Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place and Kupuna Caucus meeting - December 4

The Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place and the Kupuna Caucus will meet at 2:00pm on Friday, December 4, 2009 in State Capitol conference room 229 to receive reports and updates. The public is welcome. A copy of the JLCAIP notice can be found at:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_JLCAIP_12-04-09_INFO_.HTM

November 23 Meeting: What’s Available for Care of Veterans

Services for Veterans-- from top to bottom, Sara Tompkison, Rosemary Na`a, Mike Kitamura


What’s Available for Care of Veterans

Sara Tompkison, MSW, Caregiver Assistance Pilot Program and Rosemary Na`a, Department of Veterans Affairs , Medical Foster Home Coordinator, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; worked with the severely mentally ill adult population at Kahi Mohala Partial Hospitalization Program and Assertive Community Treatment at Helping Hands Hawaii. Mike Kitamura, Senator Akaka’s State Director, will also discuss legislation introduced by Senator Akaka to assist families caring for wounded veterans.

Notes to follow

Click here to listen. Or try this media player:

Download this Media File - (Right Click)

Medical Foster Home Slides

Big Island Fair Elections Act Kicks off January 1

On January 1st, 2010, candidates for Big Island County Council will be able to file their "Declaration of Intent" to try and qualify as a fully publicly funded candidate.  In 2008 Hawaii became the 9th state to implement a full public funding option for elections.  We will be looking closely at the program as we go into the 2010 elections to see what elements of Act 244 are working well, and which ones need improvement. 

November 23 Program: What’s Available for Care of Veterans

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church, Nuuanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd.

Ample parking—driveway off Nuuanu Ave.

AGENDA:

11:30     Luncheon:  Various Subway Sandwiches, Salad, Drinks, and Dessert by Eloise $5.00 Donation

11:45     Welcome: Introductions and Remarks, Larry Geller, President

12:00      PROGRAM:

WHAT’S AVAILABLE FOR CARE OF VETERANS

Sara Tompkison, MSW, Caregiver Assistance Pilot Program and Rosemary Na`a, Department of Veterans Affairs , Medical Foster Home Coordinator, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; worked with the severely mentally ill adult population at Kahi Mohala Partial Hospitalization Program and Assertive Community Treatment at Helping Hands Hawaii. Mike Kitamura, Senator Akaka’s State Director, will also discuss legislation introduced by Senator Akaka to assist families caring for wounded veterans.

1: 00      Adjourn and Announcement:  No December Luncheon—Happy Holidays!

Savvy Senior Seminar – Friday, November 20

Friday, November 20, 2009 from 10am to 12 noon – the Greater Honolulu Chapter of Business Network International is sponsoring a “Savvy Senior Seminar” at the Moiliili Community Center.

This event is free and open to the public.

The workshop will feature several professionals who will cover:

*Protecting you and your kids from Long-Term Care expense
*Protecting your estate from probate
*Having Peace of Mind when it comes to Identity Theft
*Providing you Peace of Mind with Security
*Turn your Home’s Equity into Cash
*Don’t let Taxes take the GOLD out of your Golden Years
*“Insured to Value” and Basic “Exclusions of Policies” about Insurance

Refreshments will be served. Please call (808) 585-6400 to register.

University of Hawaii Elder Law Program – Thursday, November 19

University of Hawaii Elder Law Program – Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 12:45 to 2pm - will host a discussion on end-of-life decisions, “Death Panels in Hawaii?” in Classroom 1 at the William S. Richardson School of Law. This event is free and open to the public

Program director Jim Pietsch will moderate a panel including two doctors, a member of the clergy, a lawyer and an advocate to help improve care at the end of life. Panelists have served on hospital ethics committees. The group will discuss legal, ethical, moral, religious, philosophical and health care issues faced by patients, families and care providers in discussing and making end-of-life decisions. For more information or to register, call: (808) 956-6544.

Notes and ballot results of October Community Forum posted

The original article has been amended with notes taken by Laura Manis. Also included are the results of balloting by attendees on issues of primary concern to the community. Check it out.

Free Seminar on "Elder Law"

The Hawai`i State Judiciary is sponsoring a public information session on Elder Law and Caregiving from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Supreme Court Conference Room, 417 South King St.

The featured speaker will be James H. Pietsch, director of the University of Hawai`i Elder Law Program (UHELP). He is also a professor at the University's William S. Richardson School of Law and an adjunct professor of geriatric medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Pietsch is co-author of the latest UHELP publication, Deciding Who Cares? A Legal Handbook for Hawaii's Older Persons, their Families and Caregivers. Free copies of the handbook will be available at the presentation.

