Category: Date

MEO is Rolling on Maui

Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) is a hub for transportation throughout Maui County. It lives up to its motto: “Helping People… Changing Lives” by coordinating the services of over 20 different agencies and nonprofits, and providing low-cost specialized transportation with grant support from the county of Maui, Department of Transportation. These services are particularly important to seniors and persons with disabilities.

The Maui County Department of Transportation contracts with Roberts Hawaii, Inc. to run the Maui Bus fixed route MEO starts the next sentence MEO runs the complementary paratransit service. Disabled riders must qualify for the paratransit service through Maui County Department of Transportation. Riders of the fixed route and paratransit may purchase daily or monthly bus passes on any Maui Bus or paratransit vehicle and at Maui Mall in Kahului at the County Business Resource Center or at the Wharf Cinema Center Management Office in Lahaina.

MEO’s most recent collaboration with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) created the One-Call, One-Click Transportation Resource Center to assist veterans and military families getting around Maui to take care of business. To use the service, veterans just have to register with the Maui County ADRC. For more information call 808-344-1703 (8am – 4pm) or visit www.Maui1Click.com anytime.

MEO Human Service Transportation also offers rural shopping shuttles in Hana and on the islands of Molokai and Lanai. MEO is the only public transportation on these islands. Disabled riders living outside the 3/4-mile service area of paratransit may use the Ala Hou service.

Ala Hou “On the Move Again” accessible vans serve persons with disabilities who have registered with MEO and live more than 3/4-mile from the fixed route. Reservations may be made 14 days in advance for scheduled service, daily from 8am to 4:30pm.

Other human services transportation include Senior Services, Day Health, Nutrition, Leisure, Employment-to-Work for low-Income workers, Dialysis and after school Youth Transport. Upcountry Maui citizens may connect to local financial and medical offices on i-Shuttles. Through Maui County Department of Transportation, MEO offers fare discounts for individuals with verified disabilities who use the fixed-route Maui Bus Service. Low-income workers may also receive free rides to and from work.

MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC
99 Mahalani St., Wailuku, HI 96793 808.249.2990 | Transportation: 808-877-7651 www.meoinc.org
FOR NEIGHBOR ISLAND SENIOR BUS TRANSPORTS:
Kauai: www.tinyurl.com/KauaiCounty-SeniorBus 808-246-8110
Hawaii: www.tinyurl.com/HawaiiCounty-SeniorBus East HI: 808-961-2681, West HI: 808-322-3429

Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) is a hub for transportation throughout Maui County. It lives up to its motto: “Helping People… Changing Lives” by coordinating the services of over 20 different agencies and nonprofits, and providing low-cost specialized transportation with grant support from the county of Maui, Department of Transportation. These services are particularly important…
Hop On Da Bus!
I greeted few ku¯puna at the bus stop in front of Nordstrom at Ala Moana Shopping Center with one question: “Why do you like riding the bus?” All agreed on a few things — the bus is convenient, a pleasant experience, and a great place to meet new and interesting people.

This is Debbie Taylor, who takes the same bus to Kailua after 25 years and likes that there is “no worry about parking.” Others like Mirsada Dumisic have been taking the bus for five years, and she and her husband have even sold their cars.

Here is information on the senior fares:

One-way fare=$1 with proof-of-purchase of a $10 senior card or a valid U.S. Medicare Card. To purchase a senior card, you must go to TheBus Pass Office (at Kalihi Transit Center) and it entitles you to the reduced senior fare for four years. Bring your state identification card, birth certificate, passport or driver’s license for proof of age. The monthly pass can be purchased either at the TheBus Pass Office or the Satellite City Hall. Note that the Satellite City Hall only accepts cash

Unlimited rides, monthly or annually, are offered for seniors by the C&C of Honolulu:
– $5 per month. A monthly pass sticker is given to affix to your senior card.
– $30 per year. This annual bus pass allows you unlimited rides during the calendar year on regular or express service buses. A two calendaryear pass for $60. You must purchase their initial
annual pass at TheBus Pass Office. Once you purchase a pass, you may renew your pass by mail. The Pass By Mail Program will mail you an application to renew the month before your annual pass will expire. Once TheBus receives your application and payment, the office will mail you a new sticker to put on your current pass card. If seniors do not wish to do this by mail, they can always go to the TheBus Pass Office and renew in person. Either way, TheBus is a great bargain.

