Category: Date

Your Mind & Body: Controlling Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called plaques form inside blood vessel walls. The blood vessel walls thicken and the vessels become narrower. This change in the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the blood vessels contributing to heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Cholesterol:

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein. This cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are classified as high density, low density, or very low density, depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL, also called “bad” cholesterol, can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.

High density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL, also called “good” cholesterol, helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. If your levels of HDL are low, your risk of heart disease increases.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein.

Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood by very low density lipoproteins.

Diet guidelines to help control your cholesterol:

Check labels for fat and cholesterol content.

Eat fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains daily. The fiber in these foods helps lower cholesterol.

Reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet.

Eat less fat. Limit the amount of butter and margarine you eat.

Use sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola, corn, or olive oil.

Use egg whites or egg substitutes rather than whole eggs.

Replace whole-milk dairy products with nonfat or low-fat milk, cheese, spreads.

Eat skinless chicken, turkey, and fish more often than red meat.

Choose lean cuts of meat; trim off all visible fat.

Avoid fatty desserts: ice cream, cream-filled cakes, and cheesecakes.

Reduce amount of fried foods and fast foods.

Where does cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol comes from 2 sources — most are synthesized by the liver. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include animal products, meat, egg yolks, cheese, fish, and shrimp.

How is cholesterol measured?

It is measured by a blood test called fasting lipid profile. A total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dl is considered good.

What is the target LDL goal?

The goal is less than 160 mg/dl if your risk of heart disease is low, less than 130 mg/dl if you have a moderate risk, or less than 100 mg/dl if you’re a high risk of heart disease or diabetes.

How can seniors control cholesterol?

Eating right and exercising can usually control cholesterol levels. If you have a high risk for heart disease, your health care provider may prescribe cholesterol lowering medications as well as changes in lifestyle. Statin drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor, all lower LDL cholesterol. Niacin, a B vitamin, increases HDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called plaques form inside blood vessel walls. The…
Medicare: What’s What and Who Pays For It?
We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and the payment resources.

Long-term care is often thought of to refer to all kinds of assistance to the the elderly or the disabled, whether that care is given in a patient’s home, a community care home or nursing home. This is a common mistake.

Long-term care includes a wide range of support services for patients with a degenerative condition, prolonged illness or cognitive disorder. Also known as “custodial care,” long-term care primarily involves assistance with the activities of daily living (walking, personal hygiene, dressing, eating, etc.) or supervision of someone who is cognitively impaired.

Common Payment Sources:

Medicare (federal health insurance for those 65 years and older or with certain disabilities who qualify through Social Security Administration). Medicare does not pay for “custodial” care.

Medicare may pay for “Skilled Nursing Facility Care”- the individual has to meet the guidelines for coverage. Medicare will only cover inpatient care in a certified Medicare Facility.

There is also a “home health care” benefit that may cover for a short period of time, again if the person meets the guidelines for coverage. For more information you can check the Medicare & You handbook, go to www.medicare.gov or call the Hawaii SHIP.

Medicaid (Hawaii’s Medical Assistance Program)

Individuals qualify based on income and assets. They have a program for long-term care and also for medical coverage (coverage for someone living at home who needs help paying for doctor’s visits, x-rays, lab tests). In Hawaii the program
is administered by the Department of Human Services. Programs are currently provided by QUEST Expanded Access Plans.

If a person qualifies for long-term coverage, Medicaid may pay for a skilled nursing facility, community care home and foster family home. In some cases if the person chooses to stay at home Medicaid may pay for services to be delivered there.

TriCare for Life (military benefit for those with 20 years of service or other eligibility).

May pay for skilled nursing care in a Medicare certified facility or home health care, but it does not pay for custodial care.

Veteran’s Administration Benefits (VA)

VA may provide coverage in certain approved facilities. You may have to qualify to be eligible for these benefits. Call your local VA office for more information.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Depending on the plan purchased, insurance may provide coverage in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, foster and community care facilities or for services brought into the person’s home. Each plan is very individual, and coverage and price vary.

For more information on coverage for individuals with Medicare, call the Hawaii SHIP/Sage PLUS Program at 1-888-875-9229 or go to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information at www.longtermcare.gov.
We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and…
What is The Office of The Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman is an officer of the legislature who investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments. Our office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated.

State Ombudsman Robin Matsunaga

The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent intermediary between the citizen and the agency. We conduct our investigations in a fair and impartial manner. We do not provide legal advice, nor do we serve as legal counsel, advocate, or representative on behalf of any person or agency.

