Category: Programs & Services

  • Strong Families Survive

    In June we celebrate National Family Month, which is a great time to reflect on your family and how to make it stronger. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication, growth, affection, fun, and love. Strong families are more likely to grow…

  • Preference, Dignity, and Choice

    Are you or someone you know living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility? Are you interested in moving back home to the community? The Hawai‘i Going Home Plus (GHP)project can help to explore community choices and services available, create a care plan to meet your individual needs, and find the housing and…

  • Adult Foster Care: A Caring Alternative

    Yes. Adult Foster Care, also known as the Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH), is a program that offers an alternative long-term care option to individuals who are unable to live independently and in need of medical care. This program was created to prevent the institutionalization of older adults and promote quality of life. It’s…

  • Social Security: Best Ways to Do Business with SSA

    Many people save time by going online to take care of everyday tasks. For example, they shop online to avoid going to crowded malls or stores. They pay bills and check their account balances online to save a trip to the bank. It’s true of Social Security business, too. You can save a lot of…

  • Payments, Lost Pensions and Free Legal Help

    Like many retirees and widows, Margaret has been relying on a fixed income. Suddenly, she receives a letter from the pension company stating that her monthly pension of $800 was an error and will be reduced to pay back a $4,000 overpayment. The pension is Margaret’s only income and already doesn’t cover basic living expenses.…

  • How to Re-Enroll in Medicare

    As it may happen to some seniors, retirees or other individuals with Medicare, the decision to get off of any health insurance plan is a personal risk. And then deciding to get back on becomes another decision/challenge. Here, a personal friend contacted me asking what it would take to do such a thing. How to…

  • Medicare: Staying Healthy

    February is “Heart Healthy Month” (and for all of you sweethearts out there, don’t forget Valentine’s Day on February 14th). Taking care of your heart is very important and there are some easy things that each of us can do. Ask your physician what your “healthy weight” is and make an effort to eat lots…

  • Social Security: W-2s, 1099s and Benefits

    April’s showers bring more than just May’s flowers — they also bring the deadline day for filing taxes. Don’t wait until the showers arrive to prepare for tax season. Whether you are a small business owner, a retiree, or a new parent, here are some Social Security tax tips that may help you. Are Social Security benefits…

  • What is a Case Manager?

    Most travelers will tell you that having a guide when exploring new places can be very helpful. A case manager can be that guide as we begin to explore the options available to us as we age. Case management is a holistic, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to the planning and delivery of care and services to…

  • Good News for Homeowners

    The City & County of Honolulu offers a home rehabilitation loan program to owner-occupant homeowners on Oahu, whose incomes do not exceed 80% of the area median income. The loans can be used to repair and correct deteriorated and hazardous conditions on the property, such as damage caused by termites, leaky roof, faulty electrical wiring…

  • Social Security: Report Your Name Change

    If you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you will want to report the change to Social Security. There are several reasons to report the change. One, is that the IRS and Social Security match computer records. If your name on your Social Security number and tax return…

  • Benefits Enrollment Center: Can Help You

    The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) was recently awarded one of 20 Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) Grants nationwide from the National Council on Aging. The BEC grant supports the development of person-centered, community-based system to provide outreach, and to help seniors and younger adults with disabilities with limited means to enroll in public and private programs…