Posts: 2
Threads: 1
Joined: Jul 2007
What kind of home care services are needed in Puna? What kind of home care services are seniors, disabled youth, and other people receiving here? Who is paying for these services (eg. insurance, private pay, out of pocket). There's a group of us planning on starting a home care co-op (cooperative). Our feasibility study, not the best ever, indicated that East Hawai`i is growing, but with 2000 census data, didn't inform us very much (ok, at all) about specific communities. We're in the process of researching and writing our business plan. We'd like to hear from real people, who really live here, or have loved ones living here who may need or currently receive home care/chore worker services.
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
You may want to contact places like Bay Clinic in Keaau & possibly the schools (although it is summer vacation, the administration works 12 months)There are a lot more seneiors now than in 2000 & a lot of needs
Posts: 2
Threads: 1
Joined: Jul 2007
Our group got together after a USDA demonstration grant was funded in 2005. Original Task Force Members included representatives from Bay Clinic, Hilo Medical Center, Office on Aging, Services for Senior, etc... What our group is seeking currently, in summer 2007, is community input regarding what kind of home care services are needed, where are they most needed, who needs services (e.g. senior living alone in Kapoho, or a family member who needs respite from caring for disabled child in Honomu). There is tremendous turnover in caregivers (CNAs and chore workers) in what is termed the "pink collar" wage ghetto. Hourly wages are low, benefits rare (WalMart model), physical and emotional work demands, and an autonomous "on your own" work setting, nationwide. We want a worker owned business, a co-op, to thrive here like the home care co-ops in Wisconsin (cooperative care.com and circleofcare.coop.org). We'd like to taylor our first year of operation towards those who are not receiving the quality, consistency, and professional in home care they deserve and desire.
Posts: 8,472
Threads: 1,033
Joined: May 2003
I have a current copy of "Kapuna News" here (961-8777) which is described as "A Magazine For and About Hawai`i's Seniors". Put out by the Dept. of Park's & Recreation, Elderly Activities Division.
The best suggestion I can make for you is to call them.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 4,533
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
Try callign "care hawaii" also.
