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COMMITTEE ON HUM ;ERV[CES AND ECONOMIC DEVEI ' ~y . .IT <br /> <br /> ` March 19, ' "~-King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel <br /> Testimony of Robyn Enos, Executive Director of Kooa Adult Day Center, Inc. <br /> Oo behalf of Kona Adult Day Center, I would like to open my testimony with a sincere "thank-you" to the <br /> Committee on Human Services and Economic Development far allowing time in their busy schedules to <br /> convene here today. I want to express special appreciation for Conncilmao John Ray's keen insight into the <br /> needs o[ the people who live in Hawaii County and his creativity and perseverance in proving that local non- <br /> profit agencies can fulfill these needs when given proper support. <br /> WHO: Kona Adult Day Center is the only private, non-profit adult day service program on the West side of <br /> the Island of Hawaii The basic objeMive of our program is two-fold: to provide an enrichment program for <br /> [rail, elderly, sod disabled adults through recreation, socislizaUon, health monitoring and physical and <br /> mental stimulation and equally as important, to provide respite or'kime-out° for primary caregivers and <br /> their families Each day at Kons Adult Day Center creates a ripple effect, the in1Ua1 wave produced by <br /> daytime respite care for the elderly family member, the following wave a result of the benefit family members <br /> and caregivers, rippling on to the family's friends, employers, customers and culminating in a circle of welt <br /> being for the entire community. After nine years of operation, Kona Adult Day Center has made a niche for <br /> itself in the community and within the continuum of long-term care. The program is recognized statewide by <br /> providers of adult day services as a model of adult day health service provision. <br /> WHERE: Kons Adult Day Center occupies a 6,000 square foot facility in Kealakekua, du•ecUy north across <br /> the street from the Kealakekua Post Office. The building is clean, well lit, safe, secure and the environment is <br /> up beat and cheerful. There is ample room for the daily ezercise sod dance, musical events, room for a game <br /> of ball-toss or bowling. The large and accessible kitchen provides space for baking projects sod special art <br /> projects. There is an area [or personal care and bathing, active therapy, a large wandering path and raised <br /> bed gardens. There is a special room [or individuals who need °quiet time" and the registered aura's room <br /> for administration of medications and skilled nursing procedures. <br /> WHAT: Kona Adult Day Center has been fortunate to receive funding from the County of Hawau for the <br /> past three years. The Committee oo Human Services will note that the amount of our request for 199tF99 has <br /> been increased. The Budget Description included as an addendum to Table 3 explains the additional <br /> expenses anticipated during the upcoming year. These expenses are shared proportionately among the <br /> sources of revenue. <br /> The population of Kooa Adult Day Center's elderly clients is u varied as any group of people who gather <br /> within the community. There are many ethnic and cultural differences within the Center's enrollment. While <br /> the average age is S5, we do enjoy the attendance of individuals as young as 45 and as "forever young" as 95. <br /> For the purpose of this application, the main difference io participants lies in the level of physical and mental <br /> functioning of these clients. Kons Adult Day Center strives to keep the activity program exciting for all <br /> levels. But, as the number of individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease increases, the overall <br /> program changes The request for increased funding from Hawau County is based on the need tor: 1) more <br /> creative activity tools and equipment for those participanh with Alzheimer's disease; 2) additional health <br /> and activity supplies to increase mental stimulation and physical activity for the higher functioning <br /> participants; 3) the necessary continuing education Cor Kona Adult Day Center staffto accentuate their skills <br /> in caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease; and, 4) additional scholarship funds for low-income <br /> individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. <br /> WHY: It is evident that as our population ages and the number of frail elderly increases, so grows the Deed <br /> far Kona Adult Day Center services Over the years the Center has experienced an increase in the Dumber <br /> of persons being served who have varying stages of Alzheimer's disease. KADC administration and the <br /> Board of Directors want to provide s quality activity and health program far all of the participants. This <br /> means special staffing, equipment and activity supplies for those individuals with Alzheimer's disease and <br /> continued stimulation, outings and special events for the higher tunctioning individuals. <br /> I welcome any questions that the Committee on Human Services may pox. Again, thank you for realaing <br /> the importance of the services provided by non-profit agencies within our community. '7 _ p <br /> /~.5. QO <br /> ~v <br /> ~ _ ~ <br /> :71.ia I/~ reseatP <br /> - ed i~sEpL <br /> 7lef. `let <br /> ~ ~ MAR 1 91998 <br /> <br />