Latest news with #ExecutiveOfficeonAging
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Helping kupuna who are afraid, unable to speak for themselves
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Sometimes, our kupuna living in care facilities are afraid or unable to speak for themselves. State long-term care ombudsman John McDermott said he discovered that firsthand when he started the job in 1985. State House passes bill to limit risk of cryptocurrency scams 'In the middle of the night, there's a nurse aide who doesn't like her and comes when she's asleep and throws the blanket off and throws it on the floor. I said 'You saw that happen?' 'Oh yeah, many times.' 'Why didn't you say anything?' She just looks at me and says 'You've never lived in a nursing home, have you?'' McDermott recalled. Those fears can be eased as the ombudsman talks to the facilities anonymously to help advocate for kupuna. It's a federal mandate under the Older Americans Act. McDermott said overall, long-term care facilities in Hawaii do a great job, but as more out-migration continues on the islands, kupuna have less family to come visit, meaning advocates are harder to come by. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'That means you have that whole network that is now gone, that is not there to protect you. So that's what we do. We have volunteers and staff and their job is to create and form a relationship with the kupuna, find out if they're happy with the care that they're getting, if not we're going to try to do something to make it better.' The problem is that they're short-staffed. They're trying to fill neighbor island positions on Kauai and Maui County and two vacant positions on Oahu. 'We have a little bit over 1,700 facilities and we have about 13,000 beds and by federal law, we're supposed to visit everybody on a quarterly basis. That would be 30 facilities a day spread over six islands so it's not possible for me to do that by myself.' Check out more news from around Hawaii McDermott believes in the mission so much, that he is putting off his own retirement until he can get staffing up to par. He said he's looking for people who are trainable and empathetic. If you or someone you know is interested in applying or volunteering, call the Executive Office on Aging at (808) 586-0100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Kupuna Caucus proposes caregiver tax credit, more
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Kupuna Caucus of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature shared their 2025 legislative package on Feb. 7, aiming to enhance the quality of life for kupuna across the islands. Among other topics, the caucus proposed measures to expand healthcare access, food security and improve housing opportunities.'We are committed to having our seniors receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence, especially during this period of time in our lives,' said Senator Sharon Moriwaki. 'This legislative package is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for all generations.' Keiki Caucus announces 2025 legislative package The 2025 Kupuna Caucus bill package is as follows: SB877/HB702 — Relating to Human Services This bill would appropriate funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, on the condition that the Department of Human Services obtains maximum federal matching funds. SB878/HB703 — Relating to Kupuna Housing This bill would extend the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna to June 30, 2028. SB879/HB701 — Relating to Taxation This bill would establish a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. It would also require the Department of Taxation to report to the legislature before the convening of each regular session. SB880/HB705 — Relating to the Executive Office on Aging This would establish a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaiʻi State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to aid kupuna, Medicare beneficiaries, those with disabilities and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to access their benefits. The Executive Office on Aging would also be required to submit reports to the legislature. SB881/HB704 — Relating to Food Security This bill would establish the Hawaiʻi Food Security Special Fund to restore SNAP benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023, with reporting to the legislature. 'Honoring our treasured kupuna in our communities means ensuring they have the care, respect and support they deserve,' said Rep. Cory M. Chun. 'During this legislative session, we are focusing on ways to enhance their quality of life and address critical issues like healthcare, housing and food security.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