As I hurried to take her picture before May boarded the #17 for Makiki, she said, “Taking the bus is convenient because it stops right in front of my house and the bus drivers on #17 are friendly.” Dumisic chimed in, “The new buses are fantastic! The seats are clean and not too high.” You might enjoy getting out and around town without the hassels of driving, so get your senior card and pass today and hop on Da Bus!

THEBUS — HONOLULU 808-848-5555 | www.thebus.org
TheBus Pass Office: Kalihi Transit Center,Middle Street & Kamehameha Hwy. (808) 848-4444
I greeted few ku¯puna at the bus stop in front of Nordstrom at Ala Moana Shopping Center with one question: “Why do you like riding the bus?” All agreed on a few things — the bus is convenient, a pleasant experience, and a great place to meet new and interesting people. This is Debbie Taylor,…
Don’t Let Falls Trip Us Up
Falls become more common and more serious as we age. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent them. First, identify the health factors that can increase your risk for falling: poor eyesight, reduced reaction time, reduced muscle strength and medications that affect alertness, blood pressure or balance. Whenever you feel unsteady, use a cane or walker and promptly replace worn rubber tips. Be careful around pets and don’t leave clothes or newspapers on the floor to trip you up.

BATHROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST:

Grab bars for toilet, bathtub or shower

Slip-resistant rug next to the bathtub or shower

Mounted or suction liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub/shower wall

Nonskid strips on the bathtub/shower floor n Sturdy plastic shower chair

Raised toilet seat and toilet armrests to maintain balance getting up and down

An extra-long sink mirror, for use when sitting

BEDROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST:

All clutter cleared away from all pathways

Lamp, flashlight and telephone are within easy reach of the bed

Night-light pathways — bedroom to bathroom

Raised mattress to ease getting in and out of bed

Visit www.tinyurl.com/ReduceFalling for a copy of this Home Fall Preventions Checklist.

INTERIM HEALTHCARE HONOLULU 1833 Kalakua Ave. #107, Honolulu, HI 96815
808-951-0949, Santiago Rivera, C.O.O. www.interimhealthcare.com/honolulu
Falls become more common and more serious as we age. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent them. First, identify the health factors that can increase your risk for falling: poor eyesight, reduced reaction time, reduced muscle strength and medications that affect alertness, blood pressure or balance. Whenever…
Patient Transport is News

For seniors who are frail or disabled, transportation in O‘ahu can be challenging. Doctor’s visits are not that simple — scheduling a care partner to ride along, long waits for pickup, and worrying if there will be a long line at the doctor’s office. Steps and elevators add to the fun, and sometimes one visit takes up the entire day! Don’t mention the cost.

Senior living and extended care facilities are growing and expanding services. One service is transporting residents and clients to and from their medical appointments. The move to providing transportation has some serious benefits for patients and their families. If a loved one visits dentist, eye doctor, podiatrist, their heart specialist and internist just once a year, that spends five vacation days. Hiring an aid and a private, accessible van to provide transport sounds good, but having new helpers is stressful on your loved one, and it is difficult to assess whether your loved one is safe and comfortable during transport.

In September, the first large care provider on O‘ahu announced that they were forming a separate transportation division to provide reliable and accountable in-house transportation for clients who have to visit hospitals and medical appointments. Patients, families and staff documented transport issues and the obvious answer was to serve the patients. For routine outside therapies like dialysis, which already takes a toll on the patient, reliable transportation is crucial.

Now in operation for three months, the transportation division is getting a good report card from patients, and staff. As the numbers of longterm care patients and assisted living residents increase in Hawai‘i, accessible patient transportation will become a greater need, and health care facilities that want to provide a quality experience for long-term patients will be obliged to consider expanded transportation services just to compete for clients.

This transportation innovation is another indicator that Hawai‘i care providers are gearing up for the future when a large portion of our population will be 85 years old and older.

HALE NANI REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER 1677 Pensacola St., Honolulu, HI 96222 808-537-3371

For seniors who are frail or disabled, transportation in O‘ahu can be challenging. Doctor’s visits are not that simple — scheduling a care partner to ride along, long waits for pickup, and worrying if there will be a long line at the doctor’s office. Steps and elevators add to the fun, and sometimes one visit…
Beware the ‘Friendly’ Stranger

I It’s difficult to believe that anyone would take advantage of our aloha spirit. Unfortunately, the Prosecutor’s Office has seen an increase in cases of friendly strangers who turn out to be con artists preying on seniors.

