I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Honolulu, HI
Honolulu’s laid-back ambiance, year-round tropical climate, and mesmerizing natural beauty make it an inviting place to call home for retirement. People ages 65 and over make up 18.2% of the metro area’s population of 974,563. As Hawaii’s population grows older at a faster rate than the U.S. national average, seniors in this city are expected to comprise 23.8% of residents by 2045.
The largest city in the Aloha State features a plethora of historic, cultural and recreational opportunities. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is here, along with past royal residence the Iolani Palace. You can observe Hawaii’s unique marine life at the Waikiki Aquarium, the world’s third oldest aquarium. White-sanded beaches and multiple parks, nature preserves, and golf courses beckon you to relax, stroll, play and dive into adventures to savor.
Although the island of Oahu was formed from volcanoes, chances are slim that you’ll see an eruption in Honolulu. However, you can explore Diamond Head, Hawaii’s most famous landmark, or check out the vibrant arts and culture scene in town. When you need retail therapy, Honolulu has you covered an array of fine shopping venues.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Honolulu, HI
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey reports that the average prices for home care and home health care services in Honolulu are $5,125 and $5,411, respectively. In some locations, home health care can be more expensive due to the additional medical services involved.
The Genworth costs for the average cost of home care per month are based on 44 hours of care per week. Your actual monthly cost will depend on how many hours of care you need each week. As a clearer picture of your potential expenses, you may pay an average hourly rate of $26.88 for homemaker services and $28.38 for home health aide services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Honolulu’s home care and home health care prices are less than what seniors pay in the Kahului Area. There, the average monthly costs for these services are the same at $5,720. However, Honolulu’s home care and home health care providers charge more than the average companies across the nation, whose average costs are $4,481 for home care and $4,576 for home health care per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care and home health care expenses fall in the midrange of senior care prices in Honolulu. Adult day care is the least expensive service at an average of $1,582 per month. On the other price end, nursing home care is the costliest option at an average of $11,543 per month for a semiprivate room. Assisted living in Honolulu is almost equal to home care with a median price of $5,000 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Honolulu, HI
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Honolulu, HI.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Honolulu, HI
City & County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division
What You Should Know
Honolulu’s Elderly Affairs Division is the Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center for the county’s kupunas. This agency shares information on common aging and caregiving topics and it provides referrals to community programs and assistance in screening and applying for public benefits. They can help arrange for long-term care counseling, case management, homemaker services, friendly visits, caregiver respite and counseling and meal delivery. Seniors may also obtain assistance with home safety modifications, transportation, legal aid and medical alert systems.
Who Is Eligible?
The Elderly Affairs Division’s resources are available to Honolulu County residents ages 60 and older. Many service providers do not charge a fee; some have a nominal cost. Kupuna caregiver program participants must have difficulty performing activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.
How to Get Started
To find help or learn more about what the Elderly Affairs Division has to offer, call (808) 768-7700. You can also access the website for self-service at any time.
Our Kupuna
Nonprofit organization Our Kupuna connects seniors with volunteer sponsors who can pick up groceries, medications and other household items. This service enables you to stay safely at home to reduce risk of harm or exposure to contagions in public places. A sponsor will check in with you once a week to get a shopping list, then they make the requested purchases and place them into your collection receptacle at your residence.
What You Should Know
Our Kupuna vets and validates each sponsor with a rigorous background check. The screening process for clients involves a phone interview during which you provide your address, typical shopping list and medical conditions. The agency encourages you to prepay for any prescriptions with your pharmacy. Sponsors do not pick up narcotic medications. The sponsor gives you a full receipt of purchases for reimbursement by Cash App, Venmo, cash or check; they cannot accept credit card payments. The service is free for seniors; the agency reimburses sponsors for traveling expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
Hawaii residents over the age of 60 can take advantage of Our Kupuna’s service.
How to Get Started
To sign up for Our Kupuna, call (808) 400-4506, or click “Request Assistance” on the website to complete and submit an online form.
Lanakila Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Lanakila Meals on Wheels delivers five frozen meals to seniors once a week. Lanakila MOW provides meals for all holidays; Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are delivered that day. The meals are developed by a dietician and chef to ensure optimal nutritional value. All meals are low in cholesterol with no salt added, and pureed, chopped and minced meals are available. You are welcome to make a donation, but this is not required. This agency also delivers emergency food care packages to seniors. The staff can also assist you with applying for SNAP benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
Meal delivery is typically available for homebound seniors ages 60 and older who are physically or cognitively unable to prepare or shop for their own meals. Primary caregivers who need respite are also eligible. Also, non-elderly residents with disabilities living in the same household can receive meals. Check your eligibility with the City & County ADRC or your health insurance provider. There is a private pay option for individuals who do not qualify for other options.
How to Get Started
For details regarding this meal delivery service, call Lanakila MOW at (808) 356-8519 or send an email to [email protected].
Honolulu Community Action Program
What You Should Know
Honolulu Community Action Program is a nonprofit Community Action Agency addressing the human service needs of low-income citizens. They can assist you with utility assistance through LIHEAP, the Energy Credit or the Emergency Crisis Intervention. This agency also administers the Weatherization Assistance Program to help vulnerable households reduce their energy consumption and expenses. Hale Kakou, a CARES Act program, provides financial assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities for individuals and families affected by COVID-19 challenges. You can also receive assistance with preparing state and federal tax returns from February through April. These services are available at no cost for those who qualify.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for most HCAP programs is income-based; in many cases the household qualifies if anyone receives SSI or SNAP. Energy Credit and Emergency Crisis Intervention applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. You’ll typically need to present an ID card, Social Security numbers for household members, income verification and proof of hardship.
How to Get Started
To obtain more information or apply for HCAP’s programs, contact the Kalihi-Palama District Service Center by phone at (808) 847-0804 or by email at [email protected].
Catholic Charities Hawai’i
What You Should Know
Catholic Charities Hawai’i provides information and senior programs to reduce isolation, maintain health and support independence. In-home and community-based services include case management, friendly home visits and escort services, transportation and volunteer opportunities. The Phone-a-Friend program provides a safety check and socialization for homebound seniors. The Benefits Enrollment Center guides elders in applying for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and LIHEAP.
Who Is Eligible?
Catholic Charities offers its senior programs to individuals ages 60 and older.
How to Get Started
For more information, you can call Catholic Charities Hawai’i’s Senior Help Line at (808) 527-4777.