This session is part of the Judiciary’s "Lunch ‘n’ Learn the Law" program, a series of free seminars featuring topics relating to specific areas of the law and the courts. Volunteer presenters include judges, attorneys, court officials and other subject-matter experts.


RSVPs are not necessary. For more information, call the Judiciary’s Public Affairs Office at 539-4909.

###


The Hawai`i State Judiciary does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by the speakers. The speakers' remarks do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Judiciary. The information provided by the speakers is a general overview of basic legal concepts, and is not intended as legal advice for any specific person or situation.


Contact: Marsha Kitagawa 539-4909

Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place and Kupuna Caucus meeting - November 6

The Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place and the Kupuna Caucus will meet at 2:00pm on Friday, November 6, 2009 in State Capitol conference room 229 to receive reports and updates. A copy of the JLCAIP notice can be found at:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_JLCAIP_11-06-09_INFO_.HTM

An audio recording of the last meeting held on September 4 has been posted online for those who missed out.

October 19 Meeting: 6th Annual Community Forum

Legislative Panel -- from left to right, Rep. Michael Magaoay, Rep. Cynthia Thielen, Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Rep. Marilyn Lee, Rep. John Mizuno

One of the community panels

Click here to listen. Or try this media player:

Download this Media File - (Right Click)

On October 19, Kokua Council held its 6th Annual Community Forum, themed: “Be Part of the Solution.” The program began with a panel of leaders of legislative caucuses and was followed by a series of panels presenting needs of non-profits, service providers and administrators. At the end, participants voted on top issues. This process is step 1 in determiningg Kokua Council's 2010 legislative priorities.

NOTES: FRUSTRATION, WORRIES, SUGGESTIONS AND PERSISTENCE

The sixth annual Kokua Council Community Legislative Forum brought together over 60 representatives of the legislature, community organizations and concerned individuals to discuss community needs and concerns and to share ideas for legislative action in the coming session. The discussion this year of both the panelists and the audience were colored by the concern of everyone for a budget shortfall, the economic crisis and concern for the most vulnerable.

The Forum helps Kokua Council identify those issues that will be top legislative priorities for our organization. And, finally, the Forum is a way to encourage organizations to work together to achieve common goals and objectives. Kokua Council will continue to support past issues that are still pending. The following presents a summary of the issues presented by the Panel:

Rep. John Mizuno, Human Services Committee: In response to complaints he wants better oversight of case managers, to better control drug abuse, making Sudafed a schedule 5 drug requiring a doctor’s prescription, creating a task force to better address domestic violence, to help curb obesity by requiring fast food establishments to list calorie information and voting by absentee ballots.

Rep. Marilyn Lee, Joint Legislative Committee on Family Caregiving: Committee meets jointly with the Kupuna Caucus on the first Friday of each month, 2pm, State Capitol Room 229. The committee will support bills that provide service to help people age in place and extend time for the Home For Life Task Force. They intend to follow up the Paid Family Leave Act to see if the state started the process of collecting data?

Rep. Cynthia Thielen: Women’s Commission Is working to pass a Silver Alert system with bipartisan support similar to the Amber Alert system as well as a progressive tax break for caregivers.

Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Kupuna Caucus: Working to preserve gains in Adult Protective Adult Services, Kupuna Care, and Senior Centers. Will follow up on task forces and commissions for Long Term Care, Fall Prevention, Grandparents Raising Grandparents, and fall prevention.

Rep. Michael Magaoay, Vice-Speaker: Suggested negotiating with Hawaiian Home Lands for use of land or existing structures in urban center to develop senior services.

Request from audience to post on the web amendments to bills at least 24 hours ahead of a hearing.


FROM ADVOCATE GROUPS AND PROVIDERS

Doug Kreider, OASIS: is developing mental health improvement services to underserved populations and their caregivers, the elderly and the homeless. There is a need for subacute services for those who don’t qualify for aid.

Barbara Stanton, AARP: It is important to keep critical positions especially for services that bring in funds and where the most important person is dismissed. AARP is concerned that the administration is not releasing state funds needed to get matching Federal grants. AARP supports Kupuna Care, LTC taskforce funding, and will be watching the impact on seniors of any new taxes.

Bruce McCullough, HARA: Kupuna Care must be funded and money released to ease the wait-list. Other issues are lower prescription drug prices and Long Term Care funding. While HARA has always been against raising the GET in the past, the current fiscal crisis has changed their views and revenue raising should be considered.