Edith (not her real name) was walking through Kapi‘olani Park when Alexander Nebre approached her. He said that someone told him that she needed help. Coincidentally, Edith was having problems with her plumbing. Nebre said he was a licensed plumber and contractor and could help her out. When invited into her apartment, Nebre “found” extensive termite damage. “Luckily” for her, he could make these repairs for a fraction of the cost of a “big company with lots of overhead.”

Edith fell for Nebre’s lies and paid him over $20,000 for repairs, which he never did. In December, Nebre was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay back $100,000 he stole from Edith and five other seniors. The average amount court-ordered defendants return to their victims is $25 to $50 a month. By my calculations, Edith and the other victims will be paid back in 166 years!

“Friendly” con artists can be found anywhere, but often target seniors in home repair stores, like The Home Depot and Lowes. They say they have some expertise that the overwhelmed homeowner needs, and they can do the job significantly cheaper than any competitor.

A great many of these so-called “experts” are unlicensed and unqualified. They either ask for payment up front or ask the victim to purchase materials, but they take the receipt. They might produce a phony invoice for materials — an invoice they found and stamped “Paid” themselves. The victim accepts this as “proof” that their money was used to buy materials/tools for the job.

“Cheap and cash-only” repairs are very tempting. If a “friendly” stranger wants to do work for you, ask not only for their license number but also for identification. A con artist will use a legitimate license number that belongs to someone else, so call the Consumer Resource Center (1-800-394-1902) to see if the license and name match. Also ask if there have been any complaints about that person. If this seems like too much humbug, remember, one simple phone call can save you thousands of dollars and keep you from having to call the police or meet with me.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse
Unit at: 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov
www.ElderJusticeHonolulu.com

I It’s difficult to believe that anyone would take advantage of our aloha spirit. Unfortunately, the Prosecutor’s Office has seen an increase in cases of friendly strangers who turn out to be con artists preying on seniors. Edith (not her real name) was walking through Kapi‘olani Park when Alexander Nebre approached her. He said that…
Medicare and Alzheimer’s Disease

The Hawaii SHIP is repeatedly asked this question, “Does Medicare cover Alzheimer’s Disease?” Medicare’s coverage is based on “medically necessary” procedures, not disease diagnosis. For example, if I go to my doctor and he orders blood to be drawn to see if my medication is at a therapeutic level, Medicare would pay for both the doctor’s visit and the visit to the lab. A doctor’s examination and laboratory tests are covered whether the patient has Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cancer, epilepsy or other diseases.

Does Medicare cover…

HOME HEALTHCARE? This benefit is based on a prescription from your physician for a medical reason and it is not for 24-hour care. If you just need someone to keep an eye on Mom while you are at work, it is not a medical need and it would not be covered by Medicare. If Mom fell and broke her leg and was in a non-weight bearing cast, she might need home care for a short time to assist with bathing or physical therapy in the home. These services would be covered whether Mom has AD or not.

LONG-TERM CARE? Not covered by Medicare. Medicare has a “skilled nursing facility care” benefit, but it is again based on medical necessity. Eligible skilled care must follow a hopital stay of three or more days–that is admission to an inpatient hospital, and care must be at a skilled level. Your doctor must certify that you need the daily services that can only be provided by licensed nursing or therapy personnel.

PRESCRIPTIONS? Medications that are needed to assist in the treatment of AD will be covered under Medicare Part D (or through your Medicare Health Plan if it includes Part D). We suggest that you always take your Part D plan formulary booklet with you to your physician visit to make sure that the drug that is prescribed is under your plan formulary. If the medication is not covered by the plan and your physician says that it is medically necessary, you and your physician can appeal to the plan and ask them to cover it for you. There are five levels of appeals (so “no” does not mean “no” until the fifth level).

Medicare Health plans are required to cover all the Medicare A & B benefits, but may have different co-pays and added benefits. Be sure to study your “annual explanation of benefits” that you receive each fall from your plan.

