Grants for Seniors in Hawaii

Help for Seniors in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and holiday centers. It was ranked as one of the most expensive states considering the cost of living by the Missouri Economic and Information Center in 2019. This state is moderately tax-friendly regarding seniors residents. Thus, the elderly may need special assistance in Hawaii. There are several programs and benefits offered by authorities of the state, the federal government, and charities.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Catholic Charities Hawaii is very influential and presents various programs designed for senior citizens. The mission of this charity organization in Hawaii is to improve the health and wellbeing of the elderly. Some of these programs are as follows

• Case Management: Seniors who are suffering from psychological or social issues can receive professional counseling sessions.
• Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center: People who are 60 years of age or above can participate in educational classes or volunteer for different social events. By phone at 808 847 1322.
• In-Home and Community-Based Supportive Services: Seniors ages 60 or older can have friendly home visits and protection services in case of need.
• Housing Assistance for Seniors: This is one of the most influential programs for residents who are 60 years or older. Low-income applicants can get housing counseling or live in low-cost shared housing. The mission of this program is to ensure that seniors having financial hardship live in a safe and decent housing environment.
• Transportation Services: Local people who are 60 years old or older are eligible for this program. Those who cannot drive or cannot afford it may use this benefit. Regardless of their reason, accepted candidates can use this service.
• Hawaii Circle of Care for Dementia is an Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative that is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides caregivers and training on this disease for family members and also assists in medical treatment and support.
• Phone-A-Friend is a special project for seniors living alone in their homes. Some people may not be in a healthy physical condition to go out and socialize. Therefore, local volunteers participate in this program and get in touch with senior residents. The mission of this program is to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to ensure that senior residents are doing fine.

To learn more and apply, please visit https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/programs-services/seniors/. Various religious organizations also plan programs and provide services to help the elderly. Likewise, see Churches that Help Seniors.

Adult Residential Care Homes in Hawaii (ARCH) are supported by the State of Hawaii. These homes are designed for senior residents seeking housing assistance. Eligible seniors can live in these houses based on their economic condition. Besides basic house necessities, some of these houses assist with medical help, sports activities, and therapy sessions for people. For more information https://health.hawaii.gov/ohca/files/2020/10/Adult-Day-Care-Centers-10-2020.pdf.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is also recognized as a Life Care Community or LifePlan Community for senior residents. This community provides housing assistance for people who want to live independently but also be part of a community that is surrounded by their peers. Apart from a huge common campus, these houses have all sorts of housing services including medical care. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://www.seniorcaring.com/continuing-care-in-hawaii.

The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) assists an accommodation unit for  who want to live independently. ADU is managed by the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice. These units have a living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area in it. It is a good fit just for one person to live in. Hence, it is also known as granny flats among local people. These accommodation units are low-cost and senior-friendly. For further information, please visit http://hawaiiadu.org/whatisanadu/.

Home Repair Grants For Seniors are also available to keep older residents’ houses secure and well-maintained.

Financial Assistance

Med-Quest is a Medicaid program for kupuna that is sponsored by the State Department of Human Services in Hawaii. Seniors or disabled people who cannot afford their drug bills or their medical treatment can have cash assistance. Eligible candidates may benefit from adult health services, assisted living benefits, healthcare at home, and transportation assistance for their doctor appointments, personal care, emergency response system, and medical supplies in the long run.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must prove your financial hardship.
• You must show proof of your medical condition.
• You must be 65 years of age or older.
• Your monthly earnings must be less than $1, 1224.
• Your total asset must not exceed $2,000 worth for each. If you are applying with your spouse, this worth must not be more than $3, 000 in total.

To learn more, go to https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/mqd/ffs-long-term-care/ or by phone at 808 586 5679.

Health Assistance

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) are also known as nursing homes for kupuna. While some senior citizens can take care of themselves in their homes, some of them may not be able to look after themselves if they need medical care outside of the home. Seniors can apply to these facilities for health assistance 24 hours a day. You can see the nearest nursing facility near to you https://health.hawaii.gov/ohca/medicare-facilities/skilled-nursingintermediate-care-facilities/.

The Executive Office on Aging (EOA) is financed by the Hawaii Department of Health and the federal government to work for older citizens. Some of these programs are as follows

• Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii (SMP Hawaii): This program specifically aims to fight against senior abuse and fraud considering health bills. Anyone can call this line 1 800 296 9422 to report misbehavior.
• Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program: Kupuna can receive free information, training, and counseling with respect to health issues. To contact 1 888 875 9229 or 1 866 810 4379.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP): It presents information and guidance about long-term care units for seniors. To reach out, please call 586 7268.
• Family Caregiver Support Program: This services assistant caregiver assistance at homes to improve the wellbeing of senior citizens.

To find out more programs and services, please visit https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/ or make a call at 808 586 0100.

There is a steady decline in oral health. Oral health should not be ignored because it is a part of general health, even if the individual has a fixed income or is unable to pay. To find out more about the ways that seniors can get dental assistance, see Dental Grants in Hawaii.

Food Assistance

Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers healthy and nutritious meals for low-income seniors. It is subsidized by the federal government via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Low or moderate-income people can apply for this program. To learn more, go to https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/ or dial 808 586 5560. In addition to Hawaii SNAP, other Food Programs for Seniors are established across the nation to meet the dietary needs of low-income senior citizens.

Utility Bills Assistance

Hawaiian Electric Company is a local business that provides various discounts on low-income seniors’ bills based on their economic condition. People who want to benefit from this support should indicate that they are qualified for Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Hawaii. This company has three programs called Ohana Energy Gift Program, Special Medical Needs, and Life Support. To learn more about these programs, visit https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/billing-and-payment/payment-assistance/low-income-programs or contact 1 855 304 1212. Several programs are offered to assist elderly with their utility bills. See Help with Bills for further options.