The Kupuna Care Program (KC) is a vital initiative funded by the State of Hawaii, designed to provide community-based long-term care services for elderly residents. This program specifically targets a critical “gap group” of seniors who need assistance to remain in their homes but do not qualify for other government aid or lack the financial means for private care. Understanding the Kupuna Care Program is essential for families and seniors in Hawaii seeking support for independent living.
This program is designed for Kupuna (elderly in Hawaiian) who find themselves in a challenging situation. They may have modest financial resources that are insufficient to cover the high costs of private long-term care services. Simultaneously, their income and asset levels might be too high to qualify for traditional Medicaid or their care needs might not meet the stringent requirements for LTC Medicaid, which often necessitates institutional levels of care such as in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) or Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). The Kupuna Care Program bridges this gap, offering crucial in-home support to those who are otherwise left without options.
To be eligible for the Kupuna Care Program, an elder must meet a specific set of criteria, ensuring that the services reach those most in need. These eligibility requirements are clearly defined to ensure fair and effective distribution of resources.
Eligibility Criteria for Kupuna Care
To qualify for the Kupuna Care Program, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
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Age Requirement: Be 60 years of age or older. This age threshold ensures that the program focuses on supporting senior citizens.
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Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien. For this program, a “qualified alien” is defined as a lawfully admitted permanent resident under the Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring services are provided to legal residents.
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Lack of Comparable Service Coverage: Not be covered by any comparable government service, private-pay service, or other home and community-based care service, with the exception of other Kupuna Care services. This stipulation prevents duplication of benefits and ensures the program serves those without alternative support.
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Non-Residency in Long-Term Care Facilities: Not reside in a long-term care facility. This includes facilities such as intermediate care facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, foster family homes, community care foster family homes, adult residential care homes, or expanded adult residential care homes. The program is specifically designed to support in-home care and prevent unnecessary institutionalization.
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Demonstrated Impairments: Have impairments of at least:
- Two (2) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs);
- Two (2) Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs);
- One (1) ADL and one (1) IADL; or
- Substantive cognitive impairment that necessitates substantial supervision because the individual behaves in a manner that poses a serious health or safety hazard to self or others.
This criterion ensures that the program assists those with significant functional or cognitive limitations.
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Unmet Need for Assistance: Have an unmet need of at least one or more ADLs, or one or more IADLs. This final point emphasizes the necessity for demonstrable need for assistance in daily living activities.
It’s important to understand the definitions of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to fully grasp the eligibility requirements.
Understanding ADLs and IADLs
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that are essential for independent living. These include:
- Eating
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Mobility (walking and moving around)
- Dressing
- Transferring (e.g., moving from a bed to a chair)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow an individual to live independently within a community. These include:
- Cooking
- Shopping
- Housework
- Use of public transportation
- Use of the telephone
- Managing medications
- Managing money
Meeting the impairment criteria based on ADLs and IADLs is a key component of qualifying for the Kupuna Care Program.
Services Provided Under Kupuna Care
The Kupuna Care Program offers a range of services designed to support seniors in their homes and communities. These services are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. The services include:
- Transportation: Assistance with transportation needs, enabling seniors to attend medical appointments, run errands, and participate in community activities.
- Attendant Care: Personal care services provided by an attendant, assisting with ADLs and IADLs to support daily living.
- Case Management: Professional case managers help to assess needs, develop care plans, and coordinate services, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
- Home-Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals delivered to the homes of eligible seniors, addressing nutritional needs and promoting well-being.
- Homemaker Services: Assistance with light housekeeping tasks, laundry, and other homemaking duties to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.
- Adult Day Care: Supervised daytime programs in a group setting, providing social interaction, activities, and respite for caregivers.
- Personal Care Services: Hands-on assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and other ADLs, provided in the senior’s home.
For home-delivered meals, there are specific eligibility criteria that differ slightly from the general Kupuna Care requirements.
Home-Delivered Meals: Specific Eligibility
Eligibility for home-delivered meals under the Kupuna Care Program has additional requirements. While the standard Kupuna Care criteria apply, the impairments must specifically include at least two (2) ADLs or substantive cognitive impairment. Notably, IADL impairments alone are not sufficient to qualify for home-delivered meals.
Furthermore, an individual must be homebound and meet at least one of the following conditions to receive home-delivered meals:
- Mobility and Capacity Limitations: Lack the physical mobility and/or mental capacity necessary to shop for food, leave home for a congregate meal site, or prepare adequate meals themselves, and have no one available to assist.
- Inadequate Cooking Facilities: Lack adequate cooking facilities, are unable to acquire them, and are unable to attend a congregate meal site.
- Convalescing at Home: Are convalescing following discharge from a hospital or other convalescing facility and do not have help to prepare meals.
These specific criteria ensure that home-delivered meals reach the most vulnerable homebound seniors with significant nutritional needs.
Priority for Services
The Kupuna Care Program prioritizes services for older adults with the greatest needs. Priority is given to those with:
- Greatest Economic Need: Seniors with limited financial resources are prioritized to ensure equitable access to care.
- Greatest Social Need: Individuals who are socially isolated or lack family support receive priority consideration.
- Risk for Institutional Placement: Seniors at risk of needing to move into a long-term care facility are prioritized to support their ability to remain at home.
Within these priority groups, particular attention is given to those who are:
- Low-income: Ensuring affordability and access for those with limited financial means.
- Minority: Addressing potential disparities in access to care within minority communities.
- Limited English Proficiency: Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
- Residing in Rural Areas: Overcoming geographical barriers to accessing care in rural communities.
