Category: Giving Care

  • Dementia Care in Times of Crisis

    Caregiving for your loved one with dementia, especially during a crisis, can present special challenges. Those with dementia often do not do well with changes in their routine, making it difficult to care for them when the unexpected happens. Below are some ways you can minimize fear and confusion in a crisis:

    ✦ It is important to remain calm for both your and your loved one’s sake. Distress and chaos can add to an already stressful time. Try to incorporate as much of what is familiar to your loved one during this time. Pick up on cues your loved one may be overwhelmed, such as fidgeting and pacing.
    ✦ Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings as they may be confusing for your loved one. Never leave them alone, as a crisis can cause them to wander and become agitated. Try to stay in a group as much as possible and share with others if you are caring for someone with dementia. This may allow you to have better control and extra pairs of eyes on your loved one.
    ✦ It is likely your loved one will become agitated as a crisis is happening. Speak to them in a calm, low-pitched tone. Limit loud noises as this may increase your loved one’s agitation and anxiety. Redirect their attention by going on walks and doing simple tasks.
    ✦ Try as much as possible to maintain their sleep schedule, medication schedule, if needed, and their regular daily activities to try and provide what is most routine for them. Extra assistance may be needed during times of crisis.
    ✦ Keep things easy for your loved one to understand. Avoid elaborate, detailed explanations and use simple concrete terms.
    ✦ Constantly reassure your loved one they are safe and in the right place, even though they are in a different environment.

    Most importantly, you must take care of yourself. Talk with others, if necessary, and share your thoughts and feelings, stay hydrated, and rest as much as possible. Pack important things such as
    medications, bottled water, weather-appropriate clothing, a cell phone charger, and a portable oxygen tank, if in use, ahead of time. Being adequately prepared for a crisis situation helps you provide a calm, less anxiety-ridden experience for your loved one with dementia.

    Support for Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia:
    24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 | 808-591-2771
    alohainfo@alz.org | alz.org/Hawaii
    Walk to End Alzheimer’s: alz.org/aloha

    Caregiving for your loved one with dementia, especially during a crisis, can present special challenges. Those with dementia often do not do well with changes in their routine, making it difficult to care for them when the unexpected happens.

  • Game On!

    Since this issue is focused on the Sports world, I thought it would be fun to show the “sporting events” that are held in adult day care centers!

    Adult day care center are important to persons living with dementia or disabilities, or for any senior who is living alone and needs to stay active. It is proven that keeping active, both mentally and physically, helps slow the progression of dementia. During the pandemic, many ku¯puna weren’t able to follow their “routine” of being social, exercising, being mentally stimulated, and having fun while apart from their caregivers. This, of course, was not the fault of family caregivers, who were also impacted by the shut-downs. Many noticed a severe decline in the physical and cognitive abilities of the loved ones they cared for, because of the lack of activities and socialization with their peers.

    “Sports” activities like batting (with balloons and swim noodles), Fishing, Corn Hole and Chair Hula are simple but fun ways to exercise, both physically and mentally, and make for a better quality of life as we age. And an Antler Ring Toss is a lot of fun at Christmas!

    HALE HAU‘OLI HAWAI‘I (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    98-1247 Kaahumanu St., Ste. 207, Aiea, HI 96701
    808-292-4665 | kwyatt01@aol.com
    halehauolihawaii.org

    Since this issue is focused on the Sports world, I thought it would be fun to show the “sporting events” that are held in adult day care centers!

  • Dana is a Joy!

    DANA (pronounced Donna) is a Sanskrit word that is defined as selfless giving of time and energy; providing compassion and care without the desire for recognition or expression of appreciation. Dana is not someone’s name, or an acronym. Dana is an expression of love, compassion, faith, and caring.

    Project Dana began 34 years ago at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission, guided by the vision of two forward-thinking women, Shimeji Kanazawa and Rose Nakamura. Together they created an interfaith, volunteer caregivers program and called it Project Dana (the name was given by Dr. Ruth Tabrah, a well-known Buddhist scholar). Their program would consist of compassionate and trained volunteers offering social support to elders in the community.

    Examples of social supportive services offered by these dedicated volunteers are: friendly visits, respite, grocery shopping assistance, and transportation to essential visits such as doctor’s,  therapy, or dental appointments. Some sites on Maui and the Island of Hawai‘i offer senior activity days, when the elder is dropped off to enjoy the day while socializing, and breaking up the  isolation experienced while home alone.

