Not-for-profit organizations play a vital role in addressing the unique needs of seniors in Hawaii, where challenges such as high living costs and limited affordable housing are prevalent. These organizations are committed to ensuring seniors have access to essential services like healthcare, housing, and social support, regardless of their financial situation.
By using sustainable fee-for-service models and supplementing income with grants and fundraising, not-for-profits can offer services to those who may not have the resources to pay.
They also address gaps in the system, particularly for seniors who may be asset-rich but live below the poverty line. Beyond financial support, not-for-profits prioritize empowering seniors by involving them in decision-making processes, ensuring they maintain a sense of control over their lives, even in the face of challenges like dementia.
Collaboration with local agencies strengthens the support network, creating a more comprehensive and accessible system. By continuously evaluating their programs and services, not-for-profits ensure they meet the evolving needs of Hawaii’s senior population, helping them live with dignity and security.
To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring his perspective on addressing senior needs in Hawaii.
Who Did We Interview?
With a passion for improving the lives of those in need, Gary leads the Foundation’s efforts to provide essential resources and a compassionate network of support.
The Caregiver Foundation is a Hawaii-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers with both practical and emotional services.
Known for his hands-on approach and community engagement, Gary is a fierce advocate for caregivers and believes in the power of care and connection.
Let us now delve into what he has to say about addressing senior needs in Hawaii:
The most pressing need for seniors in Hawaii is affordable housing and a tax-related system to allow seniors to live in their own homes without taxation forcing them out (fixed incomes, etc.)
Our not-for-profit uses a fee-for-service model that allows us to provide sustainable services. Excess funds and grants, fundraising, etc., go into a designated fund to help underwrite clients whose resources get depleted.
Our clients, even those with dementia or similar conditions are involved in daily decision-making. Aging individuals must have a sense of control and should be able to direct their destiny. Depending on our legal position, we may have to adjust the outcome. But generally, we strive to fulfill the wishes of our clients.
Hawaii has several resources with whom we have good relationships. Where we cannot meet a need, we refer and often follow up to see if a connection was made.
The majority of services available, however, neglect the “gap”—seniors who may be property rich but living below the poverty line.
Measuring success in our organization is not easy. Seniors and adults with disabilities are not numbers that can be charted with a specific goal in mind. Rather, our measurements of success are individualized and include safe housing, nutrition, quality of daily life, and medical stability.
When we carry out a more overarching analysis, we look at the number of clients served and our staff ratio to ensure we maintain a healthy balance and fulfill our commitments.
As far as our services, programs, and personnel are concerned, we analyze the usage of a service or program annually and then every three years, and adjust or replace as needed. Further, we seek the advice of our Advisory Board and Community Partners and try to ensure our services are not resulting in competition with other providers but are providing support and complementing existing services.
Personnel are trained through in-person and online resources through organizations such as The Center for Guardianship Excellence, MoCA Cognition, National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Association of Daily Money Managers, Wicking Dementia Centre, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and many others.
Gary Powell’s insights highlight the critical role not-for-profits play in addressing the multifaceted needs of seniors in Hawaii. His organization, The Caregiver Foundation, exemplifies the importance of sustainable services, community collaboration, and empowering seniors to maintain control over their lives, even amidst health challenges like dementia.
By continuously evaluating programs and forging strong local partnerships, The Caregiver Foundation ensures its services are adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of Hawaii’s senior population.
Gary’s hands-on leadership underscores the foundation’s commitment to providing holistic, compassionate care to both seniors and their caregivers.
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