Category: Programs & Services

  • Supporting Seniors Islandwide

    Did you know Waikīkī Community Center (WCC) supports all O‘ahu seniors, not just those from Waikīkī¯?

    ACTIVE AGING: WCC offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and activities that can help improve balance, keep your mind sharp and teach you something new, all while having fun! Tai chi, hula, repurposing old jewelry, garden club, scrabble, ikebana and line dance are just a few examples of what the center offers.

    SENIOR ASSISTANCE COORDINATION (SAC): SAC helps seniors facing a variety of challenges. We provide support for issues such as housing, nutrition, caregiver support and finances by coordinating other local services and accessing our programs. SAC can include direct financial
    assistance for emergencies and basic needs, such as help with utility and medical bills, or rental assistance.

    “BUILD” EMERGENCY SAVINGS: For O‘ahu residents who are working, BUILD is a savings program that provides up to $1,000 in matched savings (we’ll put in $1 for every dollar you save), with the goal of building $2,000 in savings over six to 12 months.

    FREE PARKING/ACCESSIBLE BY BUS: It’s easy to get here! There’s free parking in front of the buildings and a bus stop two blocks away.

    WAIKĪKĪ COMMUNITY CENTER (nonprofit)
    310 Paoakalani Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
    808-923-1802 | info@waikikicommunitycenter.org
    waikikicommunitycenter.org
    (Photo, L–R) Cecilia Brown, haku lei class instructor, and class
    participant Cecilia Zarate.

    Did you know Waikīkī Community Center (WCC) supports all O‘ahu seniors, not just those from Waikīkī¯? ACTIVE AGING: WCC offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and activities that can help improve balance, keep your mind sharp and teach you something new, all while having fun! Tai chi, hula, repurposing old jewelry, garden club, scrabble,…

  • Keeping Up with KEY’s Kūpuna

    In the heart of Waihe‘e, O‘ahu, nestled under the protection of the mighty Ko‘olau Mountains, lies KEY Project’s Nā Pua o Ko‘olau Kūpuna Program. Rooted in honoring those who served us, this free program offers a safe haven where kūpuna ages 50 years and older living from Kane’ohe to Kahuku can thrive through weekly social engagement, food and nourishment, and immersion in Hawaiian culture.

    At the core of the Kūpuna Program are its weekly social activities, including catered meals at Kūpuna Breakfast and Kūpuna Lunch. Other workshops serve as a bridge to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural arts, traditions and practices. Through hands-on experiences, kūpuna learn lei-making, ulana lau niu (coconut frond weaving), Hawaiian quilting and more. With the program’s intention to keep kūpuna mobile, they also visit neighboring wahi pana (legendary places) on monthly huaka‘i (trips) from Waihe‘e Watershed Tunnel, to exploring lo‘i kalo (taro patches), and traveling by boat to hear the mo‘olelo (stories, myths an legends) of Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island, a 28-acre island in Kane’ohe Bay). Each month is an adventure waiting to happen!

    Overall, KEY Project’s Nā Pua o Ko‘olau Kūpuna Program celebrates the golden years of life. Serving as that second home for many, you will quickly discover the key to its success are the program members themselves. Sign up for free at keyproject.org/kupuna-program or pick up a form at our office to be our next “pua” (flower)!

    KEY PROJECT (nonprofit)
    47-200 Waihee Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744
    808-239-5777 | kupuna@keyproject.org
    keyproject.org

    In the heart of Waihe‘e, O‘ahu, nestled under the protection of the mighty Ko‘olau Mountains, lies KEY Project’s Nā Pua o Ko‘olau Kūpuna Program. Rooted in honoring those who served us, this free program offers a safe haven where kūpuna ages 50 years and older living from Kane’ohe to Kahuku can thrive through weekly social…

  • Mō‘ili‘ili Community Center

    The Mō‘ili‘ili Senior Center is dedicated to enriching seniors’ lives through activities that enhance fine motor skills, cognition, balance and strength. Our offerings include exercise, dance, music, crafts, painting, Japanese and multicultural games. We strive to keep seniors safe, informed and connected.

    The Mō‘ili‘ili Community Center (MCC) Senior Program serves seniors 60 years and older living from Ward Avenue to Hawai‘i Kai. It receives partial funding from the Elderly Affairs Division, Department of Community Services, City and County of Honolulu, and the Hawai‘i Executive Office of Aging, an Aloha United Way Agency.

