The majority of seniors prefer to age in place. When asked, most people want to remain independent as long as possible in their own homes. The ability to do so depends, in part, on family caregivers. Despite best intentions however, these caregivers also need to balance the demands of their own families and professional lives together with the needs of their aging parents.
The value of unpaid family caregiving services in the U.S. is estimated at $375 billion a year, more than twice what is spent nationwide on nursing homes and paid home care combined. At present, 29 percent of the U.S. population, or approximately 65 million Americans, provide care to an adult relative or friend, according to Caregiving in the United States, National Alliance for Caregiving.
About 66 percent of Americans, or more than 138 million people, believe they will need to provide care to someone in the future. On average, family caregivers provide services for between one to four years for individuals in need, and when doing so, spend on average 21 hours per week.
Nevertheless, obstacles arise that make aging in place a challenge. Seniors and their loved ones are concerned about the risk of falling and the ability to call for help. Elders need human contact and opportunities to socialize. They need help with activities of daily living, sometimes more than family caregivers can provide. They require assistance with meal preparation, medication, housekeeping, paying bills and transportation to see their physicians.
Sometimes seniors’ needs simply exceed the capacity of family caregivers. At this point many people move out of their homes to senior communities. Some don’t have the resources to do so. Others seek additional outside assistance to remain at home.
Ho’okele Health Innovations LLC was founded by three veterans of the health care system: a doctor, a nurse and a hospital administrator. Ho’okele, which means "navigator" in Hawaiian, was designed to work with individuals, their physicians and health care team to enable them to make informed decisions about their own health and to support them to age in place.
The founders, Dr. Neil Winn, registered nurse Bonnie Castonguay and certified public accountant Dew-Anne Langcaon, saw patients falling through the gap while trying to navigate the complicated maze of health care and elder care. In 2006 they began to offer their professional services as health navigators to individuals struggling with the health care and elder care system.
This organization offers three service options:
» Care coordination and navigation services provide assistance to seniors and their families by working collaboratively with physicians and the health care team. An assessment is performed and a customized service plan is developed based on goals of the senior and his or her family. The plan considers medical, social and psychological needs and provides logistic solutions.
» Technology solutions involve in-home monitoring systems that help keep seniors connected to their families. The package includes a calendar with a messaging system to assist the senior with remembering appointments, medication times and social activities.
» Private home care services provide respite help for family caregivers. Services include companion care to keep seniors engaged in activities, help with meal preparation and light housekeeping to support with activities of daily living, physical exercises and medication compliance.
Ho’okele fills an important need for the people of Hawaii, helping families honor the wishes of their kupuna to remain safely at home.
Ira Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.
