September 25th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference: Learn, Share, Thrive

Join caregivers from across Hawaiʻi for a special virtual conference dedicated to connection, knowledge, and support. Hosted on Zoom, this gathering allows participants to tune in from any island or location, making it easy for caregivers to learn, share, and feel a sense of community no matter where they are.

This conference brings together experts, service providers, and fellow caregivers to explore the many stages and experiences of caregiving. Multiple Zoom sessions will run at the same time, giving attendees the flexibility to choose the topics most relevant to their journey, from the comfort of their own home.

Flyer: Flyer for Hawaii Caregiver Conference

Details

Date:
September 25th: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Website:
View Website

Organizer

Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative

Email:
DOH.Dementia@doh.hawaii.gov
View Organizer Website

Table of Contents

Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference Details

Zoom Conference Call

There will be two simultaneous Zoom tracks running throughout the conference. You’re welcome to move between sessions as you wish.

Click this link to view the PDF Conference Program with an overview of the sessions and Zoom information. The same info is available below.

All presentations will be recorded and shared with registrants after the event.

Schedule

Session 1 - 9:00 AM

Track: A

Finding Joy in Caregiving

Savy Makalena, Gimme-A-Break

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Track: B

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s Association, Dr. Pokiʻi Balaz

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

View Details

Session 2 - 10:00 AM

Track: A

Caregiver Support: Aging & Disability Resource Centers

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Track: B

Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers

Norma Loeb

Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

View Details

Session 3 - 11:00 AM

Track: A

Overview of the Senior Care Options In Hawaiʻi

Todd Pang, Kupuna Care Pair & Caring Mānoa

Video: Elderly Care Options in Hawaii

Track: B

AI for Dementia Caregivers: Trusted Guidance for Your Care Journey

Dr. Chitra Dorai, Amicus Brain

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

View Details

Session 4 - 12:00 PM

Track: A

The Best Kept Secret in the Long Term Care Continuum

Stacy Honma &  Torri Kon 

Maluhia Adult Day Health Center & Windward Seniors Adult Day Care Center

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Track: B

What Help Do You Really Need? Capacity, Powers of Attorney, and Guardianships

Connie Liu

Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi

View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

View Details

Session 5 - 1:00 PM

Track: A

Caregiver Connection Circle

Join Zoom – This Zoom was not recorded.

View Details

Session Details

Session 1 - 9:00am

Finding Joy in Caregiving

Remember that finding joy is crucial for mental and physical health. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves relationships, boosts the immune system, and increases resilience. Joy is a choice and can be cultivated through practices like gratitude, meditation, and appreciating the small joys in life. It is NOT about ignoring the struggles of others but about fueling oneself to face them with resilience.

Practicing self-compassion is a journey that requires patience and commitment to yourself! Remembering that this will also reflect on those you are caring for, this sets a tone, an example for them to do the same. By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can develop a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself and them. You will see improved emotional resilience and overall well-being.

Savina “Savy” Makalena

A life-time Caregiver, a Daughter, Mother and Mentor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Savina is currently the Founder/CEO of Gimme A Break – a nonprofit, all volunteer organization that cares for caregivers, Producer/Creator/Host of the Caring Caregiver Show and Publisher of Givers Guides Magazine for caregivers. She serves as a member of the Hawaii Family Caregivers Coalition and a member of Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Coalition. The winner of the 2021 Ruby Award, 2022 Remarkable Women Award, and a 2023 Andrus Award nominee. It is her passion mission to connect caregivers to resources, to educate caregivers to survive their journey and continue to thrive in life after. The past 10 years she has devoted her time as a Caregiver for her Father, Mother and Mother in Law. Currently she stands steadfast at the side of her Spouse in their battle with Cancer.

