Talk Story with an Advertiser: Hawai‘i Island Adult Care

One of the most challenging life choices almost every person will have to face is the decision of elder care for a loved one.

When our kūpuna reach a point where they may no longer be capable of taking care of themselves, the question of what to do next may at times seem overwhelming.

Hawai‘i Island Adult Care, Inc. aims to make that decision easier. The organization’s mission is to “provide quality care for elders and challenged adults, and support for their families on Hawai‘i Island.”

Hawai‘i Island Adult Care (HIAC) provides adult daycare for East Hawai‘i with the Hilo and Honomu Adult Day Centers, promoting independence and a sense of self-worth within each kupuna.

They help your loved ones increase their quality of life by socializing, enjoying games, music, entertainment and talking story with long time or newly made friends. HIAC helps families go to work with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is wellcared for and enjoying each day.

HIAC also offers caregiver training that is open to ALL community members, regardless of their loved one’s enrollment in the daycare. The Caregiver Connection program helps caregivers take necessary time for themselves, and helps them connect with other caregivers through their Caregiver Support Group every third Thursday and the Caregiver Respite Day every third Saturday. Adult daycare is provided for your loved one free of charge while you are participating!

“People do not think they need help caring for their own family members. It seems like it should be so obvious, but it isn’t” says Elizabeth, a former caregiver for her dad. Elizabeth now works at the Honomu center. “I thought I could handle it. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional and physical exhaustion. At the suggestion of a friend, I started participating in the support group and learning from others who were also attending. Life got more manageable.”

The agency has offered programs for elders on Hawai‘i Island since first opening in 1976 as an adult day center in the Kaumana Baptist Church. Currently located in the old Hilo Memorial Hospital, HIAC is building a new $7M facility, which they expect to open within the next two years. It’s on Mohouli, near Komohana. Hawaii Island Adult Care also runs Honomu Adult Day Center located on the beautiful and serene grounds of the Hilo Coast United Church of Christ.

If you’re wondering if Hawai‘i Island Adult Care is the right choice for you and your loved one, you are welcome to visit the Hilo or Honomu centers.

Hawai‘i Island Adult Care Inc.
34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo
808.961.3747