HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0745.008 1996-1998 COMMITTEE ON HUM ;ERV[CES AND ECONOMIC DEVEI ' ~y . .IT
` March 19, ' "~-King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel
Testimony of Robyn Enos, Executive Director of Kooa Adult Day Center, Inc.
Oo behalf of Kona Adult Day Center, I would like to open my testimony with a sincere "thank-you" to the
Committee on Human Services and Economic Development far allowing time in their busy schedules to
convene here today. I want to express special appreciation for Conncilmao John Ray's keen insight into the
needs o[ the people who live in Hawaii County and his creativity and perseverance in proving that local non-
profit agencies can fulfill these needs when given proper support.
WHO: Kona Adult Day Center is the only private, non-profit adult day service program on the West side of
the Island of Hawaii The basic objeMive of our program is two-fold: to provide an enrichment program for
[rail, elderly, sod disabled adults through recreation, socislizaUon, health monitoring and physical and
mental stimulation and equally as important, to provide respite or'kime-out° for primary caregivers and
their families Each day at Kons Adult Day Center creates a ripple effect, the in1Ua1 wave produced by
daytime respite care for the elderly family member, the following wave a result of the benefit family members
and caregivers, rippling on to the family's friends, employers, customers and culminating in a circle of welt
being for the entire community. After nine years of operation, Kona Adult Day Center has made a niche for
itself in the community and within the continuum of long-term care. The program is recognized statewide by
providers of adult day services as a model of adult day health service provision.
WHERE: Kons Adult Day Center occupies a 6,000 square foot facility in Kealakekua, du•ecUy north across
the street from the Kealakekua Post Office. The building is clean, well lit, safe, secure and the environment is
up beat and cheerful. There is ample room for the daily ezercise sod dance, musical events, room for a game
of ball-toss or bowling. The large and accessible kitchen provides space for baking projects sod special art
projects. There is an area [or personal care and bathing, active therapy, a large wandering path and raised
bed gardens. There is a special room [or individuals who need °quiet time" and the registered aura's room
for administration of medications and skilled nursing procedures.
WHAT: Kona Adult Day Center has been fortunate to receive funding from the County of Hawau for the
past three years. The Committee oo Human Services will note that the amount of our request for 199tF99 has
been increased. The Budget Description included as an addendum to Table 3 explains the additional
expenses anticipated during the upcoming year. These expenses are shared proportionately among the
sources of revenue.
The population of Kooa Adult Day Center's elderly clients is u varied as any group of people who gather
within the community. There are many ethnic and cultural differences within the Center's enrollment. While
the average age is S5, we do enjoy the attendance of individuals as young as 45 and as "forever young" as 95.
For the purpose of this application, the main difference io participants lies in the level of physical and mental
functioning of these clients. Kons Adult Day Center strives to keep the activity program exciting for all
levels. But, as the number of individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease increases, the overall
program changes The request for increased funding from Hawau County is based on the need tor: 1) more
creative activity tools and equipment for those participanh with Alzheimer's disease; 2) additional health
and activity supplies to increase mental stimulation and physical activity for the higher functioning
participants; 3) the necessary continuing education Cor Kona Adult Day Center staffto accentuate their skills
in caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease; and, 4) additional scholarship funds for low-income
individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
WHY: It is evident that as our population ages and the number of frail elderly increases, so grows the Deed
far Kona Adult Day Center services Over the years the Center has experienced an increase in the Dumber
of persons being served who have varying stages of Alzheimer's disease. KADC administration and the
Board of Directors want to provide s quality activity and health program far all of the participants. This
means special staffing, equipment and activity supplies for those individuals with Alzheimer's disease and
continued stimulation, outings and special events for the higher tunctioning individuals.
I welcome any questions that the Committee on Human Services may pox. Again, thank you for realaing
the importance of the services provided by non-profit agencies within our community. '7 _ p
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