Aging in place in Hawai‘i comes with unique challenges. Many kūpuna hope to remain in their homes but they often face mounting obstacles: rising living costs, declining health, unsafe housing conditions, and limited access to care. Nearly one in four Hawai‘i residents will be over the age of 65 by 2030, meaning these challenges will only continue to grow.
At Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels, we see firsthand how fragile the safety net can be—and how vital our social services team is in helping kūpuna navigate these complexities with dignity.
Take the story of Donna, 79, from Mākaha. Her home lacked electricity, was cluttered with hazards, and showed signs of neglect. Initially hesitant to accept help, she opened her door after learning we were bringing meals and bottled water. Recognizing her need for assistance, our social services team acted immediately, contacting Adult Protective Services (APS) to help her access more resources. After weeks of advocacy and collaboration with community partners, Donnaʻs utilities were restored, her home decluttered, and safety modifications made.
Today, Donna receives two nutritious meals every weekday and expresses gratitude for the meals and friendly visits from our meal delivery volunteers.
Our social services team ensure kūpuna receive the care, nutrition, and advocacy they need, addressing nutrition, safety, health, and emotional well-being while connecting clients to essential resources like healthcare, financial assistance, and home modifications. Whether it’s helping replace a broken phone, advocating for medical equipment, or arranging home safety upgrades, our team’s work creates lasting impacts.
We extend our heartfelt mahalo to The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, Kūpuna Collective, and the University of Hawai’i Center on Aging whose generosity and support make our social services possible. Mahalo for bringing hope, health, and aloha to Oʻahu’s kūpuna!
