Category: Articles

  • Honoring and Protecting Patients’ Rights

    Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult residential care homes, expanded adult residential care homes and community care foster family homes.

    We are NOT the state inspectors and do not write deficiencies or issue fines or citations. Our focus has always been on quality of life and quality of care issues — advocating for all our residents so their rights can be honored and protected.

    Our program is part of the Executive Office on Aging, which is attached to the Department of Health. Our mandate is in the federal Older Americans Act and state HRS 349. Hawai‘i currently has 1,700 facilities with 12,661 beds. Visiting all these residents spread over six islands is an impossible task by myself.

    I’m happy to report that the Hawai‘i State Legislature provided two-year funding for part-time paid ombudsmen for Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i and Maui Counties. It is our hope that permanent funding for additional full-time positions will eventually be approved.

    Meet Maui County’s new LTC Ombudsman

    Photo of Brent Freemont
    Brent Freemont

    Brent Freemont has lived on Maui for 16 years and is active in the Maui community. He is an experienced caregiver himself, caring for his father and stepmother with dementia for 10 years, enjoys advocating for seniors and is looking forward to serving as the Ombudsman for Maui County. In addition to his previous volunteer service for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, he received a Volunteer Services Recognition from Kaunoa Senior Services and was recognized by Kula Hospital as their Volunteer of the Year for his part in the volunteer team delivering Meals on Wheels to upcountry residents. Brent is a member of the Kula Hospital Auxiliary and a sitting member of the Kula Hospital Human Rights Committee. He is credentialed as a Certified Case Manager and has a BA in Social Sciences.

    Our two new volunteers for Maui, Valerie Muroki and Edeltraud Muroki, are also assigned to facilities as advocates for our LTC residents.

    To contact Brent, call 808-344-4212.

    We are recruiting for more new volunteers for all the islands. If you know anyone who enjoys working with seniors and is willing to advocate on their behalf, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Lynn Niitani, at 808-586-7291.

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    STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

    808-586-7268  |  john.mcdermott@doh.hawaii.gov
    www.health.hawaii.gov/eoa/home/long-term-care-ombudsman-program/

    Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult residential care homes, expanded adult residential care homes and community care foster family homes. We are NOT the state inspectors and do not write deficiencies or issue fines or citations. Our focus has always been on quality of life and…

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Service to Kūpuna

    Since 1989, ALU LIKE’s Elderly Services Department, Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna (KOPP), has provided nutrition and supportive services (recreation, education, promotion of well-being) to independent Native Hawaiians 60 years of age or older on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. Today, there are 18 site locations statewide.

    Visitors learn lei-making in Hilo
    Visitors learn lei-making in Hilo

    Our services include but are not limited to: nutritious congregate meals; outreach; information and assistance services to link our elders to other service agencies and organizations; health monitoring, health promotion and education; nutritional screening; exercise; limited transportation services; and culturally

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    ALU LIKE, Inc.

    Hawai‘i: 808-895-2158  |  Kaua‘i: 808-245-8545 Maui: 808-242-9774  |  Moloka‘i: 808-560-5393 O‘ahu: 808-535-6700  |  info@alulike.org

    www.alulike.org

    Since 1989, ALU LIKE’s Elderly Services Department, Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna (KOPP), has provided nutrition and supportive services (recreation, education, promotion of well-being) to independent Native Hawaiians 60 years of age or older on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. Today, there are 18 site locations statewide.

  • Helping Hawai’i Seniors Fight Hunger

    Photo of staff of Lanakila Meals on WheelsLanakila Meals on Wheels, a program of Lanakila Pacific, works with registered dietitians and chefs to ensure their healthy and delicious meals meet or exceed USDA nutrition guidelines while addressing the age-related dietary needs of seniors. Whether you are utilizing supplemental funding with SNAP benefits, a subsidy from one of the state’s federally funded programs or private funds, we can assist in applying for our island-wide O‘ahu meal service.

    In addition to nutritious home-delivered meals, Lanakila Meals on Wheels offers other services that help kūpuna live independently and with dignity.

    SOCIAL AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS — Our Kupuna Wellness Centers help active seniors, ages 60+, maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. Creative projects like crafts and cooking, fitness exercises and community outings help these

    kūpuna live an active and social lifestyle. Best of all, a hot meal is served and services are free.

    WELLNESS CHECKS — Along with a meal, a dedicated team of delivery volunteers provide a friendly visit and wellness check for seniors. They are trained to identify changes in behavior and areas that may need attention so we can help.

    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS — Our islands are susceptible to hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters. To ensure kūpuna have access to food until meals can be safely delivered, Lanakila Meals on Wheels provides an emergency food care package for its seniors twice a year.

