcares began on Maui and Big Island in 2015. The program is an educational intervention for grandfamilies that is rooted in family resiliency. GRANDcares program is implemented in three phases: strengthening self-care for grandparents, developing communication and leadership skills in grandchildren, and trainings for service providers who work specifically with grandfamilies. The program will launch the second phase called “GRANDcares Youth Club”. This is an interactive seven-week program for keiki ages 8–12 years old being raised by a grandparent. Additionally, the first phase of the program is ongoing and classes for grandparents will run simultaneously. There is no cost to join, but space is limited. For more information or to register email grandcaresmaui@gmail.com.

“One challenge that many local grandfamilies face is that although they have sole re-sponsibility for the children, they often do not have legal guardianship. This can make
it difficult for the grandparents to advocate for the children,” says Heather Greenwood-Junkermeier, UH Mānoa, GRANDcares Program Director.

When a child needs urgent medical attention or needs to be registered for school and their legal guardian isn’t in the picture, Hawaiian law allows a grandparent (or other relative) caregiver to authorize medical or dental care or enroll the child in school, if the child has lived with them for at least six months. Affidavit consent forms are available from your medical office or the DOE, respectively.

GRANDcares HAWAII — UH Mānoa
808-244-3242, Ext 226 | grandcaresmaui@gmail.com
www.grandcares.colostate.edu
Facebook: grandcareshawaii

What would you do if your daughter or son was suddenly unable to take care of their keiki? Have you ever thought about becoming a parent after retirement? This decision for families is often unexpected and comes under very difficult circumstances. About three million children in the U.S. are being raised by a grandparent. The…
How May We Help You?

Social Security has a toolbox full of resources on its website, www.socialsecurity.gov, to help you with your financial planning. With so many resources, maybe it’s easier if we highlight one of our “best.”

BEST is the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, available at www.ssabest.benefits.gov. It can help you find out if you might be eligible for retirement, disability, survivors, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare benefits. Although BEST asks you a series of questions to determine your eligibility, they are not personal in nature and the answers are not stored.

On average, it takes only about 10 minutes to complete the BEST questionnaire. First, it guides you through the questions needed to find out if you could qualify for benefits. Just to the right of each question is an information icon (a white “i” in a blue circle) that gives you tips on how to answer each question.

The “results” section appears automatically after you have completed some basic questions. BEST lists each program for which you might qualify. By clicking on the “read more” tab, you’ll find a description of the benefits program, its requirements, and what your next steps should be. If you are eligible for benefits, you must file an application for benefits with Social Security because BEST is not an application. The best way to do this is by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

You can go back and narrow your resource responses by answering additional questions. After you have reviewed the results, you can print a copy for your records or email yourself a copy.

BEST doesn’t screen for the Extra Help program, which helps with Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs. But see if you qualify at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/.

The results couldn’t be clearer — investing just ten minutes can yield all the possible resources available to you from Social Security. Now, that’s a tool worth using.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

Social Security has a toolbox full of resources on its website, www.socialsecurity.gov, to help you with your financial planning. With so many resources, maybe it’s easier if we highlight one of our “best.” BEST is the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, available at www.ssabest.benefits.gov. It can help you find out if you might be eligible for…
The Healthy Brain Initiative

Recognizing the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Alzheimer’s Association launched “The Healthy Brain Initiative” in 2013 to improve the diagnosis of dementia, and find and institute preventive measures.

Kuakini Medical Center is the home of several internationally renowned epidemiological research studies. The Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) began in 1965 to study heart disease and stroke in 8,006 Japanese-American men on O‘ahu born 1900–1919. The Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS) is an extension of the HHP, and was created to study dementia and other diseases of aging. It started in 1991 when the men were 71 to 93 years of age and is one of very few studies in the world that can associate risk factors from mid-life with outcomes in old age. Thirteen examination cycles were completed.

Some findings from the studies:

◆ The rates of Alzheimer’s were similar in Japanese-American men compared to Caucasians, but vascular dementia (stroke-related) was more common in Japanese-American men.

◆ Walking protected against future risks of developing dementia. Men who walked less than a quarter-mile daily had an 80 percent increase in the risk of developing new dementia compared to men who walked more than two miles daily.

