Category: Giving Care

  • Caring is Sharing in a Group Setting

    Maria no longer felt doubtful after her warm welcome at the pau hana gathering. Her dad recently moved into a care home, but she and her siblings had second thoughts about the move when he pleaded to go home. She spoke softly then smiled after other attendees shared their own stories. By the end of the hour together, Maria’s eyes sparkled with relief. She wasn’t alone after all. Relaxed, regular talk-story gatherings with caregiving team members are like a warm blanket for families who receive empathy, guidance and friendship to help cope with aging decisions, burnout or strained family relationships. These types of group meetings provide an opportunity for families to learn from each other so no one feels lost or alone when making life decisions.

    Caregiving professionals can also offer support and valuable information. Storytelling and reflection can unify gathering attendees and remind us all to honor each other as energizers who lead their families’ rites of passage. Whether or not you are able to regularly attend structured meetings with your inner circle, we encourage you to follow through on your bucket lists for your own rest and relief, and share your stories with trusted people you can rely on for support.

    CARING MANOA
    Type II Expanded Adult Residential Care Home
    2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu, HI 96822
    808-850-5999 | info@caringmanoa.com
    caringmanoa.com

    Maria no longer felt doubtful after her warm welcome at the pau hana gathering. Her dad recently moved into a care home, but she and her siblings had second thoughts about the move when he pleaded to go home. She spoke softly then smiled after other attendees shared their own stories. By the end of…

  • Key Roles in Long-Term Care Planning

    Long-term care events can happen without warning—and in an instant, everything changes. Having long-term care insurance is important, but what truly matters is having the right people by your side. Without them, even the best policy benefits can be delayed or go unused.

    Here are some of your key team players:

    ◆ CARE ADVOCATE

    This is the person who knows the plan, where relevant documents are and who to contact. They know how to file claims and make sure benefits are accessed without delay.

    ◆ RESOLUTION ADVOCATE

    After the crisis, this person handles transitions, expenses and tasks. They bring closure and peace of mind during emotionally difficult times.

    ◆ FINANCIAL ADVOCATE

    This person ties your care plan to your overall financial goals. They help prevent financial strain by preparing for care costs, coordinating accessible benefits and building a strategy that protects your assets and family’s legacy.

    Having insurance is one thing. Knowing how to use it and who will help is everything.

    Building a strong long-term care team is vital in order to ensure that you and your family are prepared for future care needs.

    HAWAI‘I LONG-TERM CARE SOLUTIONS
    1555 Ala Puumalu St, Honolulu, HI 96818
    808-330-4691 | roger@rogerhiga.fun
    HawaiiLongTermCareSolutions.com

    Long-term care events can happen without warning—and in an instant, everything changes. Having long-term care insurance is important, but what truly matters is having the right people by your side. Without them, even the best policy benefits can be delayed or go unused. Here are some of your key team players: ◆ CARE ADVOCATE This…

  • How to Find the Right Senior Care Home

    Gen Xers may find themselves helping parents age in place at home or at a senior care facility. Finding the right senior care home requires careful planning, research and consideration of a variety of factors:

    • Consider your parents’ current and future needs. Are they independent, need memory care or a higher level of care? Does a chronic illness require special care?
    • Choose a location that works for everyone. A senior facility in close proximity to family makes visiting more manageable.
    • Financial planning is crucial. Understand what is included and what additional services will cost. Review long-term care insurance and what is covered. Familiarize yourself with your parents’ pensions, which can help offset costs.
    • Take a tour. Is the facility well-kept and odor-free? How do staff members treat residents? Would your parents prefer an active or quieter environment? Are daily activities offered? Request a lunch tour for you and your parents to assess the food.

    Choosing a senior care home for your parents is a major decision. But after considering these questions and doing your research, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, keep searching to find a place where your parents will feel safe, cared for and happy.

    THE PLAZA ASSISTED LIVING
    900 Fort Street Mall, Ste. 1722, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808 628-6635 | nkamai@plazaassistedliving.com
    Plazaassistedliving.com

    Gen Xers may find themselves helping parents age in place at home or at a senior care facility. Finding the right senior care home requires careful planning, research and consideration of a variety of factors: Choosing a senior care home for your parents is a major decision. But after considering these questions and doing your…

  • Independence & Senior Living

    Eleanor Katz used to drive to a gym for her exercise classes. When she wanted to dine with friends, she arranged it. When she volunteered (a passion since this New York native was living in Brooklyn), she left her home to do so. Now she does all those things at the senior living community where she resides on O‘ahu.

