KKV'S PROGRAM SUMMARY FOR ELDERLY SERVICES
As part of KKV's Community Health Services in Kalihi Valley (Revised October 4, 2005)

The Elderly Service Program at Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV) Comprehensive Family Services involves several different community-based long-term care projects/services. All of these services are available to elders and/or caregivers' of elders who live in upper Kalihi Valley (census tracts 61-65). To qualify as an elder, the person must be 60 years old or older and not living in institutional care such as care home, foster care, or nursing home.

1. CASE MANAGEMENT- Frail elderly and their family who need help with the care of the elder can request assistance from KKV's case management services. A case manager will make a home visit to assess the situation and then help the elder and family members begin to link up to need services and programs that will help the elder remain in his/her home as long as possible. Referrals may be made for bathing, meals on wheels, transportation, and many other services as need indicates. In addition, staff members of the elder program are able to assist the case managers with supportive paraprofessional services including: paraprofessional counseling, transportation, interpretation, advocacy, and assistance with minor equipment like walkers, canes, and shower stools. (This is considered Kupuna Care service and is funded with State of Hawaii funds as administered by the Elderly Affairs Division, City and County of Honolulu).

2. HEALTH MAINTENANCE (EXERCISE) GROUPS-KKV offers health maintenance groups in two places at Kuhio Park Terrace on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday at 10:00am until 12:00 noon plus at KKV Elder Center, 1846 Gulick Ave. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:00 am to12:00 noon. Health Maintenance is available to all elders who are 60 years and older, live in Kalihi Valley, and do not live in a care home, foster care, nursing home, or any other institutional living. The groups offer exercise (one hour long) plus health education sessions, hands-on activities, self-improvement classes, general socialization plus congregate dining. The food is supplies through the Lanakila Meals on Wheels congregate dining program. (This was funded by the Hawaii Community Foundation and currently funded in part by Theresa Hughes Funds, Weinberg Foundation, and Hawaii Visitor Bureau).

3. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS-To reduce caregiver burden, stress, and burnt out, KKV offers caregivers' support groups twice a month on the third Monday at KPT Community Hall and third Wednesday of each month at KKV Elder Center 1846 Gulick Ave. On Mondays the meeting time is 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and on Wednesdays the meeting time is at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Problem-solving approach, relaxation techniques, educational sessions, positive affirmations discussions, linkage to resources, and socializing with other caregivers are all offered in the group activities. (This program is funded through the Older Americans Act as administered by the Elderly Affairs Division, City and County of Honolulu).

4. CAREGIVER RESPITE CARE-Time to time, each caregiver of a elder needs respite so this program offers respite workers, either volunteers or paid workers will come into the home and take care of the elder for a few hours a week to give the caregiver a chance to get away from the home for errands, rest, and recreation opportunities. (This program is funded through the Older Americans Act as administered by the Elderly Affairs Division, City and County of Honolulu).

5. SENIOR AND RESPITE COMPANION STATION-KKV is has been designated a senior and respite companion station since January 2000. Companions are healthy seniors who serve through the federally-fund programs (Title III and Title V) to provide in-home supportive and personal care to frail elderly clients. KKV's station is actively serving annually 30 to 50 clients with in-home care through the help of 20 different bilingual companions. (This program is funded through U.S. Federal funds of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 administered Department of Human Services in the State of Hawaii, Adult and Community Care Services).

6. GERIATRICIAN CONSULTANTS-KKV is fortunate to have two physicians who are board certified in Geriatric Medicine. They specialized in care of elders and are available as medical providers to anyone who are 60 years or older lives in upper Kalihi Valley. If the elder already has a primary doctor, these specialists can see an elder as a consultant to deal with difficult problems that happen during the aging process. End-of-life care and pain management for terminally ill patients is provided. Home visits are also available for the frail elderly of Kalihi Valley. (These consultants are funded through KKV Medical Program.)

For inquiries or requests for assistance please call Michelle Tarrant at 848-0977. Case Managers/Group Leaders are also available by pagers: Merlita Compton (Filipino)-680-2959; Timena Brown (Samoan)-680-2949; Mylene Abad-680-2944; Nancy Oupraxay (Laotian)-680-2943; Tracy Konrat (Chuukese)-680-2947; Rebecca Seumanu (Samoan)-680-2946. Geriatricians are Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes-852-5571 pager and Dr. Renato Reyes-478-8476 (cell).

Housing Options for Seniors on Oahu - 2009