◆ Men with untreated high blood pressure in mid-life had almost five times the risk of Alzhei-mer’s or vascular dementia 25 years later.

KUAKINI MEDICAL CENTER
347 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu, Hawai’i 96817

808-536-2236 | kuakini.org

Recognizing the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Alzheimer’s Association launched “The Healthy Brain Initiative” in 2013 to improve the diagnosis of dementia, and find and institute preventive measures.
A Place Called Home

Aging is a natural process that no one wants to face alone. Many people choose to live alone in their home as they age, but find themselves depressed, lonely and not eating right. There are many benefits to living in a retirement community. Ever wake up and: Wonder what you’re going to do for the day? Not eat a healthy meal because you don’t want to travel to the grocery store? Feel sick and don’t want to get out of bed?

Do you miss social encounters? Have you ever fallen and could not get to the phone to call for help? I like to think of a retirement community as a group of friends enjoying what they deserve in life, including laughter, entertainment, quality meals, carefree living and an extended family that cares about your well-being.

Today, an increasing number of families are turning to retirement communities for their aging loved ones. Living in a retirement community, you can experience vibrant and beautiful living spaces that promote wellness, recreation, socialization and healthy choices, not to mention the feeling of having additional services as you age.

When family members visit their loved ones in a retirement community, they’ll often find them exercising in the pool, arranging tropical floral bouquets, laughing with old and new friends, volunteering in the community thrift store or gardening. The best part, however, is knowing that your Mom or Dad has physical and emotional support in a safe environment with well-trained staff.

As we know, being active is one of the best ways to maintain good overall health. Many retirement communities offer wellness programs with a variety of fitness levels to set the pace you desire. You may be thinking, “What type of wellness programs?” Consider classes in tai chi, yoga, hula, water fitness exercises and strength and balance exercises. It’s important to find a community that meets your needs and your interests.

You might have to downsize your current home, but there are specialists who can help you find the right pieces to bring with you as you move into a retirement community. You will be surrounded by the things you love in life to make your new home feel special.

POHAI NANI

Contact: John Gruhler III | 808-236-7835
pohainani.org

Aging is a natural process that no one wants to face alone. Many people choose to live alone in their home as they age, but find themselves depressed, lonely and not eating right. There are many benefits to living in a retirement community.
Hawaii Five-0: Old Made New Again

Christmas came early for “Hawaii Five-0” fans last year. The Five-0 production team flawlessly executed the eighth season’s Sunset on The Beach premiere. The event attracts thousands of fans from across the world, cheering as the cast arrive at the red carpet, like former Honolulu resident Judy Glassmaker, who returns every year, and says, “The new season is awesome. Older fans like me, who grew up watching the original series, should watch with their grandkids.”

The seventh season opened with a surreal dialogue between the original McGarrett (Jack Lord) and the new McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin), who says, “Sometimes, it feels like this job of mine has taken everything good from me… I’m really starting to wonder whether any of it is worth it.” The original McGarrett replies, “Son, your worth is measured in… the people you save…”

Likewise, those transitioning to Medicare say that aging, retirement or change in health status can leave them feeling worthless. I remind them that in the ’60s, their generation changed the world. They fought for the rights of others and a world filled with peace and love. So, to those newly eligible for Medicare, it’s time to put down those picket signs, upgrade to Facebook, get your Medicare insurance and enjoy family and friends who love and cherish you, no matter your age.

Continue to lobby for change via your mobile device as you “Rock On!”

MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
KHNR-690AM:
Sat., 2 pm–2:30 pm, Sun., 9:30 am–10 am

808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

To learn more about free Medicare wellness visits, go to:
www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-visit-and-yearly-wellness-exams.html

Hawaii Five-0 flawlessly executed the eighth season’s Sunset on The Beach premiere. The event attracts thousands of fans from across the world, cheering as the cast arrive at the red carpet, like former Honolulu resident Judy Glassmaker, who returns every year and who grew up watching the original series.
Kupuna Caregivers Program Launches
In 2017, Hawai‘i legislators and Gov. David Ige created the Kupuna Caregivers Program. This program helps family caregivers who work at least 30 hours per week outside the home by providing a $70-per-day benefit in services that could help make home caregiving for aging family members more affordable. It could help provide services such as home healthcare workers, extra help preparing meals, adult daycare costs or transportation when a family caregiver is not available. The program is subject to the availability of funds and paid directly to contracted service providers (not the family caregiver).

