Support for Family Caregivers

Gerry Silva serves as the state president of AARP Hawai‘i. He is the lead volunteer and has made presentations at over 40 community events. Guardmembers know him as Colonel Gerald Silva, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard for a decade. After he retired from the Guard, he served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of ʻōlelo Community Media for many years.

He authored the following article.

Hawaii’s family caregivers are starting to get the support they need. These caregivers are among the 247,000 sons, daughters, husbands and wives who help loved ones stay independently at home for as long as possible — providing help with everyday tasks.

In mid-April nearly 500 Hawaii residents joined elder advocacy groups and resource providers in paying tribute to family caregivers at an event at the Japanese Cultural Center. The event was to recognize the extraordinary contributions they make, highlight helpful community resources and provide an update of recent legislative efforts to support caregivers and their families.

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