👵 KŪPUNA CARE & AGING WITH DIGNITY

“Too many kūpuna are waiting too long for care or relying heavily on family members already stretched thin.”

Hawaiʻi's kūpuna are the foundation of our families, our culture, and our communities. They raised us, built our neighborhoods, and contributed to the strength of our islands. Every senior in Hawaiʻi deserves the ability to age with dignity, safety, and the support needed to remain in their homes and communities.

Yet too many kūpuna and caregivers are facing rising healthcare costs, caregiver shortages, limited long-term care options, and increasing financial strain. Families are often left to shoulder the burden alone, navigating a system that can be complex, under-resourced, and difficult to access.

If we want to keep local families in Hawaiʻi, we must ensure that our kūpuna are cared for, our caregivers are supported, and our long-term care system is strengthened for the future.

Why this matters:

KEEPING LOCAL FAMILIES IN HAWAIʻI THROUGH DIGNITY, CARE, AND SUPPORT FOR OUR KŪPUNA

Hawaiʻi has one of the fastest-growing aging populations in the country, with a significant and growing share of residents over age 65. This creates growing demand for in-home care, assisted living, nursing facilities, and support for family caregivers.

At the same time, Hawaiʻi is experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers, home health aides, and long-term care professionals. Many family caregivers are unpaid and unsupported, even though they provide essential care that allows kūpuna to remain in their homes.

Without action, the gap between care needs and available services will continue to widen.

MY TOP 5 PRIORITIES:

Strengthen In-Home and Community-Based Care Services: Expand access to programs like Kūpuna Care and other home-based services so seniors can age safely in their own homes and communities.
Support Family Caregivers: Increase financial relief, respite care options, training, and support services for unpaid family caregivers who are providing essential daily care.
Expand the Kūpuna Care Workforce: Invest in training, recruitment, and retention programs for home health aides, nurses, and caregiving professionals to address workforce shortages.
Improve Access to Affordable Long-Term Care Options: Support the expansion of assisted living, adult residential care homes, and other long-term care facilities to meet growing demand across the islands.
Strengthen Aging-in-Place Programs and Services: Enhance transportation, home modification assistance, meal programs, and community support services to enable kūpuna to remain safely and independently in their homes.

PROPOSALS:

Expand home and community-based services so kūpuna can age with dignity in their own homes whenever possible.
Increase funding for caregiver support programs and respite care for families caring for aging loved ones.
Improve access to affordable healthcare services, including transportation support for medical appointments.
Support legislation to strengthen and expand Medicaid (Med-QUEST) coverage for kūpuna, ensuring stronger medical benefits and improved access to long-term care services for Hawaiʻi’s aging population.
Strengthen oversight of long-term care facilities to ensure safety, quality, and accountability.
Expand nutrition programs and community-based services to reduce isolation and support overall well-being among kūpuna.

FACTS ABOUT KŪPUNA CARE IN HAWAIʻI:

Nearly 1 in 5 Hawaiʻi residents is age 65 or older, creating one of the most rapidly aging populations in the nation.
A significant portion of kūpuna require some form of long-term services or caregiving support to age safely at home.
Hawaiʻi faces a shortage of healthcare workers and home care providers, limiting access to consistent and affordable care.
Many family caregivers provide unpaid care while balancing jobs, finances, and personal health responsibilities.
The cost of long-term care in Hawaiʻi is among the highest in the nation, placing significant financial strain on families.

MOVING FROM TALK TO ACTION:

Our kūpuna deserve more than promises; they deserve action, dignity, and real support.

By investing in caregivers, strengthening home and community-based services, and expanding long-term care capacity, we can ensure that Hawaiʻi’s seniors are not left behind. Supporting kūpuna care is not just a moral responsibility; it is essential to keeping families together and building a stronger Hawaiʻi for future generations.