    SENIOR ADVOCACY — One in six seniors face hunger each day. To raise awareness about their plight and galvanize support for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna, Lanakila Meals on Wheels rallies with hundreds of kūpuna and community supporters at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in March in support of March for Meals, an annual nationwide event.

    If you are interested in our home-delivery meal service, Kupuna Wellness Centers, volunteering or March for Meals, please call, email or visit us on the web.

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    LANAKILA MEALS ON WHEELS

    808-356-8519  |  mow@lanakilapacific.org
    www.lanakilapacific.org/senior-services/meals-on-wheels/

    Lanakila Meals on Wheels, a program of Lanakila Pacific, works with registered dietitians and chefs to ensure their healthy and delicious meals meet or exceed USDA nutrition guidelines while addressing the age-related dietary needs of seniors.

  • The Doctor Is In!

    Graphic of stethoscopeDid you know Medicare coverage includes preventive services? Contact your doctor for more information and to schedule recommended preventive screenings, care, and to participate in educational classes. (Cost sharing and other limitations may apply.)

    Medicare preventive services—start here!

    • One-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit (within 12 months of enrollment in Part B)
    • Annual “Wellness” visit

    Shots

    Flu • Hepatitis B • Pneumococcal

    Screenings and tests

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm • Alcohol misuse (+counseling) • Bone mass • Cardiovascular (cho-lesterol, lipids, triglycerides) • Colorectal cancer • Depression • Diabetes • Glaucoma • Hep B Virus Hep C • HIV • Lung cancer • Mammogram • Obesity (+counseling) • Pelvic and breast exam, pap test • Prostate cancer • STIs (+counseling)

    Other counseling and training

    Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy) • Diabetes prevention program • Diabetes self-management training • Medical nutrition therapy services • Smoking and tobacco-use cessation

    You can find more detailed information by going to the Medicare resources listed below.

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    MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
    A radio program with Martha Khlopin

    KHNR-690AM: Sundays 9:30am–10am
    808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

    Detailed information about frequency and qualifying conditions is available at: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

    Downloadable PDF:
    https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10110-Medicare-Preventive-Services.pdf?

    Did you know Medicare coverage includes preventive services? Contact your doctor for more information and to schedule recommended preventive screenings, care, and to participate in educational classes. (Cost sharing and other limitations may apply.)

  • Having Help Close at Hand if You Fall

    Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Lower-body weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, and vision problems can make a person more likely to fall. Other causes include home hazards and clutter.

    Having a medical alert system can reduce a person’s risk of not being able to receive timely treatment, by obtaining immediate medical assistance in the event of a fall or emergency. Another benefit is that they can also enable kūpuna and anyone with long-term healthcare needs to live independently in their home and community for as long as possible. Not to mention giving peace of mind to other family members!

    What to look for in a medical alert system

    • A comprehensive range of sensors that monitor home environments unobtrusively for high-risk events, out-of-pattern activities and emergencies.
    • Connection to trained professional operators, available 24/7/365 via in-home or mobile tech-nology devices, to help people during emergencies and crisis situations.
    • A trusted company that partners with healthcare institutions and government agencies to identify and assist those in need of services.
    CEL 500 device
    CEL 500
    Amie Lanyard
    Amie Lanyard
    Belle device
    Belle

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    TUNSTALL AMERICAS
    98-030 Hekaha St, Ste. 4, Aiea HI 96701
    808-721-1201  |  www.americas.tunstall.com

     

    Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Lower-body weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, and vision problems can make a person more likely to fall. Other causes include home hazards and clutter. Having a medical alert system can reduce a person’s risk of not being able…

  • MemorC: A Free Memory Aid

    One of the challenges for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is finding ways to engage their loved one or patient in tasks that strengthen the ability to recall who people are and what their relationship with them is.

    Photo of Dr. Warren Wong
    Dr. Warren Wong

    Dr. Warren Wong, a local geriatrician with decades of experience working with such patients, took on that challenge and has developed a free iPad app to fill that need: MemorC.

    How does MemorC work?

    A family member, friend or caregiver downloads the app. This person is called the “administrator.” The administrator uses the app to provide some basic information and a photo of the person with memory problems. The administrator also provides some information and photos of loved ones.

    The person with memory problems then plays with the app, picking out pictures of loved ones from an assortment of photos of people. They are also asked to name them and identify how they are related. Another part of the app, Suzanne Chat, asks them some questions which can be answered with any response, creating a conversation. The purpose of Suzanne Chat is to engage the user, asking ques-tions and reinforcing identity and emotions.