Alex Santiago, PHOCUSED: We must all work together to support a key issue like Kupuna Care.

Kat Brady, Women in Prisons: Prison reform: Mandatory sentences are too severe for nonviolent crimes and should be revised, incarcerated women must not be separated from families and sent to mainland, treatment cheaper than prison.

Debbie Shimizu, NASW: Will support civil unions, emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms. The Silver Alert. She is alarmed at suggested change in the Handivan application process requiring handicapped people to be approved in person when they have no way to get to the application office.

Cullen Hayashida, Kapiolani Community College: The Kupuna Education Center is focusing on workforce development by training para-professionals and family members in LTC caregiving. Long term care financing and services must be supported.

Pat Urieff, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: 14,000 grandparents are raising 35,000 children here. Legislators, educators, government administrators need to include these Grandparents when writing legislation/directives for caregivers and education their workers re rules and regulations. Managers of public housing must give Grandparents reasonable time to find other housing when they suddenly are required to house their grandchildren. Two weeks is not enough.

Jeanne Ohta, Drug Policy Forum: Enhancing the medical marijuana program and instituting fines instead of jailing those who are arrested with less than 1 ounce of addictive substance.

Lyn Moku, Family Caregivers Coalition: The Coalition will focus on educating 2010 candidates on caregiver issues and will support funding for Kupuna Care.

Kent Anderson, Family Promise: Believes that everyone has a right to decent shelter and is supporting programs that help people become self-sufficient in order to obtain housing. Keep or increase rental housing trust fund, release city funds for affordable housing.

John McDermott, PABEA Legislative Committee: The committee is seeking support for having care home inspections posted on the internet to help families find appropriate placement for their family member.

Pat Stanley, Democratic Party Kupuna Caucus: Wants to include part-time workers in Hawaii’s pre-paid health plan, as well as prescription drugs, mental health services in rural communities and give incentives for prevention.

BALLOT RESULTS:

The audience was asked to list their top 3 issues of concern to give guidance to the Kokua Council Board in selecting their 2010 legislative priorities.
Below are the votes.

1. Support for funding Kupuna Care (11)
   
2. Inspections of care homes posted on the internet (10)
   
3. Change drug policy from incarceration to treatment (save big bucks for the state) (7)
   
4. Support increased housing for the homeless including grandparents raising grandchildren(5)
   
5. Getting funds released by Governor to support services provided by law.(5)
   
6. Silver Alert (4)
   
7. Raise revenue (3)
   
8. Certification and oversight of case managers(2), Lower Rx costs, (2) Community College workforce development (2)
   
9. Others mentioned, mail in ballots, campaign-spending reform, oppose legalized gambling, rescind 3 strikes law.
   

(Notes by Laura Manis)

October 19 Program: 6th Annual Community Forum

Be Part of the Solution

Public is invited—it’s free.

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009

PLEASE NOTE:  CHANGE OF DATE AND EXTENDED TIME

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church

Nuuanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd.
Ample parking - driveway off Nuuanu Ave.

AGENDA:

11:30      Luncheon: Homemade Spinach Lasagna, Salad, Drinks, Dessert by Eloise— $5.00 Donation

11:45      Welcome: Introductions and remarks, Larry Geller, President

12:00      PROGRAM:
ANNUAL COMMUNITY FORUM, “BE PART OF THE SOLUTION”—panel of leaders of legislative caucuses plus needs of non-profits, service providers, administrators, and a vote on top issues; step 1 in deciding Kokua Council 2010 legislative priorities.

1: 30       Adjourn

2nd Annual Conference on Domestic Violence - October 22

*Do you know how to recognize when domestic violence is happening?

*Do you know what to do when domestic violence is happening to someone you know?

*Are you familiar with the help available in Hawaii for victims and abusers?

If your answer is "no" to any of these questions, come to the 2nd Annual Conference "Partnerships of Compassion for the Community; Working Together to Support Domestic Violence Survivors" Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 8:00am to 4:30pm at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church 3950 Paine Circle, Honolulu 96818.

Register On-line at: www.tsocs.org by October 19th

Registration Fee: $10 [pay at the door; CASH ONLY] Refreshments & lunch provided.

Co-sponsors: T-SOCS, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Hawaii Family Forum, Hawaii Catholic Conference, Pacific Health Ministry Queen's Medical Center, The Interfaith Alliance, Arms of Hope-Abuse Recovery Mission Services, Office of Social Ministry.

October 2 meeting: CANCELLED!!!

