The City and County of Honolulu has given more than $1.7 million to a St.
Francis Healthcare program to provide personal care for Oahu’s
frail elderly.
Health Services for Senior Citizens has been awarded $1.785 million in
state funds from the Elderly Affairs Division of the city and county’s Department
of Community Services to continue its Kupuna Care Personal Care Services for
fiscal years 2008-2009.
The contract allows Oahu
residents 60 and over who qualify to receive bathing services.
Health Services for Senior Citizens, a program under St. Francis
Healthcare System of Hawaii’s Community Health Services, also received $15,000
in state funds for the remainder of this fiscal year to address wait lists.
St. Francis has long provided Oahu’s
older residents with personal and medical care. It began health screening for
senior citizens in 1977, which became a model for similar state and private
services. In 1982, the program became Health Services for Senior Citizens,
focusing primarily on personal care bathing services.
“St. Francis’ Health Services for Senior Citizens is meeting an
important need in the community,” said Karen Miyake, CountyExecutive
on Aging for the city and county’s Elderly Affairs Division.
By the end of this fiscal year, the program will have assisted 610
frail elders. Since 1982, it has helped approximately 8,400 people.
For information about this service, call 547-6121.