To be eligible, family caregivers must:

Be employed at least 30 hours per week (by one or more employers),

Provide direct care to a care recipient who is a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien; age 60 or older; and not covered by any comparable government or private home and community-based care service, except ku¯puna care services.

The care recipient cannot reside in a long-term care facility and must have impairments of at least two activities of daily living, or two instrumental activities of daily living, or one activity of daily living and one instrumental activity of daily living, or substantive cognitive impairment requiring substantial supervision.

Applying for the program includes:

Employment verification of caregiver,

Assessment of the care recipient,

A caregiver burden assessment.

Governor Ige signs the Kupuna Caregivers bill into action with supporters at the Hawai‘i State Capitol.

When given the choice, most kūpuna prefer aging at home. This is true for both emotional and financial reasons. Our extended ‘ohana are incredible caregivers but providing that care can create its own financial and emotional stress. According to the Genworth 2017 Annual Cost of Care Survey, the cost of home healthcare in Hawai‘i was more than $10,000 higher than the national average. This is why family members often seek to provide care themselves.

But when the caregiver is working full-time, adding care duties to the obligations of a job outside the house brings additional personal strain for the caregiver. Care duties can have an effect on job performance, too: Arriving late after helping an elder get settled or off to adult daycare, reducing hours at work to help take care of a kupuna, or turning down a promotion because of caregiving duties at home. The Kupuna Caregivers Program addresses the needs of both ku¯puna and family caregivers. This is what makes it unique in the nation.

Interested caregivers should contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) as soon as possible to apply at 808-643-2372. This also is the number to call to receive further information.

From Jan. 1 to June 30, 2018, a total of $600,000 is available to provide these services. FACE, Caring Across Generations, AARP and other organizations will ask the Legislature to provide more money effective July 1, 2018. To support this effort to advocate for the Kupuna Caregivers program, visit Care4Kupuna.org.

KUPUNA CAREGIVERS PROGRAM

808-643-2372 | hawaiiadrc.org
In 2017, Hawai‘i legislators and Gov. David Ige created the Kupuna Caregivers Program. This program helps family caregivers who work at least 30 hours per week outside the home by providing a $70-per-day benefit in services that could help make home caregiving for aging family members more affordable.
Home-Based Seniors Help Patients

Inside her Mo‘ili‘ili condo, Yoko Futa, an 83-year-old former clerk for the State Department of Transportation, volunteers for about 10 hours a week, helping patients at Queen’s hospitals. Yes, she volunteers from her own home.

Yoko Futa

Futa is a member of The Queen’s Medical Center’s Volunteers in Place program, a way for community-minded people and groups to serve at home, centers or sites.

Program participants are crafters who create oncology caps, lap blankets, newborn baby beanies and Hawaiian-print heart pillows, created from donated materials. “There are people who want to be of service to others, but maybe they no longer drive, have limited mobility, or simply prefer to stay at home or with their own groups,” said April Light, volunteer program manager at Queen’s. “This program offers them an opportunity to contribute and make a difference in our patients’ lives.”

“For me, when you’re retired, you have nothing but time,” Futa said. “Now I’m doing something I really enjoy and putting my time to good use. The end result is something that is needed, so it makes you feel good.”

From left: 15 Craigside craft group members Violet Irinaka, Mabel Sekiya, Florence Nakamura, Hisako Toyooka, Violet Chang, Willie Faria and Katherine Sia.

The Volunteers in Place program immediately appealed to the residents of 15 Craigside, a retirement community in Nu‘uanu. A group of about a dozen women — the oldest is 92 — meet Monday mornings to knit, crochet, sew or stuff pillows.

“We laugh, we roar, sometimes we’re so loud,” said volunteer Willie Faria. Another volunteer,
Violet Irinaka, joked, “It keeps you out of trouble.”

Last June, Pearl City resident Barbara “Bobbie” Omoto retired from the University of Hawai‘i Athletic Department where she served as secretary for the men’s basketball team. Now, the 73-year-old grandmother devotes her love for crocheting to Queen’s patients. “I get a sense of joy from doing this,” Omoto said. “I’m happy if I can make something that someone can use, and they can be happy, too. That’s enough for me.”