The Joint Legislative Ciommittee on Aging in Place/Kupuna Caucus meeting scheduled for Friday, October 2 at 2pm has been cancelled.

The Co-Chairs apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The next meeting will be on Friday, November 6, 2009. A notice will be forthcoming.

September 28 Meeting: The ACLU - 89 and Still Defending Civil Rights: Activism at Any Age

Click here to listen.

Laurie Temple, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Hawaii, is a 2004 Loyola Law School graduate and, prior to joining the ACLU, worked at the California Women’s Law Center and the Western Law Center for Disability Rights.

Notes

ACLU-89 and Still Defending Civil Rights: Activism at Any Age.

Laurie Temple, Staff Attorney

The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in1920. Locally a staff of 5 and volunteers are working to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the bill of rights and to extend them to those that have traditionally been denied.

During the 2009 legislative session, besides monitoring hundreds of bills, ACLU testified in writing or in person on over 85 bills and resolutions. Four bills were enacted into law and 3 resolutions were adopted. The bills passed (SB777) requires any state-funded sex education program to provide medically accurate sexuality education, (SB539) ensures that the Dept. of Public Safety focuses on reentry and reintegration support and services. (SB1058) establishes a taskforce to examine current medical marijuana medical laws and make recommendations for improvement. (HB358) allows for the development of an alternative program to incarceration for persons with drug addictions.

Legislative priorities for 2010: Supporting Civil Unions, Eliminating Mandatory Minimum Sentences, Emergency Contraceptives dispensed in Emergency Rooms and Voting for Incarcerated Individuals.

For more information visit their website at www.acluhawaii.org or call 522-5906.

Kupuna Caucus & Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place meeting - October 2

The Kupuna Caucus and the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place will meet at 2:00pm on Friday, October 2, 2009 in state capitol conference room 329 to receive reports and updates on:٠Hawaii Long Term Care Reform Task Force, ٠Kupuna Care and Preservation of the Safety Net, ٠Health Aging Partnerships, ٠Aging Disability Resource Center, ٠Senior Centers, ٠Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, ٠Website Posting of Care Settings, ٠Home for Life Task Force, ٠Paid Family Leave, ٠Funeral Trusts, ٠Long Term Care Commission, ٠Center on Aging at the University of Hawaii, ٠Leahi Hospital, ٠Certified Nurses Aide Continuing Education, ٠Home Care Agency Licensing, ٠Adequate Medicaid Reimbursements, ٠St. Francis Staying Healthy at Home, ٠Quest Expanded, ٠Fall Prevention, ٠Federal Health Care Reform, ٠Integrating Care Homes in the Community, ٠Implementation of Adult Protective Services (Vulnerable Adults) Law,٠KCC Caregiver Training Program, and ٠2010 legislation. The public is welcome.

Persons who wish to submit testimony or who have questions are asked to contact Senator Les Ihara's office at 586-6250. A copy of the JLCAIP notice can be found at:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_JLCAIP_10-02-09_INFO_.HTM

September is Senior Fall Prevention Awareness Month!

The Hawaii State Department of Health's Injury Prevention Program and the Hawaii Fall Prevention Consortium, in collaboration with Longs Drugs, The Hawaii Optometric Association, and KTA Superstores, is sponsoring Senior Fall Prevention Awareness Month during September.

"On average, every five hours in Hawaii, a senior suffers a fall injury so serious he or she must be hospitalized," said Director of Health Chiyome Fukuno, M.D. "Fall prevention is a major concern for the safety and well-being of our kupuna, the fastest growing segment of our population." Fall incidents increase dramaticaly in the years after age 65, and those who have fallen once are much more likely to fall again. Every year in Hawaii, on average, 65 seniors die, 1560 are hospitalized, and 4195 are treated in emergency departments due to falls, resulting in almost $43 million in hospital and physician charges. Adding the cost of rehabilitation and nursing care can double that amount.

Senior Fall Prevention Awareness Month activities in September will include:

*September 18 - the Big Island's KTA Puainako store pharmacists will conduct senior medication reviews with the assistance of UH Hilo School of Pharmacy students

*September 22-27 - by appointment only, in-store pharmacists at all Longs Drugs statewide will conduct free medication reviews for seniors to check for medicines that could cause or contibute to a fall

*September 25-27 - free physical screening of seniors to assess their risk for falling will be given by volunteer physical therapists from Straub, Rehab Hospital, and FIT Therapy during the Seniors' Fair and Good Life Expo at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

Senior fall prevention tips include participating in tai chi or exercising regularly to increase balance and flexibility, having a doctor or pharmacist review your medications yearly, having eyes checked annually, and making the home safer by removing fall hazards and improving lighting.

