HI SB2085

Makes an appropriation from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the kupuna care program, which provides home- and community-based services including meals, transportation, case management, and personal care assistance for Hawaii seniors.

Appropriates funds for the aging and disability resource center to serve as a single point of entry for information about long-term care options and to ensure availability of services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Appropriates funds for fall prevention and early detection services, recognizing that falls cause approximately 85 deaths, 1,960 hospitalizations, and 8,700 emergency department visits among Hawaii seniors annually, resulting in nearly $120 million in hospital and physician charges.

Appropriates funds for the healthy aging partnership program, which provides evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs adapted for Hawaii's multicultural elderly population.

Appropriates funds for an Alzheimer's disease and related dementia services coordinator position (exempt from civil service) and for a public awareness campaign to promote dignity for persons with Alzheimer's disease and recognize caregivers' contributions.