Keeping Kauai Kupuna Safe

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented times to the island of Kaua‘i. Kauai Adult Day Health Center (KADH) focuses on the health and well-being of the most high-risk population.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

What can you do to help kupuna?

Connecting with family members is incredibly important, and there are a variety of ways you might consider using to connect with your loved one, including telephone, email, text, or video chat.

Support your local food banks – Kauai Independent Food Bank and Hawaii Foodbank Kaua‘i branch.

Heed the leadership and advice from our Mayor Derek Kawakami. Don’t visit older relatives unless it’s absolutely necessary — as in, they need food, they need help at home, they need supplies or they need their medications, and take steps to protect yourself and others around you.

  • Clean your hands often (wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people by maintaining at least 6 feet distance
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes (cover mouth and nose with tissue or use the inside of your elbow) and wash your hands immediately
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for days in a row.