For more information about fall prevention for seniors, call the Department of Health Injury Prevention program at 733-9202.

Health Care Reform Briefing - Friday, September 18

There will be a joint Keiki and Kupuna Caucus meeting at the State Capitol Auditorium on Friday, September 18 from 9:30am to 11:30am. AARP's Senior Legislative Representative for Congressional Relations, Greg Wang, will provide a status update on key health care reform legislation currently before Congress.

The public is welcome.

September 28 Program: The ACLU - 89 and Still Defending Civil Rights: Activism at Any Age

MONDAY, September 28, 2009

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church
Nuuanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd.

Ample parking - driveway off Nuuanu Ave.

AGENDA:

11:30 Luncheon:, Salad, Drinks, Dessert by Eloise $5.00 Donation

11:45 Welcome: Introductions and Remarks, Larry Geller, President

12:00 Program: Laurie Temple, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Hawaii: “The ACLU - 89 and Still Defending Civil Rights: Activism at Any Age.” Temple is a 2004 Loyola Law School graduate and, prior to joining the ACLU, worked at the California Women’s Law Center and the Western Law Center for Disability Rights.
Questions and Answers

12:50 Announcements

1:00 Adjourn

Kupuna Caucus & Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place meeting - September 4

The Kupuna Caucus and the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place will meet at 2:00pm on Friday, August 7, 2009 in state capitol conference room 229 to receive reports and updates on:٠Tax Preparation Services, ٠Kupuna Care and Preservation of the Safety Net, ٠Health Aging Partnerships, ٠Aging Disability Resource Center, ٠Senior Centers, ٠Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, ٠Website Posting of Care Settings, ٠Home for Life Task Force, ٠Paid Family Leave, ٠Funeral Trusts, ٠Long Term Care Commission, ٠Center on Aging at the University of Hawaii, ٠Leahi Hospital Master Plan, ٠Certified Nurses Aide Continuing Education, ٠Home Care Agency Licensing, ٠Adequate Medicaid Reimbursements, ٠St. Francis Staying Healthy at Home, ٠Quest Expanded, ٠Fall Prevention, ٠Federal Health Care Reform, ٠Integrating Care Homes in the Community, ٠Implementation of Adult Protective Services (Vulnerable Adults) Law,and ٠2010 legislation. The public is welcome.

Persons who wish to submit testimony or who have questions are asked to contact Senator Les Ihara's office at 586-6250. A copy of the JLCAIP notice can be found at:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/hearingnotices/HEARING_JLCAIP_09-04-09_INFO_.HTM

August 24 Meeting: Stay Healthy at Home

Click here to listen.

Notes from August Luncheon:

Jacob Silva: St. Francis “Staying Healthy At Home”

Staying Healthy at Home is a health and wellness program designed for healthy seniors as well as for seniors and individuals living with a chronic condition who enjoy their independence but may require assistance with daily activities. As an alternative to assisted living facilities and nursing homes, it acts as a one-call center for all the services you may need.

The annual membership fee of $600 per person, $900 per couple includes home safety evaluation, health screenings, weekly follow-ups, chronic disease management, pharmacist medication reviews, initial consultation for estate planning, invitations to educational seminars, volunteers to assist with errands and light housekeeping.

Other services such as yard service, transportation, adult day services, personal medical alert systems, bathing & personal services are available on a fee-for-service basis.

If a member is no longer able to stay at home, a social worker will help find an appropriate placement.

August 24 Program: Stay Healthy At Home

“The Graying of Hawaii” DVDs will be available again at the luncheon meeting. They are free.

MONDAY, August 24, 2009

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church
Nuuanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd.

Ample parking - driveway off Nuuanu Ave.

AGENDA:

11:30 Luncheon: Spinach Lasagna, by Karen Yim-Camarillo, Salad, Drinks, Dessert by Eloise, $5.00 Donation

11:45 Welcome: Introductions and Remarks, Larry Geller, President

12:00 Program: Jacob Silva, St. Francis Healthcare System, “Stay Healthy At Home,” an alternative for families contemplating use of long-term care facilities? Silva has 18 years of clinical and managerial experience in the military and private sectors in California and Hawaii. Since June 2006, he has served as nursing supervisor of St. Francis Home Care Services. He also worked at Kaiser Permanente and Tripler Army Medical Center. He continues to serve as an Army Nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves.