The answer is that Medicare covers medical needs and medication. Custodial care and longterm care sometimes required for AD and patients with other chronic diseases are not covered. Whenever you have questions on Medicare coverage, Hawaii SHIP has the answers

HAWAI‘I SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) 1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299 help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org facebook.com: Hawaii SHIP

This SHIP project was supported, in part, by grant number 90SA0004-02-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

The Hawaii SHIP is repeatedly asked this question, “Does Medicare cover Alzheimer’s Disease?” Medicare’s coverage is based on “medically necessary” procedures, not disease diagnosis. For example, if I go to my doctor and he orders blood to be drawn to see if my medication is at a therapeutic level, Medicare would pay for both the…
February – March 2016

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Facing Alzheimer’s — The Perspective of Three Experts
Social Security: Figuring Out Retirement

For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. Here’s a primer on retirement coverage.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits or 10 years of work to qualify for retirement benefits. No retirement benefits can be paid until you have the required number of credits. If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, the credits will remain on your record. If you return to work later, you can add more credits so that you qualify.

Your benefit amount is based on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. A worker with average earnings can expect a retirement benefit that replaces about 40 percent of his or her average lifetime earnings. Social Security was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire. You also will need other savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you retire.

Your benefit payment also is affected by the age at which you decide to retire and begin receiving benefits. If you were born in 1942 or earlier, you’re already eligible for your full Social Security benefit. If you were born from 1943 to 1960, the age at which full retirement benefits are payable increases gradually to age 67.

You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you retire before your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced, based on your age. If you retire at age 62, your benefit would be about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age. You may choose to keep working even beyond your full retirement age. If you do, you can increase your future Social Security benefits — up until age 70.

Choosing when to retire is an important decision, but it’s also a personal choice and one you should carefully consider. When’s the best time? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are many factors to consider. Look into Social Security’s publication When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

In addition, Social Security provides an online Retirement Estimator to get immediate and personalized retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The Retirement Estimator is a convenient and secure financial planning tool, allowing you to create “what if” scenarios. For instance, you can change your “stop work” dates or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

To apply online or make an appointment to visit Social Security office, contact:

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

For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. Here’s a primer on retirement coverage. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits or 10 years of work to…
Not Just Clowning Around
Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s no joke. Our bodies love laughter!

When we laugh out loud we create a positive energy that makes us feel less grumpy, happier and more content with our life.

As we age, we are often faced with many challenges surrounding family, finances, and our health — just to name a few.

When we laugh for at least ten minutes a day it provides numerous health benefits.

Laughter improves our oxygen intake, in turn helping keep organs and tissues healthy and strengthens the immune system.

Laughter causes a release of endorphins, characterized as “feel good chemicals.” These endorphins help us to relax and reduce stress levels.

After a good laugh, the heart rate slows and our blood pressure drops naturally, leaving the body in a restful state.

Laughter is great exercise for face muscles.

Laughter lifts spirits and creates a greater sense of well-being.

Laughter can reduce arthritic pain.

So for health’s sake watch funny TV shows and movies, think of funny stories or jokes and share them with others. Smile often and try to find humor in all situations, even the tough ones.

As Bill Cosby once said, “If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it!”

HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-356-HELP (4357) | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
hihealthcarehawaii.com
Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s no joke. Our bodies love laughter! When we laugh out loud we create a positive energy that makes us feel less grumpy, happier and more content with our life. As we age, we are often faced with many challenges surrounding family, finances, and our…
Where Aloha Begins

Senior health and wellness fairs are held on all islands to promote education, entertainment, food and fun. It was my honor to be a VIP at the Helemano Plantation’s Moon Festival Country Fair in Wahiawa on Sept. 17. I met the founder, president and CEO, Susanna Cheung, learned about her background, and felt her passion to assist the community with a wellness center which sits on part of their 50-acre property.

Christina Chen, Dr. Ming Chen, Susanna F. Cheung, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, Ho-Ming Cheung and Councilman Ernie Martin.

Hawai‘i’s First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige and Honolulu City Council chairman Ernie Martin talked about being impressed with the Susanna’s facilities, programs, staff, and volunteers. There was a variety of entertainment, with a private tour and special oxtail soup lunch in the well-known Country Inn Restaurant, plus the best pineapple pie I ever tasted.

