Hawai‘i Dementia Initiative

Dining with Dementia: Techniques to Bring Joy to the Table
2025-12-02 10:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Zoom
Dorothy Colby is a Certified Positive Approach to Care™ (PAC) Trainer and national Mentor, with more than 25 years of professional and personal experience caring for people with dementia and training caregivers. The PAC trainings created by Teepa Snow share dementia care techniques that provide essential information for unpaid and professional caregivers on how to have a positive and meaningful relationship with loved ones living with all forms of dementia. Dorothy is Director of Community Engagement for Hale Kuike Memory Care Homes at Nuuanu, Bayside & Pali locations.
Dorothyʻs presentation will cover:

How dementia affects eating and drinking skills
Striking a balance between nutrition and personal preference
Hydration challenges
Noticing changes and making accommodations
Setting the table for success
Tips for modifying foods for easier eating
Holiday care partner tips

Registration required, click here to register for this FREE webinar. The Zoom link & handout link will be sent to registrants. Sorry, there are no CEs available for these sessions.

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-02 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-01-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Office (Kakaako), 677 Moana Blvd, Ste 301, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
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 or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.

Gimme-A-Break Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-02 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-09 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-16 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-23 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-30 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-06 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-13 20:00 - 21:00 | Gimme-A-Break Zoom, Join the Zoom Meeting ID: 8087543787
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 alone!
Join the Zoom Meeting ID: 8087543787

Transform end-of-life care with deep listening
2025-12-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Discover evidence-based counseling techniques that help social workers, chaplains, and care teams manage trauma, de-escalate crisis moments, and bring calm to high-stress hospice and palliative settings. Join Gary Gardia for a powerful 90-minute webinar merging mindfulness, compassion, and clinical skills to strengthen patient and family support.

AFTER THIS WEBINAR YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

Define counseling in end-of-life care
Explain mindfulness and deep listening frameworks
Identify two mindfulness techniques for de-escalation
Recognize two high-risk situations requiring both interventions
Describe two scenarios applying these techniques to traumatic stress

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience - Geriatric Grand Rounds
2025-12-08 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Susan C. Price, MD, is the Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at Hawai’i Pacific Health and the Medical Director of the Straub Benioff GUIDE Program. Dr. Price will be teaching the Department of Geriatric Medicine Grand Rounds on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 12:30-1:30pm (HST).
At the end of this session, physicians will be able to:

Understand the GUIDE program background, goals and components.
Describe GUIDE eligibility and referral process.

Intended Audiences: Physicians, nurses, and other allied health staff caring for geriatric patients.

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | East Oʻahu (virtual)

Vision Loss and Dementia
2025-12-11 | Virtual
One increasing but sometimes overlooked risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline is vision impairment. Untreated vision loss can accelerate brain aging, lower cognitive reserve, and contribute to social isolation, all of which raise the risk of dementia. This course explores the relationship between cognitive function and visual health, emphasizes the value of routine eye care, and offers methods for early detection, support, and intervention, especially for those 45 and older.

Learning Objectives

List 6 or more modifiable risk factors for dementia
Describe the relationship between vision impairment and increased dementia risk
Evaluate interventions and support strategies for individuals with co-occurring vision loss and cognitive impairment
Identify special considerations for high-risk populations

About the Speaker: Dr. Joshua Ehrlich is the Paul R. Lichter Research Professor of Ophthalmology and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. He is also an Associate Director of University of Michigan’s Center for Global Health Equity. Dr. Ehrlich’s research focuses on the impact of vision loss on systemic health, well-being, and optimal aging. A second focus of his research is on population aging and determinants of later-life health and wellbeing. He is an invited member of the Lancet Commission on Global Eye Health and advises numerous national and international organizations on issues related to sensory health, aging, and policy. He has authored more than 150 scientific articles, and his research is funded by the National Eye Institute, the National Institute on Aging, and the Fogarty International Center at NIH, as well as Gates Ventures.

Holiday Workshop for Dementia Care Partners
2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Please join us for Hale Kūʻike’s last webinar of the year. Dorothy Colby, Hale Kūʻike Director of Community Engagement, and Sara Tompkison, LCSW will be presenting a “Holiday Workshop for Dementia Care Partners.” We hope you can join us for this upcoming informative session.
Topics will include:

Holiday stress and Caregiving
Making connections, even when apart
Holiday gift ideas
PEACE for the Holidays
Caring for YOU during the holidays

Registration is required. Click here to register. There are no CEU’s for this event.
After the event, we will be posting the recording of this webinar on the Hale Kūʻike Dementia Education Hub, https://www.halekuike.com/dementia-education-hub/
If you need help registering or have any questions, please e-mail Dorothy Colby at dorothy@halekuike.com.

Messaging Brain Health: Public Health Strategies for Dementia Risk Reduction
2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Public health professionals are invited to join an upcoming webinar hosted by the BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction on public health messaging around brain health. The webinar will feature a panel discussion and showcase a new toolkit to help public health agencies create and disseminate culturally responsive messaging campaigns.
During this free webinar, participants will:

Understand how communicating effectively is a key strategy to increase knowledge and awareness about dementia risk reduction.
Learn how to apply key components of a new toolkit for public health agencies to understand your community’s needs and identify opportunities to promote brain health.
Hear health department leaders share their experiences crafting and implementing awareness campaigns in their states.

The Empowered Caregiver - Communicating Effectively: Grief, Coping, and the Holiday Season
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
As people living with dementia progress in their journey and lose the ability to use words, caregivers can discover new ways to communicate effectively in any stage of the disease. Learn how dementia affects communication, how person-centered approaches can improve communication and much more. Join us for a heartfelt program with Bereavement & Spiritual Care Coordinator, Walt Weiss of Kauaʻi Hospice, as he discusses self-care, anticipatory grief, and navigating the holiday season with compassion for yourself, your family, and the loved one living with dementia.