Session Resources: 

Gimme-A-Break Care Receiving Plan Upcoming Sessions

Finding Your Joy Presentation Slides by Savy Makalena PDF

Click to view Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Logo: Alzheimer's Association

Session 1 - 9:00am

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Dr. Poki‘i Balaz

Dr. Poki‘i Balaz is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, health policy leader, executive, and systems strategist whose work spans aging, caregiving, dementia, health care delivery, and policy. Her career has included clinical practice, nonprofit and executive leadership, program development, and state and federal health policy, with a particular focus on improving systems of care for older adults, people living with dementia, and family caregivers. Dr. Balaz has worked across the continuum of aging and caregiving—from providing direct care to older adults and families to developing programs, leading organizations, and advancing systems-level change. Her work spans dementia and memory care, caregiver support, workforce development, long-term care, and health system transformation, with experience at the local, national, and global levels. She has also helped shape caregiving and aging policy in Hawai‘i and, as a Health and Aging Policy Fellow and APSA Congressional Fellow, brought that experience to federal health policy work in the U.S. Senate. Her professional work is deeply informed by nearly 20 years of family caregiving experience. That perspective has shaped her commitment to practical, culturally responsive solutions that recognize both the needs of the person receiving care and the health, financial, and emotional realities facing caregivers and families.

Session Resources: 

Understanding Alzheimer’s And Dementia – Alzheimer’s Association PDF

Understanding Types of Dementia PDF

Normal Aging Vs. Not Normal Aging PDF

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Session 2 - 10:00am

Caregiver Support: Aging & Disability Resource Centers

Learn about the caregiver support available through the Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). This session highlights core services such as caregiver counseling, respite, in‑home assistance, wellness programs, and resource navigation. Attendees will also hear about county partnerships that provide additional benefits, including legal assistance, Alzheimer’s Association programs, Kupuna Connections digital training, and Caregivers’ Corner one‑on‑one guidance. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to access these programs and connect with trusted community resources. Let us help you find the right support for your caregiving journey.

Session Resources: 

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Logo: Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center

Session 2 - 10:00am

Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers

Speakers: Norma Loeb, Founder & Executive Director, Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center, & Carl Powell, Body & Brain Health

Join Norman Loeb and Carl Powell for a supportive, 45-minute workshop built for family  members, care partners, and professionals. Together, we’ll break down the key signs of LBD, explain how it differs from other forms of dementia, and share practical, real-world strategies for handling the unique challenges it brings. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) isn’t rare.  It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease; yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed conditions. Getting an accurate diagnosis early on can help how you approach care and make a difference for your loved one’s quality of life. You’ll walk away with a much clearer understanding of LBD and the practical tools to advocate effectively for the person in your care.

Norma Loeb

NORMA LOEB is Founder and Executive Director of the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center (LBDRC). Norma’s knowledge and experience with Lewy body dementia began with the personal care of her mother, Lillian, who had LBD for many years. Norma has been facilitating the only New York Metro area LBD caregivers support groups since 2008 and now also offers national and international support groups for people living with LBD and for caregivers. She also established the only live helpline for LBD in the United States. Norma worked as executive assistant to the CFO at The New York Times Company for over 20 years. While there, she served as chairperson of the work/life committee of The New York Times’ women’s affinity group and initiated and ran their eldercare support group. She is also executive director of the nonprofit organization What BETTER Looks Like.

Session Resources: 

Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center

Website: https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org/

Call the Helpline: 833-LBD-LINE or 516-218-2026 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST)

Email norma@lbdrc.org

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

Logo: Kupuna Care Pair Logo: Caring Manoa

Session 3 - 11:00am

Overview of the Senior Care Options In Hawaii

Learn about the wide range of senior care services and facilities available across Hawaiʻi—from in-home assistance and adult day care to assisted living, care homes, memory care, skilled nursing, and more. Discover best practices for bridging communication and collaboration between caregivers, family stakeholders, and care professionals to find the right fit for your kupuna. Gain practical tips—from Kupuna Care Pair’s experience—for comparing care options, setting expectations, and maintaining open, respectful dialogue with providers and loved ones. Walk away equipped with the resources, strategies, and community tools needed to navigate Hawaiʻi’s senior care landscape with confidence and ʻohana-centered support.

