1. What is "Kupuna Care"?
Kupuna Care is funded by the State of Hawaii to provide services such as short-term adult day care, assisted transportation, attendant care, case management, chore services, home-delivered meals, homemaker, and personal care services. To qualify, someone must not be able to do one or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Clients are asked for a voluntary contribution. Call (808) 768-7700 for more information.
2. How can I get a picture identification card since I don't drive anymore?
The State Identification Office at 465 South King Street, Room 102, phone (808) 587-3111, issues picture identification cards. Documents required to verify identification include social security cards, birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. A fee is charged.
3. Do you know anyone I may hire to help care for my elder?
The Elderly Affairs Division contracts with Catholic Charities Elderly Services, (808) 595-0077, and the Honolulu Gerontology Program, (808) 543-8405, to provide names of "respite caregivers." The Home Health Services Section in the Yellow Pages of the Oahu telephone book and advertisements in the classified section of the daily newspapers on Oahu are sources of persons.
4. How do I report abuse of an elderly person?
Abuse may be physical, psychological, financial, or sexual. The State of Hawaii Adult Protective Service (APS) office on Oahu, (808) 832-5115, has the authority to help and intervene in cases of abuse, whether suspected or actual. Any person making the report may remain anonymous. Any person who is neglected by others or exhibits signs of self-neglect should also be reported to APS.
5. How do I get one of those passes that allow parking in handicapped spaces?The pass is called a Disabled Persons Parking Permit. Applications are available at any satellite city hall or the Customer Services Department, Honolulu Municipal Building 650 S. King Street, 1st floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. A doctor must confirm your disability.
6. How do I arrange for rides on the Handivan?You must submit an application. To receive a form, call the Applications office of Paratransit Services (otherwise known as "Handivan") at (808) 768-8300, or pick one up at any satellite city hall. A doctor must confirm your disability.
7. Who can tell me about housing options for seniors?The best place for current information on rental housing options for seniors is the Housing Assistance Program, Catholic Charities Elderly Services (808) 595-0077.
8. How do I apply for a senior bus pass?Any satellite city hall office has applications. You may also call (808) 848-4444.
9. Where can a well, active senior go for exercise, recreation and socialization?Senior Centers are located at the Kaneohe Community Center (233-7317), Kapahulu Senior Center (737-1748), Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center (847-1322), Makua Alii Senior Center (973-7258), Moiliili Community Center (955-1555), and Waikiki Community Center (923-1802). The Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, coordinates several senior clubs located around Oahu. Call (808) 973-7258 for the location of one nearest you.
10. Where are the places seniors can go for a luncheon meal?Meals are served in many group dining locations by Lanakila Meals on Wheels. Call (808) 531-0555 for information and applications. Meals delivered to homebound persons can also be arranged at Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Hawaii Meals on Wheels (808) 988-6747.
11. My home needs repairs. Can I apply for a low interest loan someplace? Can I get help with modifying my home to accommodate a disabled person?
Call the Rehabilitation Loan Section, City and County of Honolulu (808) 523-4207 for information and an application. They grant low interest loans to qualifying persons for home repairs and modifications to accommodate disabled persons (ramps, bathroom and doorway modifications, etc.).
12. I need help preparing my tax returns, but cannot afford to pay a tax preparer.
The AARP Tax-Aide program offers several sites on Oahu where qualified volunteers assist with the preparation of federal and state tax returns at no charge. Call the Senior Helpline (808) 768-7700 for a convenient site.
13. My relative needs to be in a care home. How do I learn where there are care homes, and who is eligible for placement in a care home?Information about placement can be learned from the Adult Intake Unit of the Department of Human Services (808) 832-5115. To learn about care home services and locations, call the Department of Health Office of Healthcare Assurance at (808) 692-7400 .
You may also call the Senior Helpline (808) 768-7700 to learn about other options that may provide enough help to your relative continue staying at home.
Care home placement should also be discussed with your relative's physician.
14. My father has a Disabled Person Parking Permit that will expire at the end of the month. How do I renew the permit?Applications may be obtained at any Satellite City Hall. There is no fee for permits. However, if a current permit is lost or stolen, a $10 fee will be charged for a replacement. All permits expire after 4 years and require recertification by a physician. For more information, call the Disabled Person Parking Permit Office at 532-7710.
15. I am a caregiver for my father. Is there a Senior Center or activity he can attend while I am working?The answer depends on his physical and mental condition. Please call the Senior Hotline (808) 523-4545 to describe your situation and ask for assistance. There may be a daytime activity suitable for your father's needs, your schedule and family finances.
16. How can I arrange services to help parents who live in another state? I think they could be helped by services like those available in Oahu.
Services for parents or any elder persons living in another state can be arranged through the area agency on aging (AAA) in their area. Their specific AAA can be ascertained via the Eldercare Locator through their toll-free number (1-800-677-1116). Eldercare Locator is a service of the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It is important to keep in mind that the elder may not be as willing to accept services as you would like them to be. Discussing how these services will keep them independent may be a good way to introduce the subject.
ELDERLY AFFAIRS DIVISION