BIL 211 Draft 01 2008-2010 (Part 1, Vol. II)

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AGING AGING Program Highlights The Hawai`i County Office of Aging (HCOA) is committed to developing a system of quality home and community -based care to meet the needs of a diverse elder population. The following major projects and/or initiatives were carried out during the 2008 — 2009 fiscal year: Aging and Disability Resource Center The vision of Hawai`i County's Aging and Disability Resource Center became a reality in 2008 with the grand opening of the ADRC in November and achieving full tenancy of the County leased space in the old Sun Sun Lau building in April 2009. Seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families now have a comfortable place to come and receive information and services. Information and Assistance services and Options Counseling on long term care enable individuals to make better choices in planning for needs now and for future. In the ADRC, seniors and individuals with disabilities can directly access services from several County and private agencies: the Hawai`i County Office of Aging, Coordinated Services for the Elderly, Hawai`i County Nutrition Program, Senior Training and Employment Program, Hawaii Center for Independent Living and The Arc of Hilo. The ADRC also meets part of a resource gap for agencies and community groups needing meeting and training space for aging and disability issues. Support groups and agencies are increasing facility use daily. A Resource Library in the ADRC is targeted for completion by the end of 2009. It will be offer a wide range of books, pamphlets, and DVDNHS materials on aging and disabilities as well as worldwide access to information via the internet. Caregiver Support The National Family Caregiver Support Program, administered through the Hawaii County Office of Aging, coordinated various workshops, trainings, support groups, and conferences to provide information about services for caregivers and resources available in our community. Outreach and training events offer opportunities for caregivers, service providers, and members of the general public to gain information on family caregiving and the importance of self -care. The Caregiver Conference - "A Carousel of Care" held at the Keahou Sheraton Hotel and Spa on January 21, 2009 had an attendance of 125 family caregivers. The conference focused on Transdermal Approaches to Symptom Management, Dental Health, Home Care Tips, Advanced Health Care Directives, Adaptive Equipment for the Home, the Culture of Caregiving, essential self -care, and knowledge of available resources to assist caregivers in their demanding and challenging role as caregivers. 7