Todd Pang

Todd Pang is President of Caring Manoa, a Type II Adult Residential Care Home; and the Founder of Kupuna Care Pair, an online platform that demystifies long term care, and saves valuable time for families to compare available services and connect to local care providers in Hawaii. Prior to taking over his family’s care home in 2011, he worked in China’s luxury tourism and hospitality industry. Todd has a passion for helping people to navigate and thrive in unfamiliar situations, whether it be exploring the Forbidden City or preparing for end-of-life care.

Session Resources:

https://www.kupunacarepair.com/

Video: Elderly Care Options in Hawaii

Logo: Amicus Brain

Session 3 - 11:00am

AI for Dementia Caregivers: Trusted Guidance for Your Care Journey

Caring for someone with dementia is deeply meaningful, yet it can often feel overwhelming. Could technology make daily care routines a little easier? Join Chitra Dorai, Ph.D. and Carl Powell for an informative session on how artificial intelligence (AI) can support dementia caregivers with trusted practical guidance, reliable resources, and timely convenience.

Dr. Dorai will share how her own caregiving journey shaped her perspective on technology’s role in supporting families, along with lessons from her experiences working with the Department of Homeland Security and Fannie Mae on responsible, ethical use of AI in high‑stakes environments. She will provide a clear and easy‑to‑follow overview of what AI can and cannot do, appropriate and inappropriate use with real-life examples, and tips for using AI tools safely and effectively. You will also hear a brief summary of current research on AI’s impact in dementia care and how well‑designed tools can reduce caregiver stress and strengthen confidence.

The session will conclude with an overview of how Amicus Brain applies responsible AI principles to offer trusted answers, personalized guidance, and curated resources through its mobile Apps to ease the caregiving journey. You will leave with a clear, practical understanding of AI, how to evaluate its use carefully in different situations, and how it may support your caregiving journey. No technical background is needed! Just come as you are and see how a little extra help from AI can make a big difference in your daily life.

Dr. Chitra Dorai

Dr. Chitra Dorai is a globally recognized artificial intelligence scientist and entrepreneur with over 35 years of research and development experience. She is the Founder and CEO of Amicus Brain Innovations, a digital health startup harnessing responsible AI—through its advisor app “Keiko”—to support families and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Previously at IBM, she became the first woman of Indian origin worldwide to be named an IBM Fellow and later served as Global Chief Technology Officer for Cognitive Services in IBM’s Global Business Services unit. A prolific inventor and researcher, Dr. Dorai holds 48+ patents, has published over 100 technical papers, and has been honored with multiple best‑paper awards and high‑value patent recognitions. Her trailblazing work has earned such distinctions as the IBM Gerstner Award, Distinguished Engineer recognition, and Congressional Certificates of Recognition for her societal impact.

Session Resources:

https://amicusbrain.com/

Amicus Brain Presentation Slides PDF by Dr. Dorai

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

Logo: Legal AID - Society of Hawaii

Session 4 - 12:00pm

What Help Do You Really Need? Capacity, Powers of Attorney, and Guardianships

Connie from the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii will lead an informative and engaging session focused on some of the most important tools for planning and decision-making in later life. She provided clear, practical guidance on key topics including capacity, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives, and guardianship. 

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit public interest law firm committed to promoting fairness and justice for those in need. With 10 offices statewide and over 100 staff, Legal Aid works toward its vision of “Building a Just Society” by making the legal system more accessible through easy‑to‑understand forms and educational materials. The organization empowers individuals by helping them understand their rights and navigate legal challenges. When needed, Legal Aid provides direct legal representation to ensure that those most vulnerable have a fair chance.

