A Business And A Mission
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By Emmet White
President and CEO, Arcadia Family of Companies
Since I joined the business of serving our senior citizens at the Arcadia Retirement Residence 14 years ago, the concept of aging has continued to evolve, as have the expectations of the “G.I.” generation, the “silent” generation and the growing number of “baby boomers” who are facing the prospect of needing care for their aging parents and, in the near future, for themselves.
When Arcadia first opened in 1967, our priority was to provide a retirement community that offered a home-like environment, stimulating activities and guaranteed health care. We have worked diligently to satisfy the physical, social and spiritual needs of each and every resident. Since 1967, more than 1,100 seniors, including 300 seniors today with ages ranging from 62 to 110, have called Arcadia home.
As we have worked with, and listened to, our residents, families and friends, we know there is a desire and need for more service and care options for our kupuna.
Working adult children need a safe, caring environment - full time or part time - for their aging parents. And our kupuna do not want to become a burden to family and friends.
As Hawaii’s elderly population has grown, Arcadia, through its family of companies, has expanded options for senior living and senior services. By year-end, we expect to break ground for 15 Craigside, a senior living residence in Nu’uanu. The new community will be similar to Arcadia, with one-bedroom and studio apartments for independent and assisted living, and a nursing facility for those requiring short-term and long-term care. 15 Craigside, like Arcadia, offers “guaranteed life-time care.” Moving into an independent-living apartment, if the need later arises for assisted living services or nursing care, a resident can count on the availability of those services.
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For those who choose to continue living at home, but need some assistance to remain safe and comfortable, Arcadia Home Health Services provides licensed personal and professional aides who can assist with medication management, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, transportation, meals, therapies, if needed, and even spa services. This type of assistance not only offers caregivers respite and relief, but also enables our kupuna to have the opportunity to socialize and engage in enjoyable activities and entertainment.
Like all businesses, the senior residential services and care industry must adjust to ever-changing needs, while providing the best quality product possible. For Arcadia that’s not just a business plan, it’s a mission. By 2020, one in five Americans will be over 65. Hawaii’s 65-plus population is the seventh highest in the nation. We need quality alternatives and choices if we are to properly provide for those who reared and gave so much to us.
The most important lesson learned while working with our kupuna is that each and every person who has been given the privilege of a long life is special in his or her own way.
Our kupuna raised and cared for us. The caring we received is now a part of our fabric as we, in turn, provide service and quality of life to those who have nurtured us over the years.
To learn more about the services we provide for Hawaii seniors, please contact us at Arcadia at 941-0941 or at 15 Craigside at 285-5178. Or visit our websites at www.arcadia-hi.org or www.15Craigside.org.
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