The Ho-Ming and Susanna Cheung Foundation were the event sponsors. I know it was their generosity that paid for the bento lunch and transportation for the Koolau Seniors to attend (I’m a little partial to them because I’m from Kaneohe), along with senior groups from Pearl City, Waipahu, and other areas of O‘ahu. All attendees enjoyed their day of celebration with Helemano Plantation.

To learn more about Helemano Plantation’s senior educational classes and facilities, visit them at 64-1488 Kamehameha Hwy (next to Dole Plantation) or call 808-622-3929.

Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are always worth sharing, like a 100 birthday announcement, call Sherry at 808-722-8487.

Senior health and wellness fairs are held on all islands to promote education, entertainment, food and fun. It was my honor to be a VIP at the Helemano Plantation’s Moon Festival Country Fair in Wahiawa on Sept. 17. I met the founder, president and CEO, Susanna Cheung, learned about her background, and felt her passion…
Our Las Vegas Trip Winner

Winner Jeannette Shounk and Herb Nakagawa, president of Wahiawa Rainbow Senior Club

Wahiawa – Jeanette Shounk of Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club won a free Vacations Hawaii Las Vegas travel package for two. The round trip air fare and four night stay is provided by Vacations Hawai‘i, the popular travel company that specializes in mainland destinations for people in Hawai‘i. Presenting the prize were both our Generations Magazine representative Sherry Goya and Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club President Herb Nakagawa.

Seniors were able to participate in the drawing at the GM booth at the 2015 Seniors Fair. Thousands of seniors, many accompanied by loved ones and caregivers, reviewed the many exhibits. There was a new focus on health and fitness activities and products for active seniors.

A special thank you to everyone who came by to see us, and Congratulations Jeanette!

Wahiawa – Jeanette Shounk of Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club won a free Vacations Hawaii Las Vegas travel package for two. The round trip air fare and four night stay is provided by Vacations Hawai‘i, the popular travel company that specializes in mainland destinations for people in Hawai‘i. Presenting the prize were both our Generations Magazine…
Hawaii Parkinson’s Association
The Hawaii Parkinson’s Association (HPA) is a nonprofit volunteer group comprised of people with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, family members, health care professionals, educators and leaders in the business community. Our mission is to support ongoing research into the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease, and to educate patients, caregivers, and the public about how to live well with Parkinson’s, here and now.

Hawaii Parkinson Association was established in 1996, and in 2012 affiliated with the National Parkinson Foundation. Beginning January 1, 2016, the organization will again reorganize as HPA and all funds raised by HPA will stay in Hawai‘i to support our local mission.

In October, a large number of supporters join a walk for Parkinson’s awareness at the HPA “Moving Day” event. To learn more email: movingday@parkinson.org.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that causes brain cells controlling movement to die without being replaced. The most noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include slowness of movement, tremor, rigidity and difficulty with posture and balance. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease in the nation.

In addition to having a strong support network at home and in the community, exercise and physical activity are keys to living well with Parkinson’s disease. HPA acts as the hub of information for people living with Parkinson’s disease in Hawaii as well as their caregivers.

We currently manage eight support groups for patients and caregivers. HPA also funded the development of exercise classes designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s, which YMCA of O‘ahu offers at six of their locations. HPA offers educational seminars and workshops throughout the year on important topics: medication management, deep brain stimulation therapy, physical activity and exercise, and how patients may gain access to local clinical trials.

People living with Parkinson’s disease need not face the future alone or with uncertainty. Listen to what Sheldon Hershinow from O’ahu has to say:

“I am deeply grateful for the range of information that Hawaii Parkinson’s Foundation provides. I’ve gained valuable insights from symposia, workshops and support group meetings, allowing me to ask my own neurologist the right questions and to select the best machines for me at the gym. The organization has led me to enjoy twice-weekly movement classes that encourage me to do my best without worrying about any shortfall.”

For more information contact HPA/NPF Hawaii.

HAWAII PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION

808-528-0935

info@parkinsonshawaii.org

www.parkinsonshawaii.org
The Hawaii Parkinson’s Association (HPA) is a nonprofit volunteer group comprised of people with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, family members, health care professionals, educators and leaders in the business community. Our mission is to support ongoing research into the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease, and to educate patients, caregivers, and the public about how…

Category: Date

BATHROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST:

BEDROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST: