Deciding when is the right time to find senior care for your kupuna can be an intimidating task. You want to provide the best care possible for them, but how do you know if it’s the right time; where do you start? First, understand and identify the level of care your senior needs to conduct day-to-day activities and care for themselves. Identifying your senior’s needs early in your search will help you understand the options available. Keep in mind that the level of care can change over time as conditions change.

There are two main categories for long-term care solutions for seniors: senior communities and residential care homes. In senior communities, kūpuna live together in an apartment-like setting and interact with one another through daily, scheduled activities. They dine with other residents. In residential care homes, three to five seniors are cared for in a home-like setting. Residents get more individualized attention and all of their needs are taken care of.

Finding great healthcare for your loved ones is hard to do on your own. Each year, we see hundreds of seniors in Hawai‘i finding themselves incapable of living independently at home.

How do we get Mom and/or Dad out of the home when they don’t see the need, even though they have fallen multiple times?

After a fall, your senior is feeling fearful and may be resistant to change. During gentle conversations over time, explain that finding care comes from a place of love and wanting them to live a safe and healthy life.

What about dementia care?

Questions to ask a care home or facility about a patient’s dementia care include:

• Is the staff experienced in working with residents with dementia/Alzheimer’s?
• What approaches are used to diffuse a situation with an agitated dementia/Alzheimer’s resident?
• What kind of activities are available to help stimulate a resident’s mind and body?
• Are they open to working with the resident’s geriatric team and family?


CAREGIVER’S HEART
91-1121 Keanui Drive, Ste. 108, PMB 193, Ewa Beach
808-425-5101 | kuunani@caregivershearthawaii.com
www.caregivershearthawaii.com