COH Meeting May 28, 2021 Handouts

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As a designated Area Agency on Aging, (lie Hawaii County Office of Aging is part ofa national network with a common nussion -- a mission with the goal of ensuring the dignity, independence, and the ability for older individuals to remain in their homes as long as possible. The Hawaii County Office of Aging will serve as the principle advocate for older individuals, caregivers and service providers to ensure the fulfillment of the mission entrusted to us. PHILOSOPHY To ensure that all individuals, caregivers, service providers, and communities in Hawaii County have access and linkage to information resources, counseling services, short and long term care support options, and to be the advocate in aging and disability issues. The Hawaii County Office of Aging will be the "one stop" access point in. Hawaii County for all aging and disability related issues. GOAL To achieve our Mission and Philosophy, the Hawaii County Office of Aging will ensure the following functions: 1) Remove all barriers and perceptions that foster government distrust. Provide an environment that will be conducive in making it easier for older individuals, caregivers and their families, and other community entities to learn about, access, and participate in existing services and supports. 2) Provide a system of resources to empower individuals and caregivers with the tools to participate in the decision making process of their care. Develop and implement a follow up system to ensure consumers do not fall through the gap. 3) Participate and partner in the development of low-cost evidence based health prevention programs that have proven effective in reducing the risk of disease, disability and injury among the elderly and disability communities. 4) To be the leading representative and advocate in monitoring, evaluating, commenting on policies, programs, legislative hearings, and community action forums that impact the interest of our target consumers. 5) To enter into grants and contracts for the development and provision of services designed to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of the consumers we serve. 6) To develop and administer an Area Plan on Aging based upon community needs and input. To develop a long range planning strategy of 5 and 10 years based on social and demographic trends of older individuals within Hawaii County, and to continuously monitor the development of that strategy. 7) To develop and prepare a pre -disaster, during, and post disaster emergency response plan. To be ready to assist in coordinating, assessing, and to provide support to Civil Defense, County, and private agencies during times of disaster. VISION The Hawaii County Office of Aging will become the identified community resource and advocate in Hawaii County on aging and disability issues.