This prioritization framework ensures that the Kupuna Care Program effectively targets resources to the most vulnerable and underserved elderly populations in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Services in Hawaii
While the Kupuna Care Program is a cornerstone of senior support in Hawaii, many related questions arise concerning elderly care and assistance in the state. Here are answers to some common inquiries, expanding upon the services and resources available beyond Kupuna Care.
How to Obtain a State ID if You Don’t Drive?
If you do not have a driver’s license but need a photo identification card, you can apply for a State ID card. Since 2013, the responsibility for processing State Identification cards has been with the four counties of Hawaii. You can apply at drivers’ licensing offices within your county. For specific details on applying for a State ID card in Honolulu, you can visit the City & County of Honolulu website.
Reporting Elder Abuse: Protecting Seniors in Hawaii
Elder abuse is a serious issue, encompassing physical, psychological, financial, or sexual mistreatment. In Hawaii, the Adult Protective Service (APS) office on Oahu is the designated authority to intervene in cases of suspected or actual abuse. You can contact the Oahu APS office at (808) 832-5115. Reports can be made anonymously. Neglect of an elder by others or signs of self-neglect should also be reported to APS. In emergencies or for immediate danger, call 911 to report abuse to the police.
Medicare and Long-Term Care Facilities: What is Covered?
It’s important to understand that Medicare generally does not cover long-term care facilities like care homes or nursing homes. Medicare’s coverage for skilled nursing facilities is typically limited to short-term stays following a hospital stay. Long-term stays in such facilities are not covered. For individuals requiring ongoing skilled nursing care who cannot afford private payment, applying for Medicaid long-term care coverage is necessary.
Disabled Persons Parking Permits in Hawaii
To obtain a parking pass for handicapped spaces, you need a Disabled Persons Parking Permit. Applications are available at satellite city halls and the Customer Services Department in Honolulu. A physician’s certification of disability is required. You can also download the application form from the Disability and Communication Access Board website.
Image of a disabled parking permit placard hanging from a car’s rearview mirror.
TheHandi-Van Service for Accessible Transportation
For accessible transportation services, TheHandi-Van is available. To utilize this service, you must schedule an in-person eligibility interview at TheHandi-Van Eligibility Center. Contact them at (808) 538-0033 for scheduling and information. Further details are available on TheHandi-Van website.
Senior Housing Options and Assistance
Finding suitable housing for seniors can be complex. For current information on rental housing options for seniors in Hawaii, the Housing Assistance Program at Catholic Charities Hawaii is a valuable resource. They can be reached at (808) 527-4777. Additionally, explore resources in the Senior Housing section for more information.
Senior Bus Passes for Public Transportation
To apply for a senior bus pass in Honolulu, visit the main office at the Kalihi Transit Center. For details, call (808) 848-4444 or visit TheBus website.
Exercise, Recreation, and Socialization for Active Seniors
Hawaii offers numerous Senior Centers for active seniors seeking exercise, recreation, and social interaction. Locations include Kaneohe, Kapahulu, Lanakila, Makua Alii, Moiliili, and Waikiki Community Centers. The Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, also coordinates senior clubs throughout Oahu; call (808) 973-7258 or check the City and County of Honolulu Parks website for locations near you.
Luncheon Meals for Seniors: Group Dining and Home Delivery
Lanakila Meals on Wheels provides meals at various group dining locations. For information and applications, call (808) 531-0555. Home-delivered meals are also available through Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Hawaii Meals on Wheels (808) 988-6747 for homebound individuals.
Home Repair and Modification Loans
For home repairs or modifications to accommodate disabilities (ramps, bathroom modifications, etc.), the Rehabilitation Loan Section, City and County of Honolulu offers low-interest loans to qualifying individuals. Contact them at (808) 768-7076 for details and applications.
Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Seniors
Seniors needing help with tax return preparation but unable to afford professional services can utilize the AARP Tax-Aide program. Qualified volunteers offer free assistance at various sites on Oahu. Call the Senior Helpline (808) 768-7700 for site locations or visit the AARP Tax-Aide website.
Arranging Services for Out-of-State Parents
To arrange services for parents or elders living outside of Hawaii, contact the area agency on aging (AAA) in their location. The Eldercare Locator can help you find their local AAA; call their toll-free number (1-800-677-1116). The Eldercare Locator is a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Remember to approach the topic of services sensitively, emphasizing how these services can promote independence.
Applying for Food Stamps and Medicaid
For information on eligibility and application for welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid, call the Public Assistance Information line at 1-855-643-1643.
Dental Services Coverage Under Medicare
Original Medicare typically does not cover dental services. While some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited dental coverage, it is generally very restricted. Medicaid also generally does not cover dental services, except in specific circumstances.
Medicare vs. Medicaid: Key Differences
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65+ and certain disabled individuals. Medicaid is a state-administered program for those with disabilities/medical conditions and low-income seniors with limited assets.
Medicare Coverage for In-Home Nursing or Home Health Aide
Medicare generally provides medical coverage, including doctor visits and hospital stays. It will cover short-term, in-home care only when ordered by a doctor and following hospitalization. Medicare does not cover custodial services, which are non-medical services like housekeeping, meal preparation, and ongoing personal care assistance. For ongoing non-medical in-home support, programs like Kupuna Care become essential.
The Kupuna Care Program and associated services are crucial resources for supporting Hawaii’s aging population. Understanding these programs and how to access them is vital for ensuring seniors can live with dignity and independence in their communities.