Cultivating Care: Memory Café - Cultivation
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili, 1776 University Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
The Cultivating Care: Memory Café is a monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Held at Ho‘ōla ʻĀina Pilipili Accessible Garden site, each gathering offers a welcoming outdoor space to connect, create, and build community through meaningful, accessible activities.
The garden includes wide pathways, shaded areas, seating, accessible restrooms, lighting, and nearby parking. We provide all tools, gloves, and garden materials, and serve light refreshments at each session. Registration is required, and a map with parking and site details will be shared upon sign-up.
Participants will be asked to sign in at the event and complete a brief evaluation form to support and improve the program. Our sessions will provide a supportive, relaxing environment.
2025 Memory Café Dates & Themes (Thursdays, 4:30–6:00 PM):

December 11 – Cultivation

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-15 18:30 - 20:00 | The Plaza at Pearl City, 1048 Kuala St., Pearl City, Hawaii, 96782, United States

Caregiver Foundation Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
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 speakers, including medical professionals, attorneys, and other experts who speak about important topics for Caregivers.

Project Dana Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-17 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-12-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Project Dana’s Caring for the Caregiver (C4C) program offers services to family caregivers and soon to be caregivers. The goal of the program is to help alleviate the stress that comes with continuous caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers will have the opportunity to “talk story” about their experiences and current concerns with their peers. The Project also plans outings to various locations and activities for fun and relaxation. The program’s coordinator facilitates the group meetings. Support group meetings scheduled and location are listed in the calendar.

Care Home ECHO Mentation (Mind) Series
2025-12-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
This one hour Care Home ECHO session covers topics essential for care home and foster home operators. Topics include the 4Ms of geriatrics: What Matters, Medication, Mentation (or Mind) and Mobility which are based on evidence-based practices that support healthy aging.
This Mind or Mentation series, will feature:

10/16/25 – Tony Vericella with Alzheimer’s Caregiving and The Caregivers will share about the Caregiver Kit.
11/20/25 – Gina Fujikami, MD, will share about the Alzheimer’s Association – Partners in Care and Support.
12/18/25 – Qi Zhi, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC will share about newer drug therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Target Audience: Care Home Operators, Care Home Staff, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, Foster Home Operators, Case Managers, Service Coordinators
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ECHO Twitter

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2025-12-25 19:00 - 21:00 | The Plaza at Kaneohe, 46-068 Alaloa Street, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States

Kauai Caregiver Support Group
2026-01-05 12:30 - 14:00 | Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI, 96746, United States
This is a monthly get together of caregivers who wish to share and learn from fellow caregivers. Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.
Note: This support group is for family caregivers, not persons living with dementia. If you are interested in programs for persons living with dementia, please contact the office for information [Cindy Fowler, Email: cfowler@alz.org Phone: 808.518.6655].
Space is limited – registration is strongly encouraged. You may be contacted by someone from the Alzheimer’s Association prior to the Support Group.

Caregiver Foundation Youth Caregiver Support Group
2026-01-05 16:00 - 17:00
Our Youth Caregiver Support Group is a virtual meet-up hosted monthly for young caregivers. If you are 20 years old or younger and identify as a caregiver, please join us! At each meeting we will focus on a different topic, activity, or skill related to youth caregiving (for example, we will talk about self-care, identity, and making safety plans).
Groups are structured by an adult facilitator, but we want your participation and leadership! You are invited to contribute to the extent that you feel comfortable, and we will not force you to speak if you don’t want to.

Hale Hauʻoli Caregiver Support Group
2026-01-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Caregiving can be a difficult and isolating experience, but interacting with people in similar situations can help make the task more manageable. Support groups provide a space where caregivers can share experiences and insights, ask for advice, and learn about resources available for aging seniors. Hale Hau`oli Hawai`i offers a virtual Caregiver Support Group on the first Monday of the each month at 6:30 – 8:00.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
2026-01-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Zoom
Non-pharmacological treatments play a critical role in preventing and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This presentation will provide the latest updates on prevention and treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of managing midlife risk factors and adopting evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Attendees will gain practical, actionable steps to support cognitive health and learn about a comprehensive range of local, state, regional, and national resources available for individuals and families living with memory loss and dementia.
Participants in this webinar will be able to:

List risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia and ways to reduce these risks through improved management.
Identify lifestyle interventions that have an impact on cognition and neurological disease processes, from prodromal phases to early dementia.
Identify local, state, regional, and national programs and services to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with dementia.

About the Presenter:
Kristoffer Rhoads, PhD, is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and serves as the Director of the Division of Neuropsychology at Harborview Medical Center. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Rhoads currently serves as the Governor-appointed Chair of the Health and Medical Subcommittee for the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative and is also the Director and Co-lead of UW Project ECHO Dementia
*This webinar is designed for professionals and family caregivers. Eligible professionals can claim ONE FREE CE credit within 60 days of the live webinar by attending the live event or watching the recorded program.

The Truth About Long-Term Care: Why it’s the Most Critical Decision You’ll Ever Make
2026-01-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society is hosting guest speaker, Roger Higa, President/CEO of Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Solutions, at the General Membership Meeting on Thursday. January 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Roger specializes in long-term care and retirement planning, focusing on financial disaster prevention. He was a caregiver for over 12 years, Roger has spent 14 years working in insurance and financial services. Visit the Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Solutions website to learn more.
Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society is the largest non-profit multidisciplinary group of professionals, individuals, companies and organizations in the field of aging in Hawaii. Join their membership here.
