Caring is the Heart of Aging
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Hi´olani Care Center staff (from left): Christine
Caguioa, Marcia Reyes, Randy De Vera, Marilyn Israel,
Terry Price, Nicole Johnson and Cindy Meiers
It’s a fact that with each birthday, whether we choose to celebrate or not, we’ve aged another year. The fastest growing percentage of the U.S. population is the 85-plus age group. At some point, we will be faced with an aging family member or deal with our own aging process.
I’m a baby boomer living in the sandwich generation, the generation sandwiched between an aging parent and children who still have one foot in the nest. Over the years, I have developed a few philosophies on aging through my personal experiences and as a professional working with seniors and their families on a daily basis. As executive director of Kahala Nui, Hawaii’s new senior living community, it is my responsibility to ensure the needs of our residents are met and their quality of life is top of mind. In addition to independent living services, I also oversee the operation of the Hi`olani Care Center at Kahala Nui, which offers assisted living, comprehensive nursing and memory support. Hi`olani is conveniently located on the same campus as Kahala Nui.
I believe caring is the heart of aging. My management philosophy is based on the principle of taking care of my associates so that they, in turn, can focus on taking care of our residents. At Hi`olani, we have an outstanding staff of 120 associates, comprised of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, housekeepers and dining services staff. We also have a social worker and recreational therapy person, and a full-time dietician on staff. I am committed to ensuring our staff has the proper training and education and I encourage their growth. Life is about growing at any age.
Our Hi`olani staff is compassionate and respects each resident’s dignity and individual preferences. Hi`olani has 41 assisted living apartments, 22 memory support suites, and 60 nursing beds, mostly private, which can all be personalized to reflect the comforts of “home.”
For an aging senior, a little extra help goes a long way. At Hi`olani, professionals help residents with daily tasks such as getting dressed, ensuring prescribed medications are taken, as directed by the doctor, and complimentary weekly housekeeping and linen services. We also offer physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy for residents in need of rehabilitation services and pain management. Three nutritional meals are served daily under the supervision of our registered dietitian. In addition to taking care of physical needs, Hi`olani strives to add to the quality of life of our residents with programs that include arts and crafts, visits with children and pets, music, and exercise classes. We have numerous activities designed to stimulate the mind and encourage laughter.
Depending on their abilities and preferences, Hi`olani residents enjoy a wide variety of amenities. Assisted living residents have access to a spectrum of recreational, family-focused and personal development activities including classes that provide life-long learning.
Our goal at Hi`olani is to make every day count for our residents. We want them to live as well as possible. In addition to expert nursing care, we enhance the living experience with an outing to a park or theater, fine dining at a favorite restaurant or a session of Hanafuda (Japanese card game). We are committed to maintaining a physical environment and an attitude that fosters optimal living for each resident.
When the time is right, I can see myself settling into Kahala Nui. I would be comfortable knowing I would receive the highest quality of service and care for my independent lifestyle. And, most importantly, the peace of mind knowing that should I need a little extra assistance in my daily schedule, I can seamlessly transition to Hi`olani for health care services by a professional and well-trained staff.
Next Week: Pamela Burns, CEO Hawaiian Humane Society
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