What should you do if you have a complaint?

In fairness to the agency involved, you should first try to resolve the complaint directly with the agency. Many times agency officials are eager to explain what they did and why they did it, or will correct the problem to your satisfaction. In many cases, you will be able to settle the problem on your own.

Here are some good common sense steps to take in trying to resolve any “consumer” problem, whether it involves a government agency or a company in the private sector:

Be prepared. Know what questions you are going to ask (it helps to write them down). Be sure to have any relevant information you need available before you contact the agency.

Keep records. Take notes, ask for the names and titles of employees you speak with, and save all of your correspondence.

If you do not want to contact the agency yourself, or if you complain to the agency and are not satisfied with its response, then feel free to contact us. We can conduct an investigation on your behalf.

We are authorized by law to receive inquiries on a confidential basis. If we can, we will investigate your complaint without revealing your identity, although this is not always possible. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to discuss them with us.

Most complaints can be made by telephone with no forms to fill out. Ways to contact us are either by phone, email, or mail:

Phone: 808-587-0770, Fax: 808-587-0773, TTY: 808-587-0774
Hawai`i: 974-4000, Maui: 984-2400, Kaua‘i: 274-3141, Moloka‘i/Lanai: 800-468-4644
e-mail: complaints@ombudsman.hawaii.gov

Office of the Ombudsman
465 South King Street, 4th Flr.,
Honolulu, HI 96813

Open from 7:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, except for state holidays.

The Ombudsman is an officer of the legislature who investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments. Our office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated. The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent…
August – September 2012

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The Plaza: Assisted Living – A Personal Promise
August – September 2011

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The Plaza: Assisted Living – A Personal Promise
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act — the new health insurance law. The law creates a new program — the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan — to make health insurance available to you if you have been denied coverage by private insurance companies due to of a pre-existing condition.

If you’ve been locked out of the insurance market, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan program may be able to help you through 2014. In 2014, you will have access to affordable health insurance choices through a new competitive marketplace called an Exchange and you will no longer be discriminated against based on a pre-existing condition.

The Program:

Covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available to you, even to treat a pre-existing condition.

Doesn’t charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.

Doesn’t base eligibility on income.

ELIGIBILITY

There are a few requirements to meet before you can enroll in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan – regardless of whether your program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or your state. Applicants must:

Be a citizen or national of the United States or reside in the U.S. legally.

Have been without health coverage for at least the last six months. Please note that if you currently have insurance coverage that doesn’t cover your medical condition or are enrolled in a state high risk pool, you are not eligible for the Pre-

Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition.

If the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan in your state is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can call 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604) and ask for an application or go to www.pcip.gov and go to “apply”.

How to Apply in Hawai‘i for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

To apply, you will need to provide a copy of one of the following documents, which will be used to make a decision on your application:

A denial letter from an insurance company licensed in your state for individual insurance coverage (not health insurance offered through a job) that is dated within the past 12 months. Or, you may provide a letter dated in the past 12 months from an insurance agent or broker licensed in your state that shows you aren’t eligible for individual insurance coverage from one or more insurance companies because of your medical condition.

An offer of individual insurance coverage (not health insurance offered through a job) that you did not accept from an insurance company licensed in your state that is dated within the past 12 months. This offer of coverage has a rider that says your medical condition won’t be covered if you accept the offer.

A letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating your name and current or past medical condition, disability, or illness. This letter must also include the name, license number, state of licensure, and original signature of the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

For more information or the rates in Hawai‘i, please call the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)/ Sage PLUS Program at 586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229. We are a volunteer based Medicare counseling program for the State of Hawai‘i.
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act — the new health insurance law. The law creates a new program — the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan — to make health insurance available to you if you have been denied coverage by private insurance companies due to of a pre-existing condition. If you’ve been locked out…
Good Health and Living
Hawaiian Seniors live long with good food, song and dance

Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Program (KOPP), meaning “good health and living for elders” is one of many projects operating within ALU LIKE Inc., a state-wide non-profit agency that helps Native Hawaiians achieve their potential for themselves, families and communities. KOPP enriches the lives of Native Hawaiian elders by preserving and restoring their health, sense of dignity and self-respect, while promoting cultural education and lifelong learning.

KOPP provides nutrition and supportive services to independent Native Hawaiians 60 years of age or older on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu.