    Mō‘ili‘ili: A Community with Rich Heritage

    Mō‘ili‘ili has a rich history and cultural diversity. MCC began as a Japanese language school and continues to offer after-school Japanese language classes along with an after-school program that includes homework assistance, fun exercise and play. Keiki and kūpuna engage in shared activities, bridging generations and emphasizing sonkei — respect and care for elders.

    MCC: A Hub of Support

    Since 1945, MCC has been a cornerstone of Mō‘ili‘ili, offering programs such as:

    • Mō‘ili‘ili Senior Center (MSC): Fitness, arts, crafts, health talks and educational workshops
    • Kupuna Support Program (KSP): Respite care with social activities, hot meals, daily exercise, and cognitive activities
    • Children and Family Program (CFP): Afterschool programs, summer camps and cultural activities are offered

    Community Impact

    At Mō‘ili‘ili Community Center, we create a supportive environment where seniors can thrive. We welcome you to visit us, participate in our programs, and stay active and connected at the Mō‘ili‘ili Senior Center.

    Join us in celebration of Mō‘ili‘ili’s rich cultural diversity and become a valued member of our vibrant community today.

    MŌ‘ILI‘ILI COMMUNITY CENTER (private nonprofit)
    2535 South King St., Honolulu, HI 96826
    808-955-1555 | office@moiliilicc.org
    moiliilicc.org

    The Mō‘ili‘ili Senior Center is dedicated to enriching seniors’ lives through activities that enhance fine motor skills, cognition, balance and strength. Our offerings include exercise, dance, music, crafts, painting, Japanese and multicultural games. We strive to keep seniors safe, informed and connected. The Mō‘ili‘ili Community Center (MCC) Senior Program serves seniors 60 years and older…

  • Moloka‘i Kupuna Program Fills the Gap

    Imagine living and working on Moloka‘i most or all your life. Now you’re a kūpuna and many of your ‘ohana members have moved out of the family home or off the island, leaving you to live alone. You begin to feel depressed and cut off from family and even friends.

    To fill this gap, the Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) runs the Moloka‘i Kupuna Program, a comprehensive program developed to provide a wide range of services, activities and socialization opportunities for seniors. Funded by the County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Office of Aging (MCOA), the program is under the direction and coordination of myself and my staff.

    Activities: MRHCA has partnered with programs and individuals who provide kupuna-friendly activities, such as hula, theater, ceramics, online painting, leihulu (feather lei making), ‘ukulele classes, lauhala weaving, origami and other cultural activities. One of the program’s primary goals is to provide outlets for socialization and talk story time for kūpuna and their peers as they participate in these activities.

    Health: Exercise classes, tai-chi and stretching sessions help loosen up ku¯puna’s stiff muscles. In collaboration with Sustainable Moloka‘i, ku¯puna receive free bags of fresh produce. Outreach workers visit the homebound in tandem with our public health nurses.

    Education: Computer classes and online classes in Social Security, Medicare and gerontology are also offered.

    Services: Kūpuna who have received haircuts, lomilomi massages or footcare from the podiatrist often say they “feel like a million dollars.” Yard and house cleaning services are also available.

    The MRHCA is very grateful to provide these services to our island kūpuna and we are happy that they entrust us with their daily needs.

    MOLOKA‘I RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOC.
    PO Box 290614, Hoolehua, HI 96729
    808-774-8991 | kupunaprogram.wixsite.com

    Imagine living and working on Moloka‘i most or all your life. Now you’re a kūpuna and many of your ‘ohana members have moved out of the family home or off the island, leaving you to live alone. You begin to feel depressed and cut off from family and even friends. To fill this gap, the…

  • ‘We Never Talked About It’

    The patient is in a coma. The doctor at the hospital is asking, “What kind of care would your dad have wanted if he could speak?” Too often, the answer is “I wish I knew. We never talked about it.”

    Medical technology is extending our lives. But many people are dying in ways they would not choose, and many survivors are left feeling guilty and uncertain whether they made the right decisions for their loved ones. However, it doesn’t need to be this way.

    The Big Island’s Community First Hawai‘i nonprofit strives to change this scenario by holding free workshops every other month via Zoom and in person to help folks complete their Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD), a legal document that allows you to choose someone to speak for you and documents your end-of-life care choices.

    For those who already have a Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney or an AHCD, the workshop helps in reviewing their document to ensure it meets their current needs.

    COMMUNITY FIRST HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    PO Box 7158, Hilo, HI 96720
    Call or email for a link to workshop recordings.
    808-756-9637 | info@communityfirsthawaii.org
    communityfirsthawaii.org/advance-health-care-directive

    The patient is in a coma. The doctor at the hospital is asking, “What kind of care would your dad have wanted if he could speak?” Too often, the answer is “I wish I knew. We never talked about it.”

  • Smiling Faces at Moloka‘i’s Friendly Places

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kūpuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on Aging to promote overall health and wellness. Program Manager Ku‘ulei Arce describes MRHCA as a “one-stop place that aims to help kūpuna live a well-rounded life.”

    The programs offered include computer classes at the Moloka‘i Education Center twice a month, weekly stretching and hula classes held at Home Pumehana, and sewing classes held at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Other offerings include pickleball, ‘ukulele and origami, healthy eating workshops, excursions and one-off events such as Christmas with Melveen Leed, which was held at the Moloka‘i Community Health Center.

    Socialization and fun

    One program that MRCHA supports is the Kupuna Fun Night put on by Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (HCTOM). Held once a month at Home Pumehana, it provides socialization, a congregate meal, and activities designed to “keep kūpuna engaged and provide them with tools to help them live better—like listening and remembering,” says HCTOM Founder Vicki Boswell. The participants also work on joint projects with the keiki, creating costumes, building and painting sets, and performing together for the public.

    A recent Keiki and Kūpuna Comedy Variety Show featured stand-up and mime by both age groups.

    Small but mighty

    Another nonprofit that focuses on kūpuna health and wellbeing is Mālama Molokai Wellness. Tai chi classes are held twice a week in an adjacent outdoor space. Other options include low-impact interval training and “kūpuna strong” classes. The exercise class designed to strengthen the body’s core muscles aims to aid balance, which helps prevent falls.

    Music, smiles and laughter abound, making a mighty impact in participants’ lives!

    MOLOKA‘I RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
    808-774-8991
    HCTOM KUPUNA FUN NIGHT
    808-658-0869
    instagram.com/hokulanictom
    MĀLAMA MOLOKAI WELLNESS
    808-460-7411
    facebook.com/malama.mkk.wellness

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kupuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on…

  • Preventing & Reporting Healthcare Fraud

    Close-up of mixed race attractive confident adult woman in headset, sitting in office, working as operator of call center or support service, looking directly at the camera and smiling friendlyPrevention education is the best defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. When there is malicious intent to commit fraud, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) gets involved and works with state and federal partners to report cases for investigation.

    SMP Hawaii Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Woodland cites one recent case involving the son of an elderly couple who called the program’s helpline. An imposter had convinced his parents that their bank was under investigation and advised them to transfer their money to a Hong Kong account for safekeeping.

    SMP told him to immediately call the police and make a report. Once the case was filed, SMP worked with the family, police and bank officials to freeze the funds. Thankfully, they were able to recover almost all of the money.

    Hawai‘i leads the nation in life expectancy at 80.7 years. As this population continues to increase, fraudsters will continue to prey upon our vulnerable older adults with scams that are becoming very sophisticated, ultimately impacting the overall health of older adults.

    Volunteer with SMP Hawaii today to help protect our kūpuna! Roles include administrative support, information distribution, counselors, presenters and exhibitors.

    SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL (SMP) HAWAII
    800-296-9422 | info@smphawaii.org
    smphawaii.org | Facebook: smphawaii808

    Prevention education is the best defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. When there is malicious intent to commit fraud, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) gets involved and works with state and federal partners to report cases for investigation.

  • Increase Your Independence

    When people hear the word “technology”, they often think of complex machines that are difficult to use. However, “AT” is a term used for any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities.

    AT includes high-tech items, such as speech generating devices and smart home controls, and low-tech devices, such as jar openers, large grip utensils and magnifying glasses.

    Find more information about AT at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii, the State of Hawai‘i’s designated Assistive Technology Act agency helping all age groups problem solve for increased independence.

    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTERS OF HAWAII (nonprofit)
    200 N. Vineyard Blvd, Ste 430, Honolulu, HI 96817
    808-532-7111 | office@atrc.org | atrc.org
    ATRC does not sell products, but recommends vendors. Device demonstration and lending programs give individuals and groups the opportunity to make an informed choice about an AT device prior to acquiring one.

    Do you ever find yourself having difficulty with routine tasks that you used to be able to do with ease? Making lunch? Brushing your hair? Reading a novel? Hearing the television? Assistive technology (AT) can help with all of these and more. AT can help with a variety of challenges: hearing, vision, communication, computer/phone access,…

  • Smart Long-Term Care Search Strategies

    Younger woman talking with senior person about long-term careMore than 50% of us will experience stress and anxiety while seeking long-term care, according to a recent AARP study. Firstly, it is difficult to find information about all the available services. Worse yet, without a way to easily compare them, they are seemingly indistinguishable (after all, there are over 1,800 senior care facilities and providers in Hawai‘i). Lastly, families are often caught off guard and must choose a care provider quickly.

    Given the challenges, follow these strategies to successfully navigate complex and diverse care system:

    • Allow ample time to learn the essentials: The details can be overwhelming and even healthcare professionals have difficulty grasping the ins and outs of senior care.

    • Know your needs: Each family is unique. Even spouses have different care requirements, budgets and preferences. It is easy to get distracted by
    the nice-to-have features.

    • Cast your net wide first, then narrow down options: Every type of care has distinct pros and cons; every provider has strengths and weaknesses. Only you can decide which will fit your needs.

    While it’s impossible to know the future, these strategies are guaranteed to help you when the time comes to seek senior care.

    KUPUNA CARE PAIR
    2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu, HI 96822
    808-779-8871 | hello@kupunacarepair.com
    kupunacarepair.com

    More than 50% of us will experience stress and anxiety while seeking long-term care, according to a recent AARP study. Firstly, it is difficult to find information about all the available services. Worse yet, without a way to easily compare them, they are seemingly indistinguishable (after all, there are over 1,800 senior care facilities and…

  • Mediwhat? Medigap!

    Hand arranging wood block stacking with icon healthcare medical, Insurance for your health conceptFor beneficiaries on Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan may provide the extra coverage they need. Also known as “Medigap” plans, these policies which are sold by private insurance companies fill the “gaps” not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for services.

    To be eligible to purchase a Medigap, an individual must be enrolled into Part B. This kickstarts the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for 6 months. During this period, insurance companies can’t deny enrollment and will provide coverage at the best price. Outside this period, one can still buy a Medigap policy, but restrictions may apply. Beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage plans are ineligible to purchase a Medigap.

    Contact Hawaii SHIP to learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance. Request a free Medigap plan comparison and a list of authorized insurance companies in Hawai‘i. Local, certified SHIP specialists provide unbiased information in one-on-one sessions, compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and help low-income clients apply for Medicaid and Extra Help assistance.

    HAWAII SHIP
    Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling is 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
    hawaiiship.org

    For beneficiaries on Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan may provide the extra coverage they need.

  • Medicare Special Enrollment Period

    Here's a photo of a woman sitting at home reading some information about the Medicare Special enrollment period.A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is the time when an eligible Medicare beneficiary may sign up for a Medicare plan under exceptional circumstances.

    It’s vital to understand eligibility for Medicare plan SEP to help avoid a late enrollment penalty.

    SEP is granted to beneficiaries who were unable to enroll in a plan during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) for valid reasons.

    It depends on the personal situation, such as moving out of your existing Medicare plan’s service area, losing employer-provided medical coverage or losing Medicaid eligibility.

    The beginning and end dates of SEP will vary from one qualifying event to the next.

    The SEP rules allow you to do one of the following:

    • Enroll in Medicare Part B any time while you or your spouse are covered by a group health plan based on current employment
    • Enroll in Medicare Part B during the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the group health plan coverage ends — whichever happens first. If you don’t enroll by the end of the 8-month period, you’ll have to wait until the next GEP, which begins Jan. 1 of the next year.

    COPELAND INSURANCE GROUP
    1360 S. Beretania St., Ste. 209, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-591-4877 | josie@copelandgroupusa.com
    copelandgroupusa.com

    A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is the time when an eligible Medicare beneficiary may sign up for a Medicare plan under exceptional circumstances.