    Android and iPhone apps are still in the future, but if you have an iPad and an Apple account, you can search for MemorC in the Apple Store or download it directly from the webpage below, where you can also learn more (using any computer) about its purpose and how it works.

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    MEMORC
    warrenwongmd@gmail.com | www.memoriesconnect.com

    One of the challenges for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is finding ways to engage their loved one or patient in tasks that strengthen the ability to recall who people are and what their relationship with them is. Dr. Warren Wong, a local geriatrician with decades of experience working with…

  • A Decade of Service to Veterans

    The only state veterans home in Hawai‘i, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, celebrated its 10th anniversary of serving veterans from across our nation in 2018.

    From celebrating our seniors’ accomplishments to bringing the community to our residents, we know the importance of ‘ohana. We hold several events throughout the year to help bring the community together, including our popular car shows, farmers markets and bake sales, as well as activities for holidays throughout the year.

    Located in Hilo, Yukio Okutsu serves all veterans, regardless of the location of your service or if your unit was not in Hawai‘i. We have a passion to serve our veterans to the best of our abilities every single day, and our comprehensive senior care services include 24-hour skilled nursing, adult day health care, a pharmacy, rehabilitation therapy, hospice services and more.

    L-R: Franklin Baptiste, Buddy Kamehaiku, Iwao Nagata, Masao Kuniyoshi
    L-R: Franklin Baptiste, Buddy Kamehaiku, Iwao Nagata, Masao Kuniyoshi

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    YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME
    1180 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo HI 96720
    808-961-1500  |  www.avalonhealthcare.com/hilo
    Facebook: hawaiisveterans

    The only state veterans home in Hawai‘i, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, celebrated its 10th anniversary of serving veterans from across our nation in 2018. From celebrating our seniors’ accomplishments to bringing the community to our residents, we know the importance of ‘ohana.

  • Dementia and Vision Changes

    Human beings use five ways to take in data: sight, touch, smell, taste and sound. From the time we are born, we prefer to take in data first by what we see, then hear and finally through touch. Vision, our primary source for processing new information, is controlled by an area in the back of our brain called the occipital lobe. Dementia attacks and damages the occipital lobe resulting in skewed vision, poor depth perception and diminished peripheral vision. Peripheral vision loss is a normal part of aging but with dementia, it worsens to where sight becomes “binocular” and, in the later stages, “monocular.”

    People testing for monocular visionTeepa Snow, a dementia expert, occupational therapist and Positive Approach™ to Care founder, suggests we can experience how limited a view this is by forming makeshift binoculars. Move both your hands up to your eyes, then loosely circle your fingers around your eyes to make two binocular-like tunnels. Take a look around you — notice that you need to move your entire head in order to look to up, down and to your sides. How might this hinder a person’s abilities?

    Now hold your arms straight out in front of you about shoulder width apart and look only down that one “tunnel.” A person living with dementia (PLWD) in the later stages of vision loss has a field of vision of about 12 inches in diameter in all directions. This means they cannot see something unless it is directly in front of them at just about eye level — monocular vision.

    This shrinking field of peripheral vision presents many challenges besides making a person easily startled when approached from the rear, tripping over obstacles in their path or misjudging how far away an object is when they reach for it.   For example, road safety would be a major concern for the PLWD who has binocular vision.

    HELPFUL CARE PARTNER TIPS

    • Be mindful of your loved one’s safety and in-dependence — think five steps ahead to remove obstacles in walking paths.
    • Always approach the PLWD from the front so they can see you coming and to avoid negative reactions like anger, fear and/or surprise.
    • Pair visual cues with verbal cues when asking your PLWD to do something — show them how.
    • Find support groups in your area.

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    PAC HUI HAWAII
    808-469-5330  |  PAChawaii4@gmail.com
    www.PacHuiHawaii.com

    PAC HUI HAWAII is a caregiver training organization utilizing the Positive Approach™ to Care philosophy developed by Teepa Snow. To know more of the organization and current workshops and other events, please visit us online.

    Human beings use five ways to take in data: sight, touch, smell, taste and sound. From the time we are born, we prefer to take in data first by what we see, then hear and finally through touch. Vision, our primary source for processing new information, is controlled by an area in the back of…

  • Don’t Take Breathing for Granted

    Breathing is something most of us take for granted. But for those folks with respiratory issues like asthma, breathing can be a struggle. Studies show that a healthy adult will take an average of 12–15 breaths per minute. For those with respiratory issues like asthma, it may be higher.

    Breathing issues can happen at any time but are usually triggered by things like temperature, humidity, pollen and pollution. Some of the things we can do to stay one step ahead of an asthma attack are:

    • Take medications as directed
    • Stay out of air-polluted areas
    • Be cautious of dust, pollen, dander, etc.