KOPP offers Native Hawaiian seniors with several critical services. Daily nutritious congregate meals are available at project sites, whereas home delivered meals are provided to qualified individuals who are unable to attend site activities. To ensure that seniors have access to healthy meals, the program offers limited transportation services to/from the project sites and for shopping and health-related needs during regular program hours. In addition, outreach and referral services link participants to extra services such as recreation, education, health monitoring and nutrition counseling.

KOPP has also been very involved with the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) through collaborations with the state Executive Office on Aging and the four county offices on aging. This evidence-based program, developed at Stanford University, has proven to be helpful for kupuna who are trying to manage one or more chronic condition.

Hawaiian cultural activities are an important part of the program. Participants may say they do not want to exercise, but they have no problem performing hula or playing their ‘ukulele or guitar for up to two hours. Kupuna love to entertain at senior fairs and other community events, however, the main focus is having a good time with each other. Kupuna are welcome to participate in mele (music) activities if they are experienced, or learning it for the first time.

Kupuna also engage in additional Hawaiian cultural activities including, ‘olelo (Hawaiian language), history, arts and crafts. Intergenerational cultural projects give ku¯puna a chance to give back to their community. Both kupuna and keiki benefit by creating a much-needed bridge between the generations and allow kupuna to return to their traditional role as cultural teachers.

For more information, please contact the Kupuna Program. Below are meeting times for every week of the month, except where noted.

O‘ahu: (808) 535-6700

Nanakuli: Mon. & Fri. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Papakolea: Tues. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Waimanalo: Wed. & Thur. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Hawai‘i: (808) 961-2625

Kona: Mon. (once a month) 10 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Hilo: Tue., Thur. & Fri., 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Pahoa: Wed. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Maui: (808) 242-9774

Paukukalo: Mon. thru Thur. 9 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Kaua‘i: (808) 245-8545

Anahola: Wed. 9:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Waimea: Thur. & Fri.9:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Moloka‘i: (808) 560-5393

Kaunakakai: Mon. & Thur. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Ho‘olehua: Wed. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Hawaiian Seniors live long with good food, song and dance Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Program (KOPP), meaning “good health and living for elders” is one of many projects operating within ALU LIKE Inc., a state-wide non-profit agency that helps Native Hawaiians achieve their potential for themselves, families and communities. KOPP enriches the lives…
Our Kupuna, Our Kuleana
Decades of service protect seniors from fraud

This year, Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be turning 67 years old. The bureau was here from when Hawai‘i became a state to when one of its citizens became the U.S. President — and it’s still going strong. In fact, you could say that the BBB is a kupuna of local business.

As the BBB continues to grow and serve the people of Hawai‘i, it takes on local culture, values and traditions. The bureau’s position has become much like the kupuna of Hawaiian culture; a major source of wisdom and the transmitters of knowledge and training to younger generations. Simultaneously, it helps to keep kupuna safe as consumers.

While being the revered segment of Hawai‘i’s society, many of our kupuna are still at risk for becoming victims of fraud. According to Consumer Sentinel and the bureau’s own data, the rate of fraud against seniors continues to rise. With Hawai‘i’s senior population growing faster than the rest of the country (State of Hawai‘i Executive Office on Aging report and the 2010 US Census Data), it is safe to say that Hawai‘i’s kupuna could use every extra set of eyes and ears to help watch over them.

Hawai‘i’s BBB, through the BBB Foundation of Hawai‘i, contributes to the protection of kupuna through various educational outreaches. It offers informational presentations to many senior clubs on O‘ahu and the Neighbor Islands. It also staffs a table at every major senior fair in the state. Additionally, it serves on the Advisory Council of the Executive Office on Aging’s Senior Medicare Patrol program.

Hawai‘i’s BBB is the first place you come to get the answers if:

You are looking for an ethical business to patronize

You are looking for an honorable charity

You have questions about the trustworthiness of a business or charity

You have questions about a letter, email or phone call you’ve received

You have a complaint against a business or charity you would like resolved

Just as the Hawaiian culture believes one’s life essence (i.e., spiritual energy and ancestral knowledge) can be transmitted through the sharing of the ha, Hawai‘i’s BBB believes that it facilitates the perpetuation of our local culture and protects kupuna through sharing knowledge with seniors and the next generation.

