Category: Giving Care

In 2014, the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion Division reported that 82 percent of the state’s adults have at least one of the following chronic diseases or conditions: heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, asthma, disability, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity. In addition, kidney disease can lead to loss of kidney function and become a chronic disease, which is on the rise in America.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a condition that causes a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The loss of kidney function can also cause wastes and fluids to build up in the body, and lead to other health issues. People with untreated kidney disease have higher risks for developing complications like anemia, bone disease, heart disease, high potassium and other fluid buildup.

“For many people, kidney damage may be temporary and occur quickly due to changes in kidney function from illness, injury or taking medications,” said Marissa Ramos, a Honolulu home healthcare nurse. “If not treated properly, kidney damage can become a chronic condition, often without one knowing — especially if it is related to other underlying conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular health screenings and tests are key in detecting risks for kidney disease. We see and often care for clients with multiple health issues, such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. We focus on early detection, education and proper care, which can slow the progression of kidney disease and help avoid kidney failure.”

Licensed home healthcare is becoming increasingly more important for seniors needing medical services for CKD. Home healthcare agencies accredited by The Joint Commission that adhere to high standards of care can provide a clinical team that supports medical services treating CKD in the home. Home healthcare nurses and caregivers can work one-on-one with clients to better manage their medical care, medications, renal dialysis and nutritional decisions, and monitor for any healthrelated changes before they become problematic.

Experienced and accredited home healthcare agencies are able to deliver high-quality care and offer critical assessments for seniors diagnosed with multiple diseases and CKD.

“We work closely with family members — usually adult children taking on the role of primary caregiver for their loved ones living with chronic diseases,” said Janet Grace, a home healthcare sales and marketing director. “Our clinical teams develop a personalized, safe and cost-effective care plan that goes a long way in reducing risks for complications and emergency room visits. With CKD, skilled nurses focus on providing ongoing education for families regarding kidneyfriendly best practices and preventative steps to slow the progression of the disease. Working closely with our seniors and healthcare professionals is critical to evidencing better treatment outcomes and a higher quality of life for those living with chronic kidney disease.”

 

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ATTENTION PLUS CARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care – a program to provide resources for
seniors and their families, instructed by a registered nurse,
who covers a different aging process each month.
For class information on kidney disease and upcoming
topics, call 808-440-9356.

My mother had always been a healthy, determined and spirited woman who was guided by her faith. With a high degree of humor and a strong work ethic, my mother, Tokiko Suda, along with my father, Sakae, raised four children and operated several restaurants in Honolulu. She had always been a source of inspiration and strength for me as I saw her and my father work six days a week, 14 to 16 hours a day for over 25 years.

And so it was with great heartache and sadness that my mother began to demonstrate symptoms of dementia at age 97. She had become paranoid, despondent and forgetful, and had lost interest in the activities and routines of the day that were once of great importance to her. Her spirit was waning. Our pillar of strength was weakening.

I, my wife, Pamela, and my siblings were well aware of the indicators that manifested in people with dementia. My father had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease approximately 20 years prior and my mother had very similar symptoms.

As the dementia advanced, my mother needed more assistance with eating, bathing, getting dressed, going to the bathroom and other daily living activities. What were once basic, everyday tasks became an undertaking that required a significant amount of time, strength and stamina from both my mother and me.

Just as important as providing help with these daily tasks is the ability to be patient and compassionate with those suffering from dementia. I think most people, like myself, have some level of compassion and sympathy for their ailing loved ones. But it was patience that I had lacked…

Due to my mother’s advanced age, osteoporosis and dementia, she wasn’t able to do simple daily living activities as quickly and efficiently as she was once able to. I was aware of what she was and wasn’t capable of doing for herself, but there were times when it would slip my mind and I would become impatient with her. I would raise my voice and ask her to hurry when she had to be dropped off at the adult day health program that she attended.

But even with my impatience and frustration apparent in my tone, my mother never expressed dissatisfaction with my behavior. She would always say that she was thankful for what her family was doing for her and acknowledged that she was very fortunate. She would then laugh at her inability to do some things that were once second nature to her.

My mother’s gratitude and sense of humor during these trying moments showed me that she was managing her situation the best way possible. I would come to understand that she had been demonstrating her patience with my shortcomings by quietly reminding me that she was thankful and appreciated each day with us.

Her great attitude gave me the ability to be a little more patient with all matters and served as a reminder of how humor is good for your well being. We will all get older one day and we may not be as independent as we once were. When that time comes, I will strive to remember to appreciate the patience of others.

When a loved one shows the first signs of dementia or is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can feel overwhelming. Getting early, quality care is crucial for maximizing their well-being, but knowing where to start is a challenge for many families.

A support system is an important first step. Senior living communities often embrace neighborhood outreach services and resources. Working together with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Hawai‘i provides a supportive network for local families through open community meetings. A nearby group can help navigate the emotional journey ahead.

The next step is having an understanding that almost all ku¯ puna with memory loss will eventually need continuous care. Memory Care is a specialized service. Not all senior living communities are able to offer it, but it is important to find one that is licensed to do so. Studies show that staff trained specifically in dementia care can provide better quality of life for residents.

What to Look for in a Memory Care Home

Spectrum of Support: When researching senior living communities, find out if there’s a supportive bridge to Memory Care available for earlystage patients. Minimizing disruption is beneficial to those requiring memory support.

Body & Mind: A connection between physical and mental well-being is well documented. Make sure the community offers physical activities that can be tailored to the individual to keep them vital.

Nutritional Needs: It’s common for memory care residents to have special dietary needs. Many become forgetful about eating and uninterested in foods they used to love. Providing nutritious meals and an inviting variety of fresh options is needed to support brain health.

Security & Serenity: Secure grounds are paramount to the safety of residents and the peace of mind for ‘ohana. As wandering is a common occurrence in seniors with memory loss, ask about the safety measures in place. A protected natural setting is also an ideal addition, such as a place offering stimulation in a reassuring space.

Making “Connections:” An important part of the memory support for residents is a program encouraging social interaction. Seek a community that provides daily programs that engage residents. Music therapy can also be a powerful enhancement. People process music with almost every part of their brain and music that has personal significance can garner responses even in seniors with later stages of dementia.

Care with Compassion: In addition to quality training and good staff-to-resident ratios, there should be a philosophy of service delivered with dignity. Great memory care engages ku¯ puna, gives them space to be active and promotes a complete package of physical and emotional support.

 

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‘ILIMA AT LEIHANO
739 Leihano St., Kapolei HI 96707
808-674-8022 | www.kiscoseniorliving.com