    So if you are hesitant about making the move to a senior living community because you fear it will decrease your independence, Eleanor says, don’t worry.

    “There are many things I like to do that I still do,” says Eleanor, an avid reader and walker. “I participate in exercise classes, for example. I volunteer at our thrift shop. I see my son and my daughter-in-law. I like to travel. I maintain my independence, but in a convenient way.” Her senior living community enables her to set aside time for the things she likes to do, like going out to visit friends and family.

    A senior living community can enhance your life by creating opportunities that support overall mind-body-spirit well-being and independence.

    “The entire staff — housekeeping, dining room and maintenance staff — all know us by name,” Eleanor says. “They’re all very professional, and they’re also very warm and caring.”

    GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY – POHAI NANI
    45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe, HI 96744
    808-247-6211 | good-sam.com

    Eleanor Katz used to drive to a gym for her exercise classes. When she wanted to dine with friends, she arranged it. When she volunteered (a passion since this New York native was living in Brooklyn), she left her home to do so. Now she does all those things at the senior living community where…

  • Self-Care for Caregivers

    Caregivers are at a great risk of overwhelming stress and burnout due to the enormous responsibility put on them. But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So what are some realistic ways to “refill your cup?”

    The first step is to create space and time to care for yourself. Think of hobbies you enjoy and make time for them. Staying active and getting quality sleep will also help you keep up the stamina you will need to continue providing good care to your loved ones. Your community can also offer tremendous support. Many support groups, both in person and online, can connect you with others going through the same struggles. They may provide resources like respite care, tips for caregiving and even counseling services.

    Lastly, be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. Caring for an aging parent can bring up a rainbow of emotions and letting yourself feel them without judgment can help you process them. The work you do is important and even if you feel alone, you are part of the roughly 154,000 caregivers in Hawai‘i. You are not alone in this. Don’t forget to fill your cup!

    MANOA COTTAGE KAIMUKI
    748 Olokele Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
    808-800-4089 | info@manoacottage.com
    manoacottage.com
    University of Hawai‘i Center on Aging-Resources:
    manoa.hawaii.edu/aging/organizations
    Caregiver Connection of Hawai‘i:
    caregiverconnectionofhawaii.org/support-groups

    Caregivers are at a great risk of overwhelming stress and burnout due to the enormous responsibility put on them. But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So what are some realistic ways to “refill your cup?” The first step is to create space and time to care for yourself. Think…

  • The Goodbye That Continues to Wave

    When I was growing up, it was a custom for my family to wave goodbye to those leaving after a visit. We waved at the door, the end of the driveway and the airport. We waved until we could no longer see them, their car or plane! With tears in our eyes, we waved. In our hearts we already longed to see them again!

    When we left for school or work, my mother would stand and wave until we were out of sight. There was something reassuring about seeing her, knowing she would be there when we returned. I guess that’s the power of the goodbye wave. It’s a physical confirmation of love.

    Now, in her final stage of dementia, my mother has been in and out of hospice four times. Each time was a goodbye and each time I waved goodbye — each time, with tears in my eyes. Each time, I relived the grief of losing her. Each time.

    Most days, I’m overcome with emotion, yet I cope, thanks to weekly support sessions. Please get the support you need and also remember that you are not alone.

    GIMME A BREAK
    808-754-3787 | gab808.org
    Online support sessions are held Tuesdays at 8pm:
    gab808.org/support-sessions

    When I was growing up, it was a custom for my family to wave goodbye to those leaving after a visit. We waved at the door, the end of the driveway and the airport. We waved until we could no longer see them, their car or plane! With tears in our eyes, we waved. In…

  • The Elder Care Playbook

    Maui resident Petra Weggel learned about caregiving the way most people do… the hard way, through the trial and error of first-hand experience.

    “It is incredibly stressful to witness the decline of an aging loved one while at the same time thinking about your own mounting responsibilities,” Petra said in the introduction of The Elder Care Playbook. “You probably have your own job, a family or significant other, and bills that are piling up. To deal with all of that while also knowing your parent’s affairs are a mess can leave you feeling lost and hopeless. If you’re like I was, you won’t even know where to begin…” In her effort to help others deal with the challenges of caregiving — and especially for those who cannot become a full-time caregiver for their loved one due to distance or other factors — Petra wrote a well-organized, thorough guide, complete with checklists.