Better Business Bureau of Hawai‘i
1132 Bishop Street #615, Honolulu, HI 96813-2813
Phone & Phone Hours: 808-536-6956 (O‘ahu) | 877-222-6551 (Neighbor Islands) | 808-628-3970 (Fax) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00 am – Noon, Friday
File Complaint: www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint/
Decades of service protect seniors from fraud This year, Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be turning 67 years old. The bureau was here from when Hawai‘i became a state to when one of its citizens became the U.S. President — and it’s still going strong. In fact, you could say that the BBB is a kupuna…
The Hidden Epidemic – Dementia

How and why we’re not prepared for an increase in cases

Dementia is a degenerative neurological disease, which is incurable and fatal, rendering a person unable to care for himself/herself. It can deplete family members emotionally and financially, yet there is insufficient funding to research this disease.

In America more than 5.4 million people are presently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death. Neurological diseases cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed down. Major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and HIV have decreased in death rates, whereas Alzheimer’s disease has increased by 66%, even though it is underdiagnosed.

Dr. Ken Dychtwald, founder and president of Age Wave, speaks of the “longevity revolution” caused by the progressive creation of antibiotics in the 1920s, the polio vaccine in 1950s, the increase in chronic disease management and the progress of medications, which have resulted in “more old people.” In 1900, the average age of death was 47 years, whereas in 2000 the average age of death was 78 years.

Dychtwald focused on the majority of the population, which is noted as the baby boomers born in 1946-1964. In the years 2000-2020, Dychtwald noted that a large portion of the population will be 55 or older. He states that society’s single greatest challenge will be that 1 in 2 people who are 85 or older will have dementia. There will not be enough resources to deal with this disease. Dychtwald calls for research to “wipe the disease out!”

Meryl Comer, CEO and president of Goeffrey Beene Foundation – Alzheimer’s Initiative, shares how caregivers hide the disease, bearing the brunt of the consequences while carefully protecting the dignity of the loved one.

Harry John, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, notes that our country spends $6 billion dollars on cancer research yearly, $4 billion on heart research yearly and $3 billion on HIV research yearly, whereas we only spend $1.5 billion on dementia. Results from this include decrease in deaths of a negative 3% to 8% in cancer, a negative 13% to 20% cardiovascular deaths, a negative 29% in HIV deaths and an increase of a positive 66% deaths in dementia. This does not reflect the huge number of the undiagnosed population with dementia.

Now is the time to act! Go to www.alz.org. Hit the ‘Advocate or Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ tab. Help in any way you feel comfortable. Help on the micro level by helping someone you know who is forgetful. Help on the macro level by speaking to our politicians and advocating for those inflicted Alzheimer’s.

For more information, contact Chris Ridley of the Alzheimer’s Association at 443-7360.

How and why we’re not prepared for an increase in cases Dementia is a degenerative neurological disease, which is incurable and fatal, rendering a person unable to care for himself/herself. It can deplete family members emotionally and financially, yet there is insufficient funding to research this disease. In America more than 5.4 million people are…
Message from the Editor – June / July 2012

Aloha mai ka kou. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Wilson Angel. I am the art director for Generations Magazine; and a close friend and classmate of Percy Ihara, the publisher of this magazine.

In this issue, Generations Magazine wanted to direct our reader’s attention to the Hawaiian concept of kuleana. Growing up, I only knew kuleana simply as “your business,”—as in “mind your own business.” Not much depth to it. However, I never realized how much weight the word actually carried…until now.

As we mature and as we experience more of life, we all come to realize our own kuleana, or our own deep sense of responsibility.
My first, were my parents. I moved back to Hawai‘i after realizing my place was to be near them. And to care for them. It certainly was a big shift in my life that transcended outwards to everything around me. I had learned much from that point on. Which leads me to this issue’s cover story.

I am greatly fortunate in coming to know Kimokeo Kapahulehua, my kahu. As you will read about him, to me, he epitomizes kuleana…and aloha. Both words intertwined. Both words containing selflessness. In this day and age, we search for that purpose within us—when in fact, it always existed—we just need to be aware of it when it arises. As for Kimokeo, his awareness came as quick as a light bulb turning on. He has focused his kuleana to his ‘aina (land), his ‘ohana (family of all races), his culture and his spirit. He moves with determination and with loving embrace of aloha (sharing of the breath), selflessly contributing his time and energy to so many various organizations
and programs that support seniors, cancer survivors, the environment, whale and ocean protections, etc. So with his example of selflessness, it practically beckons us to also look into ourselves and ask what is our responsibility?

