Posted on: Sunday, December 5, 2004

Questions? Experts help with answers

Advertiser Staff

Have a question about aging? We've assembled a panel of community experts who will field readers' questions. Answers will be published in the Dec. 12 issue of Island Life. Please submit your questions to: islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, and use the words "aging questions" in the subject line. Or fax your question to 525-8055. Not all questions will be answered, though the ones of greatest reader interest will be forwarded to the panel for their expertise.

The experts (in alphabetical order):

James Burke, chief of the paratransit operations branch of the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, Public Transit Division; Burke can answer questions about transportation, such as options for seniors who live in rural areas or who are on a fixed income.

Janet Eli, president and chief executive of the Alzheimer's Association of Hawai'i. Eli can answer questions about Alzheimer's, dementia, warning signs, dealing with difficult behavior and planning.

Lorraine Fay, caregiver specialist at the Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division, can answer questions relating to caregiving and local resources.

Deborah Jackson, founder and owner of Eldercare Hawaii, can answer questions about family caregiving and planning, education and support for family caregivers.

Tom Lynch, pharmacist at Longs Drugs in Mililani. Lynch can answer questions about prescription drugs, other medications, drug interactions and herbal remedies.

Jackie McCarter, associate state director of AARP-Hawai'i, can answer questions about advocacy, trends in aging, livable community issues on a big-picture level.

Stella Wong, vice president of programs for Catholic Charities Hawai'i, can answer questions about community-based programs.

Valerie Yontz, gerontologist and coordinator of the Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Services Program, can answer questions about caregiving and respite issues.