Who qualifies for senior housing? How do I find someone to hire to help my elderly mom with chores? Who can get your 80-year-old neighbor to his doctor's appointment?

The city wants to help folks with questions about the elderly and aging, especially with the rapid growth in that age group. The state Executive Office of Aging estimates that by the year 2020, one of every four Hawai'i residents will be 60 years or older.

People are invited to call 768-7700 from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays except holidays. That number will connect you to a person trained to help assess your situation and provide information and referral to programs and services, said Community Services Director Debbie Kim Morikawa.

Senior Helpline is offered by the city's Department of Community Services and operated by the agency's Elderly Affairs Division. It offers advice and information to seniors, caregivers and anyone else wanting more information on aging and services.

The office's Karen Miyake said questions vary but can include: Who qualifies for nursing home care? What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Where's the nearest adult day care center in my neighborhood?

Morikawa encourages people to call with questions and call even if you're not sure that your elderly relative or friend needs a service soon.

She suggests you familiarize yourself with services early if you have an aging relative or may need them yourself.

"People just wait too long and then they are in a crisis," Morikawa said.

In some cases where a face-to-face assessment is needed, staff may visit with a client in their home.

"A lot of people don't call because they don't consider themselves caregivers," Miyake said.

She said most of the calls are for housing, chore/homemaker services, respite care to give caregivers a break, case management and transportation.

Liliha resident Rosemarie Tucker, 75, got in touch with the city about six months ago after coming across an elderly man who needed a ride when she was leaving the Makiki swimming pool.

When she helped him get home, she found he needed more than a ride. The house was rundown, "the garden had dried up" and his cat looked suspiciously skinny.

"He kept saying he needed help," Tucker said.

She contacted the elderly affairs division and social workers found the help the man needed, including having Meals on Wheels deliver to him regularly.

Tucker was encouraged.

"There are so many people in need," she said. "We do have a system that addresses people's needs."

Morikawa said people should think about aging as a process.

"While getting older has its challenges, preparing for it and aging smart can help ensure a productive, enjoyable and enriching old age," she said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.