In coming to know your own kuleana, know this—it doesn’t have to be grand. It simply needs to be honest (from your heart) and true (from your soul). And with those, you then apply commitment (your action). It can be as simple as giving your aloha

Malama pono,

Wilson Angel, Art Director | Generations Magazine

Aloha mai ka kou. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Wilson Angel. I am the art director for Generations Magazine; and a close friend and classmate of Percy Ihara, the publisher of this magazine. In this issue, Generations Magazine wanted to direct our reader’s attention to the Hawaiian concept of kuleana. Growing up, I only…
Are You a Planner?
The end of your life begins now

While more Americans are living longer, they will inevitably cope with one or more chronic conditions and disability. Recent statistics reveal that more than 70 percent of individuals in their 80s have some degree of dementia or diminished capacity. In order to ensure that your wishes are followed, that you are properly cared for, and that you and your family do not experience undue stress or conflict—planning is no longer just a good idea, it is imperative. And, there’s no time like the present, as the Chinese proverb so poetically suggests. Many families wait until it is too late to engage in proper planning. This leaves them and their families in a crisis, often with family members (brothers/sisters) fighting with each other, causing unnecessary stress and leaving the family member (father/mother) without proper care.

Research is also revealing that traditional planning — estate plan, durable general power of attorney, advance healthcare directive and a trust — is sometimes not as effective as one had planned.

There are many reasons for this, including:

after signing estate plans, people do not fully understand what they completed or the decisions that will have to be made in the future

the documents that make up an estate plan do not usually provide much guidance in and of themelves

our goals and preferences may change, and few people review their plans from time to time to accommodate these changes

the appointed agents, representatives and trustees seldom understand the maker’s wishes

the maker’s wishes are not entirely known, and thus not fully honored

I suggest that we change our view so that signing one’s estate planning documents does not signify the completion of planning — rather, it represents the beginning of the planning process.

Estate planning should be less of an “transactional model” (the making and signing of our documents) and more of a “communications model” (the start of a conversation with our family, agents, trustees and care providers, who are the central role in this estate planning process).

“Only 29 percent of people create a living will or power of attorney for health care.”

~ 2007 AARP poll

The Communications Model to estate planning involves a 5-step approach:

Reflect on your personal experiences, values, desires and preferences

Talk to the person you are considering appointing to make medical or financial decisions for you should you become incapacitated

Appoint the person to speak for you when you are no longer able to speak. Work with a qualified estate planning attorney to create, review and tailor your advance health care directive, durable general power of attorney and trust

Share your ideas, wishes and decisions regarding your financial and health care preferences with family, friends, agents, trustees, health care providers

Review your estate plan from time to time to accommodate change (adding properties, changing beneficiaries, etc.).

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law

2054 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com
The end of your life begins now While more Americans are living longer, they will inevitably cope with one or more chronic conditions and disability. Recent statistics reveal that more than 70 percent of individuals in their 80s have some degree of dementia or diminished capacity. In order to ensure that your wishes are followed,…
Having ‘The Talk’ with Your Loved Ones
Where do they want to be cared for and how?

Recently, I reached my 50s, along with millions of other aging baby boomers. I can still remember when I was in my 20s and I thought 50 was old—really old! But, baby boomers are revolutionizing how we think about age … and, also about how we care for our post-war, baby-making parents.

Our parents—the Greatest Generation—are living well into their 80s and 90s. As such, boomers are challenged with making caregiving decisions more than any other previous generation.

Every week I have conversations with fellow boomers about caring for our parents. Comments run from I can’t keep taking time off from work to take my mom to the hospital and I’m tired of rushing home to fix dinner for dad to I am exhausted by the evening caregiving chores and I’m staying over nights because Dad has breathing issues and needs 24-hour care. These scenarios are typical for many families in Hawai‘i, where caregiving of some form or fashion happens in 1 in 4 households.

Regardless of how well your parents are aging, every family needs to have to “the talk.” I suggest that adult children and parents be proactive about this. Have a plan before you are faced with a major health issue.

If you are the adult child, ask your parents about who they’d like to take care of them, where they’ll be cared for, and how to pay for services in the case that family cannot provide adequate care.

Women have a 79% chance of needing care, and men you are not far behind at 69%.

~ According to AARP

Do they have long-term care insurance?

Where are their legal papers?

Where are their bank accounts?

Do they have an attorney?

If you are a parent, please make time to discuss caregiving with your spouse and children. Planning will ensure that you receive the care you want and deserve. If you do not plan with your children, they may have to make decisions for you … decisions that you may not agree with.
Where do they want to be cared for and how? Recently, I reached my 50s, along with millions of other aging baby boomers. I can still remember when I was in my 20s and I thought 50 was old—really old! But, baby boomers are revolutionizing how we think about age … and, also about how…