    Friendly doctor examining health of patient at home. Happy smiling nurse consulting disabled patient about treatment. Nurse caring about elder handicap woman at home.The sites of Project Dana are led by dedicated site leaders, many of whom have been in that role for 20 years. Project Dana also offers programs to address specific community needs, coordinated by excellent, well trained, highly educated and knowledgeable people. The coordinators have many years of experience in their areas of expertise.

    Caring for the Caregiver

    This program focuses on services to family caregivers and soon-to-be caregivers. These services include public presentations, support groups, counseling and training. The goal of the program is to help alleviate the stress that comes with continuous caregiving responsibilities.

    Fall Prevention Assessment Program

    The goals of this program are to: increase awareness of fall prevention, create a safe home environment, enable elders to continue independently at home, assist in establishing quality of life for elders, and identify any potential injury risk factors.

    The expressions of appreciation below are priceless words that make Dana a Joy!

    Giving and Receiving

    “Mr. K’s impact on my elderly mother goes far beyond the tasks of bringing groceries, as important as that is. He listened to my mother and made her feel known and valued. Without his help and the support of Project Dana, she would have been unable to live in her own home during those last difficult years.”
    ~Grateful daughter of an elder

    “Being a Project Dana volunteer, I have discovered that those of us who “help” ultimately become recipients of invaluable life lessons. Thank you, Project Dana, for the opportunity to serve and learn.”
    ~Anonymous Project Dana volunteer

    PROJECT DANA (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    902 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826
    808-945-3736 | info@projectdana.org
    projectdana.org

    DANA (pronounced Donna) is a Sanskrit word that is defined as selfless giving of time and energy; providing compassion and care without the desire for recognition or expression of appreciation. Dana is not someone’s name, or an acronym. Dana is an expression of love, compassion, faith, and caring.

  • Insights from a Dementia Nurse

    Caring for anyone with memory loss is difficult. Patients with memory loss can be fearful. Unsure of what’s happening around them. Imagine, after all, forgetting the faces of your loved ones. Driving and suddenly realize you can’t recall your destination.

    I’ve spent seven years working as a nurse caring for patients suffering from memory loss. It isn’t easy work. It requires me to empathize with patients, to help soothe their fears when I can. Along the way, I’ve realized their caregivers also need my attention.

    Patients are not the only ones impacted when they are diagnosed with dementia. Their caregivers are affected just as much. They will be there to care for the patient when the patient forgets those closest to them — including the caregiver themselves.

    When evaluating a patient for memory loss, the patient’s primary caregiver or family will discuss their concerns with the doctor. The patient may be misplacing belongings, forgetting names, faces and locations of places they know well —like the grocery store.

    The patient also comes in for an evaluation. At times, depending on the severity of their memory loss, the patient sits in silence. Sometimes they are unsure of what is happening or why they are visiting the doctor’s office. Patients may be unable to answer the clinical questions required to assess for dementia because they simply cannot remember what was said just a few minutes ago.

    Many patients suffering from dementia are fearful. They may be fearful when they are left alone. As a nurse, the best thing I can do is remind them of where they are, what’s being done.

    Caregivers sometimes cry and become frustrated expressing their concerns. They are not physically losing their family member, but almost feel as if they are. The strain of having to care for their loved one, make sure the environment is safe for them and frequently having to remind them of reality can be exhausting.

    It is essential to educate a patient’s caregiver about how the patient feels, about how the patient is experiencing the world around them. Encouraging the caregiver to get help when they experience burnout is vital.

    This small step can ensure a better, more positive experience for both the caregiver and person experiencing memory loss. It’s a win-win situation for both.

    No one should have to deal with Alzheimer’s or dementia alone. The Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii provides resources to support both unpaid family caregivers and professional caregivers.

    Support for Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia:
    24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 | 808-591-2771
    alz.org/Hawaii

    Caring for anyone with memory loss is difficult. Patients with memory loss can be fearful. Unsure of what’s happening around them. Imagine, after all, forgetting the faces of your loved ones. Driving and suddenly realize you can’t recall your destination.

  • A Care Home Can Be the Right Choice

    Moving to a care home can be a life-changing decision, one that is often fraught with emotional and practical considerations. As our loved ones age, their care needs change, and it’s crucial to evaluate the key factors in making this decision.

    First, consider the individual’s physical and mental health. Do they struggle with daily tasks, such as bathing, preparing meals or getting dressed? Are you worried about falling, mobility issues or memory problems? If the answer is yes, a care home might be an appropriate option.

