A Big Island adult day care service provider has nearly completed its capital campaign for construction of a new facility in Hilo.
Executive Director Paula Uusitalo said Hawaii Island Adult Care has commitments from private donors, organizations such as the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and county, state and federal sources. She said the new $8.34 million, 9,000-square-foot building is only short about $350,000. The remaining amount needed will be used for equipment and furniture for the building, which is fully funded.
The new structure already is under construction near the Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood.
Senior Neighborhood Project Manager Lindy Williams said residents already are asking “are we going to have a shuttle van so we can go down there and visit?”
But a driving force behind senior services it to get people active and moving, not pent up.
That means it’s likely residents will be encouraged to take a walking-group stroll to the new day care instead of a shuttle.
Keith Kato, executive director of the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation, said the target for opening the new HIAC building is February 2018.
“They run an excellent program. But they are currently in this really old facility,” Kato said. “The program is kind of at risk because of the nature of the facility.”
HIAC currently is located at the site of the former Hilo Memorial Hospital, which hasn’t been used as a hospital since the early 1960s and is showing its age.
While HIAC injected new life into the former hospital, its services do for elders what the organization cannot do for its current facilities. Residents get a helping hand to stay as active, physically, mentally and socially, as possible.
Adult day services offer activities for elderly adults who want to remain in their homes but can’t on their own. Often, a family member, such as an adult child, will provide assistance. But those family members might be busy themselves, working full time, running errands, etc. HIAC and other adult day care providers offer activities for those senior citizens when their caregivers aren’t available.
Uusitalo said HIAC offers activities such as tai chi, qigong, massage, yoga and excursions.
The services provided depend on the client’s needs as well as a caregiver’s needs, she added.
Uusitalo is excited the new facility will have an enclosed garden area where residents will be able to safely go outdoors, get fresh air and sunshine, and take part in garden therapy.
“That’s the part I’m really looking forward to,” she said. “We’ve needed one for years.”
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
