December 15, 2017

This week the state began accepting applications to the Kupuna Caregivers program. Full-time caregivers of our kupuna are eligible for financial assistance of up to $70 per day to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for our seniors. When Gov. Ige signed this bill, AARP Hawaii called it "a major win." Full-time caregivers often have additional full-time jobs, and this recent triumph allows them to provide care for their loved ones while being gainfully employed. 

From the beginning, the people of Hawai‘i are taught to treat our kupuna with the utmost respect, and part of the respect we show is taking accountability and responsibility for their care. Governor Ige has fought for shared responsibility when advocating for our kupuna.

Our kupuna caregivers deserve our full support so Hawai‘i can continue to honor the wishes of our seniors, improve their health outcomes, and help ease the cost of long-term care for both family caregivers and the state.