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

If residents of your retirement community can knit, crochet or sew and are interested in the program, or in donating Hawaiian-print fabric, stuffing or knitting and crocheting supplies, please call Queen’s Volunteer Services at 808-691-4397.

THE QUEEN’S MEDICAL CENTER

Volunteers in Place program (VIP)
808-691-4397
queensmedicalcenter.org/be-a-volunteer-home

Yoko Futa, an 83-year-old former clerk for the Dept. of Transportation, volunteers for about 10 hours a week, helping patients at Queen’s hospitals. Yoko Futa is a member of The Queen’s Medical Center’s Volunteers in Place program, a way for community-minded people and groups to serve at home, centers or sites.
You’ve Got Mail: New Medicare Cards

New Medicare cards will be issued and mailed to beneficiaries between April 2018 and April 2019. In an attempt to protect your identity, the new cards will have a unique number for you instead of your Social Security number, or the number of someone through which you receive Medicare benefits.

When you receive your card, you have one simple step to complete: Open your mail when it arrives!

You do not need to take any other action to get your new card. Since you are aware that a new Medicare card will be sent to you, it is a good idea to contact Medicare and verify they have your correct address or request an update.

There is no charge for the new card, and your current coverage or benefits are not impacted by the change. However, Medicare officials are warning Medicare beneficiaries about possible scam artists, posing as Medicare representatives. These individuals may ask you to confirm information, tell you there is a charge for the card or falsely state that your Medicare benefits will be cancelled if you do not give them your information.

Medicare officials advise that if someone calls you and asks for your Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and report the suspicious call to 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

Medicare telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also contact Medicare for guidance on getting replacement cards and making address changes.

MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
A radio program with Martha Khlopin

KHNR-690AM:
Saturdays, noon to 12:30 pm
Sundays, 9:30 am to 10 am

808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

New Medicare cards will be issued and mailed to beneficiaries between April 2018 and April 2019. In an attempt to protect your identity, the new cards will have a unique number for you instead of your Social Security number, or the number of someone through which you receive Medicare benefits. When you receive your card,…
Sign Language Videos and Email Scams

Q

I heard there is a Social Security video available in American Sign Language. Where can I find it?

A

Yes, it’s true. The video is called “Social Security, SSI and Medicare: What You Need to Know About These Vital Programs.” The video is available in American Sign Language and presents important information about our programs. You can watch the video now at www.socialsecurity.gov/multimedia/video/asl. The video is a part of our larger collection of on-demand videos and webinars available at www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars and at www.YouTube.com.

Q

I got an email that says it’s from Social Security, but I’m not so sure. They want me to reply with my Social Security number, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name for “verification.” Did it really come from Social Security?

A

No. Social Security will not send you an email asking you to share your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information. Beware of such scams — they’re after your information so they can use it for their own benefit. When in doubt, or if you have any questions about correspondence you receive from Social Security, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to see whether we really need any information from you.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri:

1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Q I heard there is a Social Security video available in American Sign Language. Where can I find it? A Yes, it’s true. The video is called “Social Security, SSI and Medicare: What You Need to Know About These Vital Programs.” The video is available in American Sign Language and presents important information about our…
Bumper-to-Bumper Service Checks

Have you taken your car in for its 10,000-mile service checkup? If you are like most car owners who need a reliable car that can go the distance, you schedule an appointment the moment your mechanic sends a reminder. The bumper-to-bumper inspection requires a trained professional to perform an extensive list of tests, including a battery check, look under the hood, and a review of fluid levels and brakes.

But how do you respond when your healthcare provider sends you a checkup notice? Do you keep up with your body’s maintenance?

Did you schedule your free annual Medicare wellness visit, a comprehensive examination to check if critical systems are functioning well?

Remember, your body functions just like any machine. To perform optimally, you need to go in for your 365-day service checkup and stay up to date with your preventive screenings.

You may not be that excited about scheduling the tests; you may ignore the notices because you really don’t want anyone hammering your knees to check reflexes, and asking for a blood draw and urine sample to “check your fluids.”

Here’s a tip: When you get your auto’s annual service check notice, give your health provider a call to find out if you are overdue for your personal health service checkup.

If you are, get it scheduled.

MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
A radio program with Martha Khlopin

KHNR-690AM:
Saturdays, 2 pm–2:30 pm
Sundays, 9:30 am–10 am

808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

To learn more about free Medicare wellness visits, go to:
www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-visit-and-yearly-wellness-exams.html

Have you taken your car in for its 10,000-mile service checkup? If you are like most car owners who need a reliable car that can go the distance, you schedule an appointment the moment your mechanic sends a reminder. The bumper-to-bumper inspection requires a trained professional to perform an extensive list of tests, including a…
How to Use ‘my Social Security’

The Social Security Administration is serious about safeguarding what’s important to you, as we continue to evaluate and improve our protection programs.

Our robust, easy-to-use cyber security program is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure.

Most people who conduct online business use the SSA portal, “my Social Security.”

This can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/.

Since “my Social Security” became available in May 2012, more than 30 million people have created and used their own accounts. The design puts you in control — whether you’re using a computer, smartphone or tablet.

If you already are receiving benefits, the “my Social Security” website allows you to:

◆ Request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain requirements.

◆ Receive your benefit verification letter.

◆ Check your benefit and payment information and earnings record.

◆ Change your address and phone number.

◆ Start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment.

◆ Request a replacement Medicare card.

◆ Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S form for tax season.

Even if you have not started receiving benefits, “my Social Security” can help you. For example, the site allows you to receive a Social Security card if you meet certain requirements, check the status of your application or appeal, and access other resources.

Since June 10, 2017, we have required a second method to check the identification of “my Social Security” account holders who register or sign in. This is in addition to the first layer of security, which is a username and password.

Using the second method, you either can choose your cell phone or your email address. Using two identification methods helps to protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud.

If you select email as your second method, you can ensure that the one-time security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.

The “my Social Security” portal automatically adjusts to the size of the screen and device you use — such as a tablet, smartphone or computer.

No matter what type of device you choose,
the SSA provides full, easy-to-use access to your personal “my Social Security” account.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri:

1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

The Social Security Administration is serious about safeguarding what’s important to you, as we continue to evaluate and improve our protection programs. Our robust, easy-to-use cyber security program is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure. Most people who conduct online business use the SSA portal, “my Social Security.” This can be found…
Common Misconceptions About Medicaid

By Daniel Bonilla, MedData Community Medicaid Long-Term Care Coordinator

The decision to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to finances. In Hawai‘i, a long-term care facility can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a month, which is unaffordable for many families.

Medicaid’s long-term care coverage — an option that can help — is often overlooked because of common misconceptions about who qualifies and what is covered.

Here are five misconceptions:

“I will not be approved because I am not a citizen of the U.S.”

Generally, people who have been permanent residents of the United States for more than five years or those who are from a nation under the Compacts of Free Association who are 65 or older ARE eligible for Medicaid as long as they are Hawai‘i residents.

“I make too much money to qualify for Medicaid long-term care.”

Traditional Medicaid coverage does have an in-come eligibility limit, but there is generally no income limit to qualify for Medicaid long-term care. In fact, the more money you make, the less the state incurs in expenses to pay for your coverage.

“I can’t have any money in the bank to qualify for Medicaid long-term care.”

You may have checking, savings and other assets. If you are single, you can qualify with up to $2,000 in assets. If you are married, that amount increases significantly to $119,220 in joint assets.

“I’m over the asset limit; I own my home.”

Owning a home does not disqualify you from receiving Medicaid long-term care. There are many factors that contribute to whether or not the value of your property will be included in your eligible asset limit, such as its total value or if you still have an outstanding mortgage on your home.

“I will lose my home if I obtain Medicaid long-term care.”

If you are approved for Medicaid long-term care, the state may put a lien on your home but this does not mean that you will lose it. The circumstances that determine whether the state can or cannot place a lien on your property will vary. For example, if your spouse is currently living in the home, a lien cannot be placed on your property.

MEDDATA
For free screening: 808-566-6666 | 855-690-8977
www.meddata.com

By Daniel Bonilla, MedData Community Medicaid Long-Term Care Coordinator The decision to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to finances. In Hawai‘i, a long-term care facility can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a month, which is unaffordable for many families. Medicaid’s long-term care coverage — an option…

Category: Programs & Services

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