    Photo of woman struggling for breathColds and the flu are also major triggers of asthma. So, be sure to take extra precautions like washing your hands and limiting your exposure to others who are ill.

    Breathing exercises are an important way to help your lungs breathe better. Also, try to always breathe through your nose, as the tiny hairs in your nose act as a filter while warming the air as it enters the lungs.

    Now that you have a few tips on asthma preparedness, here’s something to make you giggle: “Why did the doctor suspect that Dracula had a breathing problem? Because of his coffin!”

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    CARE CENTER OF HONOLULU
    1900 Bachelot Street, Honolulu HI 96817
    808-531-5302  |  www.ccoh.us

    Breathing is something most of us take for granted. But for those folks with respiratory issues like asthma, breathing can be a struggle. Studies show that a healthy adult will take an average of 12–15 breaths per minute. For those with respiratory issues like asthma, it may be higher. Breathing issues can happen at any…

  • Memory Loss & Aging

    At some point we’ve all had times of forgetfulness or misplacing things. Our keys get  lost or we draw a blank trying to remember where the car is parked or what we just ate for breakfast. We can usually sort it out and remember things with some time and patience. But when is forgetfulness or memory loss of concern?

    Serious memory problems can be disabling and make it hard to accomplish routine tasks without help. This is different from the occasional forgetfulness that comes with aging. Memory loss that disrupts routines and activities of daily living is concerning, and caregivers should know it may signal a change in a person’s condition.

    If you are worried about memory loss, that is reason enough to see your doctor. Seeing a primary care physician, or PCP, who already knows you is a good place to start. Signs that it may be time to see a doctor may include:

             Trouble speaking, or misusing common words

             Confusion about time, people and places

             Feeling lost in familiar areas or residence

             Not caring for oneself or others as usual

             Unexplained changes in behavior and mood

             Not realizing unsafe or dangerous situations

             Repeating the same questions over and over

             Returning common items to unusual places

             Trouble following plans or routine tasks

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and memory loss in older adults. If you are worried that changes in your memory may be related to dementia, you should talk with your doctor about it.

    There are medications that can temporarily ease some of the symptoms of dementia. Caregivers should also know that memory loss doesn’t automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Other health problems can also affect memory, including stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and many conditions that can affect our ability to be alert and access memory. Caregivers should be observant of changes in memory or memory loss that can come from medication side effects and know how to intervene.

    Caregivers can also encourage individuals to do things that may help with memory such as:

             Doing mentally stimulating puzzles and games

             Socializing and connecting with others

             Exercising mind and body together

             Stopping or limiting alcohol intake

             Reducing over the counter medications

             Eating a healthy diet and keeping hydrated

             Staying organized with a “to-do list”

             Sleeping well for better alertness and recall

             Doing new fun things and pursuing interests

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    ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
    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 topic each month. For more information on Transitional Care and free community workshops on Aging in Hawai‘i hosted by Attention Plus Care, call 808-440-9356.

     

    At some point we’ve all had times of forgetfulness or misplacing things. Our keys get lost or we draw a blank trying to remember where the car is parked or what we just ate for breakfast. We can usually sort it out and remember things with some time and patience. But when is forgetfulness or…

  • Well-being Starts with a Healthy Kitchen

    Kitchens are awesome places as great food is cooked and eaten there! But they can also be home to dangerous microbes. Did you know that kitchens are more heavily contaminated than bathrooms? Ordinary cleaning practices do little to reduce the microbial load, so kitchen sanitizing is a higher and more frequently needed level of cleanliness. For example, you should clean sponges daily: microwave them for one minute or put them in a dishwasher with a drying cycle.

    Two good reasons for kitchen sanitation

    Reducing germ counts to an acceptable level is the main purpose of kitchen sanitation. In addition, sanitizing procedures help to prevent food spoilage and can prevent micro-organisms interfering with various cooking processes.

    Best practices for a healthy kitchen

    • Proper personal hygiene, including frequent hand and arm washing and covering cuts
    • Proper cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces
    • Proper cleaning and sanitizing of utensils and equipment
    • Store food at safe temperatures and throw it out at the proper time

    The proper cleaning method is to wash with detergent and hot water, rinse with clear hot water, and then use a sanitizer approved for use on food contact surfaces.

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    CLEAN PLUS SYSTEMS II
    808-678-8021 | www.rosegalera.com

    Kitchens are awesome places as great food is cooked and eaten there! But they can also be home to dangerous microbes. Did you know that kitchens are more heavily contaminated than bathrooms? Ordinary cleaning practices do little to reduce the microbial load, so kitchen sanitizing is a higher and more frequently needed level of cleanliness.