Connie Liu

Connie Liu is the elder law senior staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Starting in February 2025, Connie helps seniors with advance planning documents, including wills, advance health care directives, transfer on death deeds, and powers of attorney. Prior to her role as the senior staff attorney, she was the Managing Attorney for Community Engagement from November 2016 to February 2025, supervising outreach teams and special projects. Connie Liu’s career has been focused on helping people with limited income and assets address their legal issues

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: ?FKM?s$0

Session Resources:

Logo: Maluhia

Session 4 - 12:00pm

The Best Kept Secret in the Long Term Care Continuum (Adult Day Health + Adult Day Care)

Adult Day Health and Adult Day Care programs are among the most cost effective yet often overlooked supports for aging adults and their caregivers. This session provides a clear overview of the services offered—such as health monitoring, personal care, social engagement, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, and caregiver respite. Participants will learn how these programs promote safety, preserve independence, and enhance quality of life for kūpuna, while giving caregivers much‑needed relief and peace of mind. We will also discuss the differences between Adult Day Health and Adult Day Care, helping families understand which option best fits their needs. Join us to discover why these programs are considered the “best‑kept secret” in long‑term care—and how they can make caregiving more sustainable, supportive, and connected.

Stacy Honma

Stacy Honma serves as the Program Manager for Maluhia Adult Day Health Center and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii. She shares more than 25 years of experience as an Administrator and Program Manager for licensed adult health programs across Hawaii. Throughout the years, she has worked closely with caregivers from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, particularly those supporting loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This work has provided her with both deep professional insight and a strong sense of empathy for Hawaii’s Kupuna and their caregivers. Maluhia Adult Day Health Center is one of only three adult day health centers in Honolulu and is state-owned and operated under Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. Maluhia serves as a critical safety net for long-term care in the state.

Torri Kon

Torri Kon is the Executive Director at Windward Senior Day Care Center in Kailua. Torri was born and raised in Kaneohe. She completed a B.S. in exercise science and post-graduate certificate in gerontology at Pacific University and an Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chaminade University Honolulu. Torri has been a Family caregiver and worked in elderly care for 10 years. She loves dogs and going to the beach. She has been with WSDCC since 2016, starting off as a caregiver and then working with the activities and food programs. She is honored to continue serving this little community of kupuna and family caregivers.

Windward Seniors Adult Day Care Center Brochure PDF

Click to View Zoom Recording – Passcode: P2^K$xkH

Session 5 - 1:00pm

Caregiver Connection Circles

Caregiver Connection Circles offer a welcoming, supportive space for conference attendees to come together and share their caregiving journeys. In these guided small‑group conversations, participants can talk story, discuss what has helped them, and offer practical tips to others walking a similar path. Each circle is facilitated to ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and uplifted. This is a safe, nurturing environment designed to build connection, reduce isolation, and strengthen caregivers’ sense of community. Join us to reflect, recharge, and form meaningful bonds with fellow caregivers who truly understand.

Circle – A

Join Zoom – This Zoom was not recorded.

Brandi Merryman M.S. CCC-SLP

Brandi Merryman M.S. CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience working with a variety of populations from pediatrics to adults, in settings including hospitals, home-health, schools, and skilled nursing facilities. Born and raised in Hawaii. My focus is on promoting brain health and supporting caregivers and ‘ohana to help their kupuna maintain healthy cognitive-communication functioning across their lifespan. I facilitate support groups for caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s and related Dementias. I believe everyone has a story that continues to be written everyday. I strive to keep HOPE alive…

Meet Our Conference Co-Chairs

Karyn Clay

Karyn Clay is a Gerontological Specialist who provides thoughtful companionship and support to mature travelers, both inter-island and world-wide. She combines her deep understanding of the unique considerations that come with traveling as we age, based on her 32 + years providing senior care, with her vast personal travel experiences.

Stay in touch with Karyn via email karyn@yesyoucanconcierge.com or social media @yes.you.can.travel.

Carl Powell

Based in Maui, Carl Powell is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and a trusted voice in senior living and brain health. As the Director of Voices of Care, he helps seniors and caregivers navigate the journey of aging and brain health, encouraging them to live active, fulfilling lives. What started as a best-selling book, *Voices of Care*, has since blossomed into a supportive community and a popular podcast, which Carl co-hosts with Maggie Linton. 

Stay in touch with Carl via email carl@carlpowell.com or social media @g.r.o.w.withcarl or @Voices_of_Care.