Category: Giving Care

  • Doc, Follow My Orders

    Momi and Roland are a retired couple living in Central O‘ahu. Last year Roland learned he has incurable lung cancer and has been in the hospital several times. The couple has had many conversations together and with the doctors. Because of his short life expectancy and desire for quality of life, he has decided to…

  • Home Care for Stroke Survivors

    Caring for stroke survivors at home can be overwhelming for anyone. Getting outside help from home care agencies can make a difference in your ability to balance your life with your loved one’s needs. Ask the following questions to find a trustworthy company with qualified, reliable caregivers who are also compassionate and dedicated. Does the…

  • Conversations About Wishes

    Auntie K was having trouble breathing at home and her son called 911. She is now in the Intensive Care Unit. The doctor asks the family, “What would your mother want us to do if she could speak for herself right now? She’s having more trouble breathing. Do you want us to “‘do everything?’” Unfortunately,…

  • Reverse ParentingReverse Parenting

    The role of being a “reverse parent” didn’t occur to me until I dropped off my father on his first day at adult day care. While walking back to my car, I said to myself, I hope the day care doesn’t call me and say they’re sending him home because he soiled his clothing or…

  • Your Health, Your Home, Your Choice!

    It’s only natural to want to stay at home. So being informed about good caregivers and their services can enrich your home experience by making everyday tasks a little easier and safer. The services you need depends on your and health strategies and type of support, as well as your financial and insurance situation. Ask…

  • Fall Prevention

    There I was, the Hawai’i State Fall Prevention Coordinator, fallen, spread eagled, with a dent in my car door in the shape of my own forehead. It happened so fast, one second of inattention and I was flat on the ground. And to make matters worse, I had just left the quarterly meeting of the…

  • A Story to Tell of Life and Love

    Taking good care of ourselves and helping others who suffer from disease is important not only for ourselves but for others who may be impacted by disease. In the context of Chronic Kidney Disease and kidney transplantation even young children can learn much and be shaped by the experience they share with adult members of…

  • The Juggling Duck

    I have several friends who are caring for either one or two parents, and when we meet, of course, we ask about each other’s parents. No sooner does the conversation drift to sharing “war” stories about caring for our parents. Taking care of my parents has taught me to be a juggler. I needed to…

  • I Never Want to Grow Up

    Disney fun at Hi’olani Care Center For the assisted living residents at Kahala Nui’s Hi‘olani Care Center, there is always fun to be had. Thanks to the creative staff, the center always has new, engaging activities and themes for its annual weeklong “theme week.” This year’s theme, the “wonderful world of Disney,” featured a Disney…

  • Exclusive Care for Kupuna

    Kupuna Concierge offers a very effective approach to senior care at home. The beauty of seniors living at home is that they can keep and enjoy the lifestyle they spent decades perfecting. Sometimes all it takes to remain independent is a little day-to-day help. Kupuna Concierge provides personal assistants who help with errands, transportation, meals,…

  • Five Ways Not to Fall

    Falling down is nothing new. We have been doing it all our lives. We fell as infants, as kids, as teenagers and even, awkwardly, as adults. The price for an active, healthy life has been an occasional fall and normally it is no big deal. When young and strong, you fell and “bounced” right back…

  • Building Houses, Building Hope

    When Lehua Fuller first showed her Waimanalo home to Honolulu Habitat for Humanity staff, they were amazed. She had managed to raise 12 children in her four-bedroom plantation-style home, which was in grave disrepair. There were holes in the floor and roof, severe termite damage and problems with the electrical and plumbing. In Honolulu, Wallace…