Caregiver Event to Address Crucial Planning for Elderly Care

The AARP will be holding a free public event for caregivers and residents who are preparing to care for elderly adults.  The event will be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center on Thursday, March 26, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Attendees will learn about community resources and supports that are available to assist with caring for older friends and family members.  The keynote speaker, retired U.S. Army Major General Antonio “Tony” Taguba, urges family members and caregivers to plan in advance for aging parents, and not wait for a crisis to occur.

Taguba is a caregiving ambassador for the AARP, and speaks from his own experience in addressing aging parent needs.  He offers practical advice for people facing the difficult but critical task of caring for elderly family and friends.

Register for the event online or call 1-877-926-8300.

“Family caregiving is an issue that affects all of us in some way,” said AARP Hawaii State Director Barbara Kim Stanton. “Whether you’re caring for an older family member now, preparing to help in the future, or thinking about your own care needs, Hawaii residents are looking for answers. There is a critical need in our community for information and support for caregivers and their loved ones.”

The event will also include an overview of the AARP Hawaii’s latest efforts to get lawmaker support for local caregivers and their families.  AARP has launched an initiative called ‘I Heart Caregivers’ to acknowledge and honor Hawaii residents who give of themselves every day in the personal care of others.  The public is asked to support the cause by sharing stories about caregivers they know online at www.aarp.org/iheartcaregivers.

In a recent survey of Hawaii voters 45 years and older, over half said they are now providing or have provided care to an adult loved one.  About 63 percent said it is likely they will provide care for an adult family member or friend in the future.