    Benefits of a care home include around-the-clock trained staff monitoring safety and well-being. Social interaction is also vital, as loneliness affects seniors’ health. Care homes foster community through group activities, promoting emotional and social well-being.

    Financial factors can’t be overlooked either. It’s important to weigh the costs of in-home care versus a care home and determine which option is more feasible in the long run. Care homes can often be more cost-effective, providing all-inclusive care and eliminating the need for multiple service providers.

    Lastly, it’s crucial to involve the individual in the decision-making process, ensuring their preferences and concerns are heard. Open communication can help alleviate anxiety and make the transition to a care home smoother for everyone involved.

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

    Moving to a care home can be a life-changing decision, one that is often fraught with emotional and practical considerations. As our loved ones age, their care needs change, and it’s crucial to evaluate the key factors in making this decision.

  • Give Yourself Credit For Caregiving

    Stayin’ Alive: the Bee Gees’ message remains important for those of us involved in caregiving. Too often we allow our own health and wellbeing to decline while we try to keep our loved ones safe and content. Here are a few easy to do things that can help keep you — the caregiver — alive… Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother!

    • Smile every day. Find one thing, no matter how ordinary, to spark a grin.
    • Watch out for signs of stress and depression. You might not recognize them, so consider asking your doctor.
    • Eat better — no junk food! Ask a family member to bring a balanced meal once a week. Drink lots of water.
    • Find a way to exercise. A good walk is great. If that won’t work try a homebound exercise like “chair” Tai Chi!
    • Don’t overload daily to-do lists. Be realistic and set limits. Some things won’t get done. It’s OK. Prioritize.
    • Let others help with household chores. Accept that things might not be perfect and spotless. It really is OK.
    • Join a Caregiver Support Group. You don’t have to pretend here. You can tell it like it is.
    • Give yourself credit. The care you give makes a difference.

    THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    926 3rd St., Pearl City, HI 96782
    808-625-3782 | info@thecaregiverfoundation.org
    thecaregiverfoundation.org

    Stayin’ Alive: the Bee Gees’ message remains important for those of us involved in caregiving. Too often we allow our own health and wellbeing to decline while we try to keep our loved ones safe and content. Here are a few easy to do things that can help keep you — the caregiver — alive……

  • Adult Day Cares: A Social Hub for Seniors

    Adding some sparkle to your social life can be a challenge at any age, especially in life’s later decades. For many, adult day care is a low-stress foray into an activity-filled social life.

    Adult day care centers are key providers of long-term care services. They provide activities, health monitoring, socialization and assistance with daily activities. These programs allow individuals to continue to live in their homes and to receive needed care in a supportive, professionally staffed, community-based setting. Adult day care also benefits family caregivers, enabling them to remain in the workforce or take needed respite. Educational programs and support groups are also tailored to caregivers.

    These programs provide cost-effective care while supporting individual autonomy, allowing individuals to age in place. This enhances quality of life for seniors and family caregivers. Adult day care centers are not often recognized for the important role they play in addressing the needs of the senior population in the state.

    Operating during daytime hours, centers like Hale Hau’oli Hawai‘i offer a safe and supportive environment. Older adults are afforded an opportunity to get out of the house and be mentally and socially engaged. Seniors who can no longer structure their own daily activities, those who are isolated and desire companionship, those who can’t be safely left at home alone — perhaps someone who lives with a caregiver who also works outside the home — may particularly benefit.

    Centers typically offer various packages to meet the unique needs of each individual. Costs can vary depending on factors including the hours a person wants to attend, whether it’s a weekday or weekend and types of assistance required.

    The services provided by the center can also affect prices, such as medical monitoring, personal care assistance or transportation services. Some centers may offer different pricing tiers based on these or other considerations, so it is essential to query different facilities to learn the options.

    HALE HAU‘OLI HAWAII (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    98-1247 Kaahumanu St., Ste. 207, Aiea, HI 96701
    808-292-4665 | kwyatt01@aol.com
    halehauolihawaii.org

    Adding some sparkle to your social life can be a challenge at any age, especially in life’s later decades. For many, adult day care is a low-stress foray into an activity-filled social life. Adult day care centers are key providers of long-term care services. They provide activities, health monitoring, socialization and assistance with daily activities.

  • A Calling to Gerontology

    I hold dear the life lessons my Lolo (grandpa) and Lola (grandma) taught me.
    I hold dear the life lessons my Lolo (grandpa) and Lola (grandma) taught me.

