Aloha, our Kupuna Caregivers!

You’re the unsung heroes keeping aloha alive for elders across the islands, whether it’s helping with daily routines on O’ahu, chatting story on the Big Island, or making sure meds are on point in Maui’s heat.

At Kupuna Life, we know caregiving for kūpuna isn’t just a shift; it’s heart work, tied to our ʻohana values of mālama and respect. But even the strongest ohana needs a little backup sometimes. That’s why we’re shining a light on these key resources, straight from official Hawaiian spots to help you recharge, get support, and feel less alone in this kuleana.

These aren’t random links; they’re from trusted state, federal, and local orgs right here in Hawaii, focused on caregiver support for folks like you. We’ve pulled the essentials so you can bookmark, call, or hop online when you need a hand. Let’s keep you connected and strong!

1. Executive Office on Aging (EOA) – Your Statewide Aging Lifeline

EOA is the heart of Hawaii’s aging network, coordinating everything from family caregiver support to preventive health services under the Older Americans Act. They’re all about helping kūpuna stay independent and supporting you with training, respite care, and info on programs like nutrition or legal aid.

• What to Check Out: Their Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a one-stop shop for long-term services; think care management, Meals on Wheels, or connecting to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for island-specific help.
• How to Connect: Visit hawaiiadrc.org or health.hawaii.gov/eoa for county contacts (e.g., Honolulu: 808-768-7700; Hawaiʻi Island: 808-961-8626). Call the statewide ADRC line at 808-643-2372 for quick answers on benefits or services.
• Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with a kūpuna’s mobility issues or family stress, start here, they can link you to free workshops on dementia care or elder rights.

2. Hawaii Family Caregiver Support Program – Boost for You and Your ʻOhana

This program, run through EOA and local AAAs, is designed for family and professional caregivers like you, offering services to ease the load on kūpuna care. It includes everything from respite breaks to counseling, so you can focus on the joy of caregiving without the burnout.

• What to Check Out: Access to the National Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) perks like support groups, training, and even supplemental services if your kūpuna qualifies for Medicaid waivers.
• How to Connect: Head to hawaiiadrc.org for eligibility info and applications, or call your local AAA (same numbers as above). It’s free for most folks 60+ and their caregivers.
• Pro Tip: If juggling work and care feels overwhelming, ask about paid respite options. It’s a game-changer for recharging with a quick beach walk.

3. Alzheimer’s Association – Aloha Chapter: Dementia Know-How Tailored for Hawaii

If your kūpuna is facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia (which affects nearly 100,000 in our islands), this chapter has your back with local, culturally sensitive resources. They cover Oʻahu to Kauaʻi, Guam, and beyond, focusing on education that honors Hawaiian values.

• What to Check Out: Free 24/7 helpline for advice, support groups (in-person and virtual), and training on safe care techniques, like handling sundowning with aloha patience.
• How to Connect:org/hawaii or call 808-591-2771 (Oʻahu office). Their 24/7 Helpline is 800-272-3900 for anytime support.
• Pro Tip: Download their free “Caregiver’s Guide” for tips on talking story to ease memory loss, perfect for building trust with kūpuna.

4. VA Pacific Islands Health Care System: Support for Veteran Kūpuna Caregivers

Got a kūpuna who’s a vet? VA’s got specialized caregiver programs to honor their service while lightening your load, available across Hawaii and the Pacific.

• What to Check Out: Caregiver support coordinators for in-home help, counseling, stipends (if post-9/11 injury), and progressive needs planning for aging vets.
• How to Connect:gov/pacific-islands-health-care/health-services/caregiver-support/ or call 808-433-0600 (main line). Their national Caregiver Support Line is 855-260-3274 for 24/7 chats.
• Pro Tip: If travel’s tough on neighbor islands, ask about telehealth options, they make it easy to get training without leaving home.

5. Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition (HFCC): Your Community Advocacy Crew

HFCC brings together orgs, agencies, and folks like you to push for better caregiver policies and share real-talk education on island life. It’s all about raising awareness and training to improve life for givers and receivers of care.

• What to Check Out: Workshops on stress management, advocacy tools, and a network for swapping tips with other caregivers statewide.
• How to Connect: hfccoalition.org or email info@hfccoalition.org to join their mailing list for events and updates.
• Pro Tip: Sign up for their next virtual hui (meeting), it’s a great spot to vent about high island costs and learn about new state funding.

There you have it, your go-to toolkit from Hawaii’s official caregiver pros. These resources aren’t just links; they’re lifelines to help you mālama yourself while mālama-ing our kūpuna. Remember, reaching out is a strength, not a weakness, it’s how we keep the ʻohana strong.

At Kupuna Life, we’re proud to be part of this network too; hit us up anytime for team-specific support or a quick pep talk.

Got a fave resource or a story of how one helped you? Share it with the crew, we’d love to hear! Mahalo nui for all you do. Keep that aloha shining.