Caregiving
In Hawaiʻi, 1 in 6 adults are caregivers and nearly 1 in 3 caregivers care for someone living with dementia. You are not alone. Everyone has either been a caregiver, is currently a caregiver, will be a caregiver, or will need a caregiver.
As caregivers, we often neglect to care for ourselves since we’re so focused on caring for our person. However, your well-being is vital to your ability to care for your person. Self-care is not selfish. Join us on this journey to wellness. Take care of yourself too!
If you need help now:
Call or text Hawai’i CARES at 988 for 24/7 FREE support services for help with crisis, mental health, and substance use.
Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for free support and connect with a live person who can provide information, local resources, crisis assistance and emotional support.
Does the person you are caring for have dementia?
There are some potentially reversible and treatable causes for dementia-like symptoms. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional for a screening and evaluation.
Normal Aging
- Making a bad decision once in a while
- Missing a monthly payment
- Forgetting which day it is but remembering later
- Sometimes forgetting which word to use
- Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them
Not Normal
- Making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time
- Problems taking care of monthly bills
- Losing track of the date or time of the year
- Trouble having a conversation
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Resources
We know that searching for resources can be overwhelming. Here are two ways to get to the info you need.
- Select the stage of dementia your person is in. This will take you to resources curated for caregiving in that stage.
- Click the question below that best matches what you’re looking for.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (Before)
- Difficulty coming up with words or following a conversation
- Missing appointments or social events
- Trouble finding their way around places they know well.
- Finding it hard to make decisions, finish a task or follow instructions
Early Stage Dementia
- Trouble with the more executive cognitive functions like planning and judgment
- Difficulties in problem solving, and possibly trouble planning ahead to prevent problems
- Begin to show signs of having trouble with abstract thought, and/or difficulty grasping “the big picture”
- Have difficulties with complicated tasks they were previously able to perform well and with satisfaction
Mid Stage Dementia
- Forgetting events or personal history
- Experiencing confusion regarding where they are and what time it is
- Increased tendency to wander or become lost
- Demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding.
Late Stage Dementia
- Require around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care.
- Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings.
- Experience changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting and, eventually, swallowing.
- Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.
Don’t know what stage?
No worries. Here’s some common questions to help you find quick answers:
- I need a doctor. (neurologist/geriatrician)
- My person has just been diagnosed. What now?
- How do I plan for the future?
- What kind of advance care planning and legal documents do we need?
- I need caregiving tips for daily tasks (e.g. bathing, meals, behaviors, etc.)
- We need direct care services. Where do we go for help?
- We can’t afford care. What do I do?
- I think we need to find a place for them to live with professional care. Where do I start?
Resource Library
AARP
Education, webinars, trainings, advocacy, online info
- Types: Education & Training, Info & Resources, Specializing in Advocacy
- Stages: Before
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Areas:
Online, Statewide, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu
Headquarters: State Office on Oʻahu -
Contact:
Gary Simon, Keli’i, Jackie Boland
ALS Network
Care management, support groups, online info, advocacy, education/webinars
- Types: Education & Training, Guidance & Counseling, Info & Resources, Support Groups & Community
- Stages: Early, Middle, Late
- Areas: National, Statewide, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu
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Contact:
Cherryl Fluke, Rex Like
Alu Like, Native Hawaiian Caregiver Support
Info & assistance accessing services, Counseling, Support Groups, respite services
- Types: Guidance & Counseling, Support Groups & Community
- Stages: Early, Middle
- Areas: Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Statewide
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Contact:
ph: (808) 535-6700
Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi Chapter
support groups, counseling, educational presentations, resources and info on website
- Types: Education & Training, Guidance & Counseling, Info & Resources, Support Groups & Community, Specializing in Advocacy
- Stages: Before, Early, Middle, Late
- Areas: Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Statewide, National, Online
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Contact:
LJ Duenas, Ivy Castellano, Coby Chock. To register for support group, please call 808.518.6651.
Alzheimer’s Caregiving & The Caregivers
prepare, equip, and provide evolving support to “families” caregiving; Information, caregiving tips, online video series on HI Now
- Types: Education & Training, Info & Resources
- Stages: Middle, Late
- Areas: Hawaii, Online
-
Contact:
Tony Vericella
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medicare vs. Medicaid (esp as it pertains to in home care)
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Home care vs. home health care
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Adult day care vs. adult day health
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Care home vs. adult foster
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What is a geriatrician?
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Respite resources – esp overnight at home or in facility.
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Support Groups & Upcoming Events
May 19th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
We offer support groups for caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment […]
May 20th from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Caregiver Foundation Caregiver Support Group
The Caregiver Foundation hosts a monthly virtual support group for Caregivers. These groups provide a space for Caregivers to come together, share experiences, and build community. We also feature guest […]
May 20th from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gimme-A-Break Caregiver Support Group
Gimme A Break offers free support, resources and more through our Weekly Support Sessions, online and in-person every Tuesday evening Join our Community! Do it for you! You are never […]
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