12:45 Questions and Answers

12:50 Announcements

1: 00 Adjourn

Small Victories!

by Tony Lenzer

The 2009 Legislative Session was a disastrous one for Hawaii’s elders, their families, disabled persons, and other vulnerable populations. The Legislature did not approve, or the Governor vetoed, legislation containing funding for many critical services. Nonetheless, four important bills were saved, either through Legislative overrides at the Special Session convened on July 15, or by the Governor allowing a bill to become law without her signature. However, the Governor has said she will not release any funds required by the bills.

House Bill 982: Establishes a new data collection system for family leave, and appropriates $10,000 from the disability benefits special fund for this purpose. Today, over one-fourth of Hawaii’s households have someone caring for a physically or mentally impaired older person. Over half of these caregivers are employed, and many indicate that their work is affected by caregiving responsibilities. Such data —from both the public and private sectors—is critical if Hawaii is to develop a 21st century family leave system.

House Bill 1504: Creates the Hawaii Health Authority to develop a plan to provide universal health care in Hawaii. Current estimates are that 10% of our population lack health insurance coverage. However, the percent of those under age 65 who lack coverage is much higher, possibly 25% or more. These include the growing number of part-time workers, as well as others not covered under Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act. Uninsured people strain Hawaii’s health resources, and sick people represent a loss of productivity for Hawaii’s employers and the State. Given the serious Congressional disagreements about financing, as well as the structure of such reforms, Hawaii would be well advised to move ahead with its own planning and later adjusted to fit whatever national reform legislation is enacted.

House Bill 1379: Creates a process for a patient to direct his or her end-of-life treatment via a standardized physician orders form. The form is signed by the patient (or surrogate) and the patient’s physician, and all healthcare providers (including EMS Personnel and ER physicians) are required to comply with properly executed and signed forms. This instrument provides clear and immediate direction for healthcare providers, especially for patients who do not have an advance directive, or whose advanced directive is not available when end-of-life medical decisions must be made.

Senate Bill 415: Requires the Department of Health to license home care agencies. These agencies provide personal care and homemaker assistance to disabled persons and frail elders, and respite care for family members. Demand has increased due largely to the number of disabled and frail elders. At present, anyone can open a home care agency simply by getting a General Excise Tax license. There are no criminal history checks, training requirements, or ethical standards required. Home care agencies, like other health providers, should meet minimal standards and be licensed.

Kupuna Caucus & Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place meeting: August 7

The Kupuna Caucus and the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging in Place will meet at 2:00pm on Friday, August 7, 2009 in state capitol conference room 229 to receive reports and updates on:٠Kupuna Care and Preservation of the Safety Net, ٠Health Aging Partnerships, ٠Aging Disability Resource Center, ٠Senior Centers, ٠Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, ٠Website Posting of Care Settings, ٠Home for Life Task Force, ٠Paid Family Leave, ٠Funeral Trusts, ٠Long Term Care Commission, ٠Center on Aging at the University of Hawaii, ٠Leahi Hospital Master Plan, ٠Certified Nurses Aide Continuing Education, ٠Home Care Agency Licensing, ٠Adequate Medicaid Reimbursements, ٠St. Francis Staying Healthy at Home, ٠Quest Expanded, ٠Fall Prevention, and ٠2010 legislation. The public is welcome.

Persons who wish to submit testimony or who have questions are asked to contact Senator Les Ihara's office at 586-6250. A copy of the JLCAIP notice can be found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/hearingnotices/JLCAIP_08-07-09_INFO_.htm

July 27 Meeting: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Problems and Issues

Click here to listen.

Speaker: Patricia Urieff, MSW, ACSW, LSW, employed with twenty-four years of experience providing social work services to children and families including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Right-click to download handout: Identification of Key Issues (pdf).

Notes:

About 14,000 grandparents are raising about 35,000 grandchildren in Hawaii. However, they are forgotten in government materials listing resources available for caregivers. Not only do grandparents not know of resources but there is also a lack of communication between government and school administrators about their rights even when they present an official affidavit entitled Caregiver Consent. This affidavit, for example, permits grandparents to participate in parent-teacher conferences, permission for their grandchildren to participate in after school activities and for health care. Some schools do not notify them of these activities.

Other issues:

Statewide, seniors living in elderly public housing receive eviction notices whenever they provide care for a grandchild-in-crisis. They instead need reasonable time to find other affordable housing.

When a grandchild is removed from a home and placed in foster care, grandparents are often not thought of as a suitable, willing placement.