    There are many reasons why working with seniors became my passion. One was to prepare myself to care for my loved ones as they age. We will all eventually encounter the challenges of caregiving. What better way to prepare than by choosing gerontology as a career?

    To keep continuously employed, I embraced working with members of an aging society. My parents’ generation — the baby boomers — will account for an estimated 61 million by 2030, so there will always be those who need care.

    However, the main reason I chose gerontology as my college degree was because of the love I have for my grandparents. Although I learned a lot about them through their letters, pictures and phone calls from the Philippines, I’ll never forget meeting Leonardo and Eriberta in person for the first time when they finally moved to America.

    Every day, I hold dear the life lessons they taught me. The unconditional love they showed me sparked my desire to choose a career to care for other members of this older and wiser generation. I honor my grandparents today by continuing to learn, and by putting what they taught me about love and kindness into practice by providing superior care to seniors, enabling them to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with dignity.

    ROSELANI PLACE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    88 South Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
    808-871-7720 | Toll Free: 800-554-9853
    info@roselaniplace.com | roselaniplace.com

    There are many reasons why working with seniors became my passion. One was to prepare myself to care for my loved ones as they age. We will all eventually encounter the challenges of caregiving. What better way to prepare than by choosing gerontology as a career?

  • Caregiver Compatibility is Key

    As we age, our loss of independence can lead to reluctance to both accept or ask for help. Often, finding a caregiver who is compatible with you or your loved one and their particular personality traits can help them transition to receiving care.

    You want to be sure that whoever you work with asks the right questions about you or your loved one in order to determine a good personality match.

    Will we be working with someone who is quiet and shy, or talkative and extroverted?
    Are they more routine oriented or laid back?
    Would they prefer going out for walks or sitting indoors and playing a board game?

    Matching seniors to caregivers with whom they best connect will improve the quality of their life and ensure they receive the care they need to keep them thriving.

    Everyone is different and likes to be treated differently. So when researching home care services, inquire about customized care plans to ensure that you or your loved one will receive the specialized and tailored care that will meet their individual needs now, and into the future.

    ALTRES Home Care
    967 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, HI
    808-591-4930
    homecare@altres.com | altreshomecare.com

    As we age, our loss of independence can lead to reluctance to both accept or ask for help. Often, finding a caregiver who is compatible with you or your loved one and their particular personality traits can help them transition to receiving care.

  • Houselessness: How Can You Help?

    blurred image through window of old man with gray hair on train

    When you see a gray-haired person clinging to the few possessions they have and wandering the streets, it is because they are trying to find shelter, a safe place to sleep and something to eat.

    Among Hawai‘i’s houseless population, there are aging persons unable to live in safe and healthy environments. Regardless of the particular circumstances that got them in this situation, aging and houselessness are not compatible — it is simply not an acceptable state of being for any senior. So when you see an older person who is in need, consider the status of their welfare with compassion and without judgement:

    • Is this person lost due to dementia?
    • Do they have an untreated medical condition?
    • Are they approachable?
    • If so, what can I do to help?

    Supporting organizations that provide resources to houseless persons is a great way to help. Specialists at Aloha United Way 211, Hawai‘i’s only statewide helpline, connect those in need to resources and emergency assistance. Depending on location and need, they are trained to find resources that people in need can utilize right away.

    Call 2-1-1 or 877-275-6569 and ask how you can make a difference.

    THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    926 3rd St., Pearl City, HI 96782
    808-625-3782 | info@thecaregiverfoundation.org
    thecaregiverfoundation.org

    When you see a gray-haired person clinging to the few possessions they have and wandering the streets, it is because they are trying to find shelter, a safe place to sleep and something to eat. Among Hawai‘i’s houseless population, there are aging persons unable to live in safe and healthy environments.

  • Helping Seniors With Technology

    Technology is ever-advancing these days, with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters, this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that typically affects older adults.

    Millions of Americans every year are affected by AMD, which destroys central vision, leaving only the peripheral vision. Those affected may no longer be able to see the faces of their family members, drive a car or read a newspaper. Using a mobile device can have the same results. Nearly one in every three adults over the age of 75 is currently affected by AMD. According to Dr. Chris Knobbe, clinical associate professor emeritus at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, “AMD is an epidemic — worldwide. Globally, one in every 11 persons over the age of 50 has some degree of AMD.”