    “It’s for everyone like me in the Sandwich Generation who can’t bring a parent home to live with them but still wants to ensure they’ll be cared for.” You don’t have to be physically present to do your part, she says. Petra suggests you contribute to the welfare of an aging loved one like she did, by becoming a care organizer, while still working and attending to your life.

    Through personal anecdotes, Petra shares many aspects of organizing care, why you must put your own well-being first, along with coping methods to deal with frustration, guilt and helplessness.

    “It is much easier to care for an aging loved one when you’re prepared,” says Petra. “However, you will always need to expect the unexpected.” She wants you to think of this book as not only a tool for planning,
    but also, your inspirational support manual. She shares how you really can find time for yourself, avoid burnout and help the person you care about at the same time.

    Petra discloses that the book is not a comprehensive text on the subject of senior care or caregiving, but she has broken the caregiving process into digestible, understandable chunks. Where you begin ultimately depends on your own circumstances, your loved one’s health issues, your relationship to each other and your own particular family situation.

    The book is all about helping you adopt a positive mindset so you can spend each day in a way that feels meaningful instead of overwhelming, as Petra says, in order to “make every day a good day.” Disclaimer: This book is not intended to offer legal, financial or healthcare advice.

    THE ELDER CARE PLAYBOOK
    808-205-1269 | author@theeldercareplaybook.com
    theeldercareplaybook.com

    Maui resident Petra Weggel learned about caregiving the way most people do… the hard way, through the trial and error of first-hand experience. “It is incredibly stressful to witness the decline of an aging loved one while at the same time thinking about your own mounting responsibilities,” Petra said in the introduction of The Elder…

  • Advice for Gen Xers Taking Care of Boomers

    Gen Xers are going to repeat what we Baby Boomers have been living through — caring for our parents and children while managing everything else. We can help our Gen Xer children by organizing our affairs and vowing to be practical.

    Overcoming practical issues is not as difficult as managing the emotional dynamics of caregiving. Here are some suggestions from a Baby Boomer to a Generation Xer:

    Listen: Listening and creating moments of shared communication can change your caregiving world. If cognitive issues make that difficult, listen for what can be shared — even for the 50th time. Soon enough, there will only be silence.

    Set limits for yourself: You will face conflicting emotions. You must work to keep life in balance. Everything will not be what you wanted or expected. Your parents’ finances, personal strength and healthcare needs may make aging at home impossible for them. Be open to the alternatives available without guilt.

    Accept imperfection: Accept what help is available and offered — even if it is not perfect or what you expected. Caregiving does not mean you provide all the care. It means you ensure that care is provided.

    Remember, the moment in front of you is all you have. Be patient and do the best you can.

    THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (nonprofit)
    926 3rd St., Pearl City, HI 96782
    808-625-3782 | info@gary-powellthecaregiverfoundation.org

    Gen Xers are going to repeat what we Baby Boomers have been living through — caring for our parents and children while managing everything else. We can help our Gen Xer children by organizing our affairs and vowing to be practical. Overcoming practical issues is not as difficult as managing the emotional dynamics of caregiving.…

  • New Hope for Decreasing Dementia Cases

    In this new era for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, we have hope. This hope is fueled by scientific evidence that is stronger than ever and a collective movement that is driving positive change. In this new era, we can reduce risk for developing dementia and offer disease modifying treatments that can slow decline.

    Nearly half of dementia cases could be reduced or delayed by addressing modifiable lifestyle risk factors (2024 Lancet Commission). These risk factors include things like managing heart health, protecting your brain, exercising regularly, eating a heart healthy diet, getting restorative sleep and staying social. It is never too early or too late to boost brain health.

    We have disease modifying treatments available for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease This is not a cure, but an opportunity to slow the progression of the disease so that patients have more good days to make cherished memories with loved ones. Of course, these treatments come with side effects, they are expensive and they’re not for everyone. But now, we have options.

    With these new developments on a global scale reaching our shores, we are building momentum in the islands to ensure that it benefits all of us. Now more than ever, our resolve is strong as we journey forward in this new era of hope. Visit alzhopehawaii.org.

    EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING
    250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-586-0100 | DOH.Dementia@doh.hawaii.gov
    health.hawaii.gov/eoa

    In this new era for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, we have hope. This hope is fueled by scientific evidence that is stronger than ever and a collective movement that is driving positive change. In this new era, we can reduce risk for developing dementia and offer disease modifying treatments that can slow decline. Nearly…

  • Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

    When facing a loved one’s serious illness, family members rarely know how to reduce his or her suffering or where to turn. Ask your doctor about available options.

    Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with a serious illness. Care is focused on providing relief of symptoms and stress, helping to improve the patient and family’s quality of life. A team of doctors, nurses and specialists provide care by working together with a patient’s other doctors for an extra layer of support. Care is not based on the patient’s prognosis and it can be provided alongside curative treatment.

    BEREAVEMENT NETWORK OF HAWAI‘I
    Facilitated by KOKUA MAU (nonprofit)
    808-585-9977 | kokuamau.org
    kokuamau.org/grief-and-bereavement
    Learn more about grief and the healing process: Help For The Bereaved — The Healing Journey
    kokuamau.org/wp-content/uploads/CtrOnAging-Booklet-5-REV_6-30-11.pdf

    When facing a loved one’s serious illness, family members rarely know how to reduce his or her suffering or where to turn. Ask your doctor about available options. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with a serious illness. Care is focused on providing relief of symptoms and stress, helping to improve the patient…

  • Community & Private Case Management

    Case managers help clients navigate the social service system. Community case managers help clients with housing, benefits and other resources. Private case managers work with clients in a variety of settings, including healthcare and mental health care.

    ■ Community case managers work for healthcare institutions and insurance companies. They manage large patient loads and support patient care transitions to the appropriate level. They are accessible to the consumer. They aim to keep the patient out of the hospital setting and safely cared for in a minimally restricted environment that supports optimum health. A case manager follows high-risk populations and identifies problems early to keep the patient in optimum health.

    ■ Private case managers are hired privately and often partner with local hospitals, clinics, home health and hospice agencies. They have close relationships with these providers as they ensure that all partners are aligned with the client’s plan of care, enhancing their quality of life.

    By hiring a private case manager, patients can benefit from dedicated support, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life. Investing in a private case manager can significantly enhance a patient’s healthcare experience. Private case managers focus on personalized care and deliver tailored health plans that cater to the patient’s unique needs. Their increased availability means patients can expect prompt responses to concerns and frequent communication, fostering a supportive environment for the patient’s health journey.

    Moreover, they excel in coordinating with various healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless communication and alignment throughout treatment. As a dedicated advocate, a private case manager empowers a patient to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, confidently prioritizing his or her needs and preferences.

    By monitoring a patient’s health closely, they identify potential issues early, helping to prevent costly hospitalizations and maintaining optimal well-being. Their holistic approach addresses medical needs and the social and emotional factors that influence a patient’s overall health.

    A private case manager provides continuity of care, ensuring consistent oversight, especially for chronic conditions. Their flexible scheduling and personalized services help enhance a patient’s overall
    quality of life.

    ALOHA COMPLEX CARE LLC
    808-269-5463 | alohacomplexcare@outlook.com
    alohacomplexcare.com
    Aloha Complex Care LLC is a case-management and care company, networking island-wide, servicing all levels and stages of care, from the initial stages and on through hospice and bereavement.

    Case managers help clients navigate the social service system. Community case managers help clients with housing, benefits and other resources. Private case managers work with clients in a variety of settings, including healthcare and mental health care. ■ Community case managers work for healthcare institutions and insurance companies. They manage large patient loads and support…

  • When Should Caregivers Seek Help?

    Caring for a family member is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges that may feel overwhelming. Even the most devoted caregivers might reach a point where seeking professional guidance is necessary to ensure their loved one receives the best care possible.

    The first sign of caregiver burnout is physical or emotional exhaustion. If caregiving is starting to take a toll on your own health, it’s crucial to recognize that your own well-being is just as important. Another indicator is when the needs of your loved one surpass your ability to manage them safely, such as with advanced medical conditions, frequent falls or increasing confusion.

    Additionally, if caregiving starts to impact your ability to balance other responsibilities — work, family or personal time — it might be time to explore outside help. Professional caregivers and experienced nurse advisors can provide expertise in managing complex medical conditions and ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate level of care, while giving you peace of mind.

    Remember, asking for help is not a sign of failure, but a step toward ensuring the best care for your loved one. Knowing when to seek professional advice can make a significant difference in both your life and theirs.

    NURSING HOME PARTNERS
    828 Ailuna St., Honolulu, HI 96821
    808-468-9112 | Info@Nursinghomepartners.com
    Nursinghomepartners.com

    Caring for a family member is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges that may feel overwhelming. Even the most devoted caregivers might reach a point where seeking professional guidance is necessary to ensure their loved one receives the best care possible. The first sign of caregiver burnout is physical or emotional…