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

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AGING AGING Program Highlights (continued) The Caregiver Specialist and Program Planner provided 19 activities throughout FY09 including: Advanced Health Care Directive workshops, public display and outreach events, support groups, Caregiver Survival Skills Workshop, and Caregiver Respite Days providing essential information and respite for caregivers. Demand for Respite services FY09 totaled 2,295 hours. By assisting caregivers with in -home respite care services, LTC placement can be avoided or prolonged, thereby reducing the cost to the client, families, and government support systems. Healthy Aging Project During the FY 2009, Office of Aging continued its efforts to educate Hawai`i County's elderly population about Chronic Disease Self Management (CDSMP). This program, developed by the Stanford University's School of Medicine, has expanded to include Diabetes Self Management (DSMP) and Arthritis Self Management (ASMP). The Office of Aging offered three six week workshops covering CDSMP, DSMP, and ASMP serving 30 older individuals age 60 +. Alu Like, Inc., a Healthy Aging partner, also offered three six week workshops in CDSMP, DSMP, and ASMP serving about 30 older individuals from its native Hawaiian population. Six month followup surveys indicate that the participants are still using the skills learned in the workshops and are better able to manage their chronic conditions. Results also included improved general health, fewer emergency room visits and fewer hospital stays. Office of Aging's next step is to train more workshop leaders. For the next fiscal year, Office of Aging will be concentrating its efforts in the rural districts, starting with Kau and Kona. Home Modification The Home Modification Program strives to create safer home environments for the frail elderly. By reducing safety hazards, seniors are able to remain in their own homes with less risk of falls and thereby reducing subsequent hospitalization due to injuries in the home. With the ability to provide minor renovations, modifications, and /or adaptive equipment, the Home Modification program offers opportunities for seniors with health and mobility problems to function more independently. Safety deficits are identified by case managers and service providers through home assessments and evaluations. The goal of this program is to increase safety, reduce falls, and avoid injuries as well as decrease caregiver stress. 383 in -home safety items (i.e. grab bars, shower chairs, transfer benches) were provided for 150 clients during FY09 which corrected safety deficits and provided for a safer home environment. 8