    The good news is technology is improving for those with vision loss like AMD. Currently, there are many tools which can help individuals to read their devices, from simple magnifiers and brighter reading lights, to more sophisticated screen readers and applications. The accommodation of selecting larger fonts and web page sizes has also been available across media to make information more legible. These visual aids have helped those with vision impairments to maximize their usable vision, and make better use of devices and technology. The use of voice command devices has also become more mainstream and should be considered for those with vision impairments. Amazon has ECHO, a home voice command device, and Samsung has a smart TV that also listens to voice commands.

    Bridging these gaps between seniors and technology can also be a challenge for caregivers sometimes, given the limitations that vision loss can have on using devices. But once these hurdles are cleared, research shows that adults older than 65 using smart phones or other electronic devices are more likely to become daily internet users.
    Caregivers can help by doing a few simple things:

    • Avoid complex devices with distracting features.
    • Use technology that accommodates physical limitations.
    • Choose devices relevant to user needs and values.
    • Encourage technology that is socially rewarding.
    • Be their technical support.

    Once on the internet, seniors using devices with social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are more in touch and engaged with others. Forrester Research also showed in its “Digital Seniors” report that 60% of all US seniors are online, and of those, roughly half are also using Facebook. “Many people have the misunderstanding that seniors are averse to technology. I don’t find that true at all,” said RN Kari Foster. “It’s the simpler things — like arthritis or forgetting their glasses on their head — that gets in the way.”

    ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
    Accredited by The Joint Commission
    1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
    808-739-2811 | attentionplus.com
    AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
    by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

    Technology is ever-advancing these days, with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters, this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that typically…

  • Self-Renewal Tips for Caregivers

    Caregivers are some of the most selfless people you will find, constantly putting the needs of others before their own. In Hawai‘i, over 65,000 people are family  caregivers for almost 30,000 loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In my seven years of experience working with family caregivers, I’ve seen caregivers who make many sacrifices, sometimes neglecting their own health and often postponing vacations for years. If this is you, it’s time to focus on self-renewal.

    Go back in time

    What types of things did you like to do when ou had more free time? What did you enjoy in your youth? Make a list of three things that you absolutely love and turn these things into activities. For example, acknowledge your love for dogs, then plan an activity that engages a favorite furry friend. If you love music, make plans to see your favorite performer in concert.

    It is important not to get stuck in feelings of guilt for taking this needed time away from caregiving. Schedule activities from your “absolutely love” list into your calendar ambitiously this year.

    Branch out to avoid burnout

    Isolation and caregiving go hand in hand. When people are getting close to burnout level, they may distance themselves from friends, family and social activities. But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.

    Burnout stems from the decrease in self-care. It entails more than maintaining physical health; emotional support is an important part of self-care. Have you ever considered meeting fellow caregivers and talking story? Support groups offer comfort and reassurance, and can be a great source of practical advice. The  Alzheimer’s Association Hawai‘i Chapter offers free support groups for family caregivers every month. The groups are filled with wisdom, tears and even humor. To find a caregiver support group in your neighborhood call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

    Examine your coping strategies

    Make a list of the positive things you do to relieve stress. Turn those into activities and add them to your coping list. Do what is realistic for everyday life.

    Restore your energy

    This year, focus on ways to recharge yourself, even if that means simply starting with two minutes a day just for you to breathe. Give yourself more energy by giving yourself more time.

    What do you need to feel healthier or stronger? Eat well and exercise regularly to increase energy levels. Slow it down. Multitasking is part of the caregiving cycle, but try to limit multitasking in order to be more mindful. Consider building a relaxing sleep routine and finding ways to clear your mind before bedtime.

    Talk to someone

    If you are waking up tired each morning, it may be time to talk to someone. Caregiver depression has been called a silent health crisis. Between 40 and 60 percent of caregivers experience depression. This can happen to anyone who puts their own physical and emotional needs on the back burner for an extended amount of time.

    Depression affects individuals in different ways and at different times. For example, some may experience depression right after a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while others may experience it as the disease progresses. There is no shame in depression. For more information, visit www.alz.org/help-support.

    For the caregivers reading this, know that you are invaluable, so promise to focus on your own vitality. Seek what will support your spirit and strengthen hope. Make 2023 your year.

    Support for Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia:
    24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 | 808-591-2771
    www.alz.org/Hawaii
    www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/younger-onset
    Walk to End Alzheimer’s donations: act.alz.org/aloha

    Caregivers are some of the most selfless people you will find, constantly putting the needs of others before their own. In Hawai‘i, over 65,000 people are family  caregivers for almost 30,000 loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In my seven years of experience working with family caregivers, I’ve seen caregivers who make many…