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| About Us |
A Little History
EldercareHawaii.com began in 2002. Designed by a caregiver, Deborah Jackson (pictured), the aim was to provide a central
place for eldercare planning support and an online guide to local
resources. Deborah put so much time and energy into seeking information and resources, developed this website to help other caregivers and seniors. Over the years it grew and changed. This current re-design, launched April 1, 2008, represents a re-commitment to the original goal of online
community, rather than a marketplace, it continues to avoid outright
advertising, and relies on community-minded support of professionals in
the field. Our Philosophy
We continue to believe that the greatest value in using the internet is the ability to access LOCAL resources. We want to serve the local community and seek your support. Rather than a marketplace, with advertisements dominating and distracting from the content, we rely on the community-minded support of professionals in the field - our Support Network.
We feel it is important to reflect
the entire state of Hawaii, and all of its island communities. Our former logo, the throw net fisherman, describes the task of "fishing" for resources, information and skills. It also tells the story of how we are all linked together. EldercareHawaii.com is about Hawaii.The resources you will find here do not represent our recommendations for you and your particular situation. Each elder, each caregiver, each family will have different needs, preferences, and they will be constantly changing. Only you can find the combination that will provide the optimum solution. We can help with guidance, accessibility, and community.
The Myth of "One Stop Shop"
Our original goal was to be a "one stop shop." This is the new catch phrase for that elusive place where you can find it all. EldercareHawaii.com will offer as much as we can possibly find, with your help. We'll be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we will do our best to keep up to date with changes - again, with your help. But, there is no one place that truly has it all. We are a point in a network. Each point has it's own unique benefits and limitations, it's own role to play.
We're all in this boat together...
One thing that has changed in our approach is that we now realize there is limited value in trying to put labels on people: caregivers, seniors, baby boomers, adult children, professionals and patients. Most people wear more than one of these "hats" in their real lives. This is the reality. We now strive to include all the members of the eldercare 'ohana' - government agencies, nonprofits, professionals, businesses, as well as all of you. These are people of all generations who are caring for their grandparents, parents, friends and neighbors, as well as those of you who are our kupuna - our grandparents, parents, friends and neighbors. We're all in the same canoe.
Ho'okupu
The Ho'okupu in our logo represents a sacred gift from the heart. Shared wisdom and
history, kindness and compassion - these are the rewards, the gifts of eldercare. Our ho'okupu was created by Kailua
artist, Tamara Moan. Aloha
