University of Hawaii at Manoa
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Are you an ‘Ohana Caregiver?

An ‘Ohana Caregiver, or family caregiver, is someone who takes care of family members aside from or in addition to their own children. ‘Ohana Caregivers are also known as family caregivers. According to the National Family Caregivers’ Alliance, there are over 100,000 family caregivers taking care of older family members in the State of Hawai‘i. Some of these caregivers are taking care of older family members, such as parents, aunties, or uncles. Others are taking care of younger family members, such as grandchildren. All ‘Ohana Caregivers make a positive difference in the lives of the people for whom they care.

arrow‘Ohana Caregivers Who Care for Older Adults

‘Ohana Caregivers who care for older family member perform many valuable services for them. Some live apart from their older family members and help them with many activities, such as preparing meals, shopping and other household chores. Others live with their older family members and help them by providing assistance with the activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing. One of the most important services that most family caregivers provide for their loved ones is managing their healthcare needs.

arrow‘Ohana Caregivers Who Raise Grandchildren

According to the 2000 US Census, there were over 14,000 grandparents with sole responsibility for raising their grandchildren in the State of Hawai‘i (see Generations United for more information). Raising grandchildren is associated with financial, physical, and emotional costs, particularly when it occurs in response to an unexpected crisis in the lives of the children’s biological parents, such as illness or incarceration. It is also associated with happiness, and grandchildren can help you feel younger! Our research team is part of a network of organizations dedicated to supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Hawai‘i. Please contact Dr. Lori Yancura at loriena@hawaii.edu to see if you are eligible to participate in one of our current studies.

arrow‘Ohana Caregivers in the Workplace: The UH Cares Study

In 2009, a team of researchers from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the Profile of University of Hawai'i (UH) Employees Who Are Family Caregivers]