Category: Date

Keeping Seniors Happy, Healthy & Strong
When a senior member of your family is in need of 24/7 care, it is fortunate that Hawai‘i has many professional, caring and dedicated homes and facilities to welcome them. What every family wants to know is: “Will my mom or dad be happy living in someone else’s home, eat right, and stay mentally and physically strong?” It may be even more important to you that your 80-, 90- or even 100-year-old family member lives in a facility that can assist them to improve their daily life.

Placing your loved one in a residential care home takes a lot of research. On your visit to the care facility, observe these few things:

Are the staff and residents happy and engaged with each other?

What is the routine of their daily life: eating, sleeping, exercising, etc.?

Is the facility clean, safe from trip hazards, open, and welcoming?

Does the facility encourage participation in activities, like handicrafts, created around the residents?

Do residents’ bedrooms have a TV so they don’t have to watch it with others?

Many facilities may have “respite” care to see how they would like living there. Let them make the decision for their happy, healthy and strong life.

AIEA HEIGHTS & WAIALAE SENIOR LIVING I & II
99-1657 Aiea Heights Drive | 2945 Kalei Road
808-488-5521 | 808-941-6940
www.aieaheightsseniorliving.com
When a senior member of your family is in need of 24/7 care, it is fortunate that Hawai‘i has many professional, caring and dedicated homes and facilities to welcome them. What every family wants to know is: “Will my mom or dad be happy living in someone else’s home, eat right, and stay mentally and…
From a Patient’s Point of View

People living with dementia (PLWD) have challenges with verbal communication: language comprehension, speech production, and vocabulary. But they are not unconscious to what is going on around them. Even as the brain declines, emotional intelligence is preserved. PLWD take in data visually rather than auditorily and react to what they think is happening. As caregivers we must remember that PLWD are really doing the best they can with the abilities they have left.

Try not to expect them to be the way they used to be. Accept them for who they are now and who they’re becoming. Promote independence by encouraging participation in meaningful activities. We all want to feel “of use” in this crazy world and PLWD are no different.

The feelings they may find hard to express are captured in this poem, inspired by a dementia patient.

MEMORY FRIENDS
Respite, Education & Consultation
Mapuana Taamu, Certified PAC Trainer
808-469-5330
mfriends808@gmail.com

People living with dementia (PLWD) have challenges with verbal communication: language comprehension, speech production, and vocabulary. But they are not unconscious to what is going on around them. Even as the brain declines, emotional intelligence is preserved. PLWD take in data visually rather than auditorily and react to what they think is happening. As caregivers…
Being a Better Caregiver
Home healthcare providers are often asked what makes a better caregiver. The answer is that, while many factors come to mind, an interest in learning is high on the list, and essential to a caregiver’s progress.

For example, an important role caregivers have is recognizing when an individual’s health condition is changing. Those who can reflect and learn from these changes often develop into better caregivers.

Caregiving for a family member can be challenging enough. But whether this occurs suddenly or as a gradual decline in health, caregivers can learn more and better themselves starting with some basic tips:

Be healthy. Simply put, the healthier you are both mentally and physically, the better able you’ll be to pursue and provide care. This means eating healthy, staying active, and getting enough rest. When done consistently, caregivers have the energy to care for others and learn to avoid burn out.

Get help. Sometimes, caregivers come across situations that are confusing or new to them. Perhaps their loved one is responding differently with their care routine. That observation could mean a condition needs more help from a medical provider. While asking for help can feel awkward for some, it’s a great way for caregivers to learn and make connections with what they see.

Take courses. Look for free or low-cost courses in your area. There are many online courses that teach everything from caregiving techniques to self-care strategies that can be a part of your caregiving library. Many hospitals, home care agencies, hospice providers, caregiver support groups, and assisted living facilities also offer help in the way of seminars and workshops.

Observe others. Sharing time with a more experienced caregiver is a great way to learn hands-on skills or another way of doing something. Since each person is different with their own set of circumstances, it helps to learn from others in a similar situation and share experiences.

Support groups. Support groups can be a life force for caregivers. They provide mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and educational support needed for caregivers to continue doing what they’re doing and avoid burnout. Some support groups also provide respite and other resources to relieve a caregiver, allowing them to better reflect and process what is happening to them.

Get rest. The busier you are the more important and vital rest becomes in a caregiver’s life. There is no other substitute for it and no one else can do it for you. Good caregivers make a plan for down time, to recharge themselves, and learn to protect that time from being encroached upon by others.

In healthcare, caregivers are always learning, adjusting their knowledge and skills, and adapting to new information. This occurs even when a caregiver becomes the one being cared for, and experiences things from a new perspective. By continuing an interest in learning new things and being flexible, a caregiver can better themselves and the quality of life for others.

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 providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For caregiver training and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.
Home healthcare providers are often asked what makes a better caregiver. The answer is that, while many factors come to mind, an interest in learning is high on the list, and essential to a caregiver’s progress. For example, an important role caregivers have is recognizing when an individual’s health condition is changing. Those who can…
Healthy Aging and Hearing Loss

As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Hearing loss gradually sneaks up on us. Over time, we adjust and adapt, but even a mild hearing loss can be a source of misunderstanding and failed communication, leading to stress, fatigue and self-imposed isolation.

Modern hearing devices are virtually invisible, comfortable and easy to use. As a result, those with hearing loss are no longer prevented from enjoying the activities that make life more enjoyable, like dining out with friends at their favorite restaurant or being present with family.

The first step in correcting a hearing problem is to have the amount and type of loss measured by a hearing specialist.

A professionally fitted hearing aid may be the key to enjoying a better tomorrow!

OHANA HEARING CARE
1296 S Beretania St., #102, Honolulu HI 96814
808-593-2137 | www.ohanahearingcare.com

As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of…
Improve Your Health with Tai Chi
Tai Chi, often referred to as “moving meditation,” is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by slow, flowing, low-impact movements and deep breathing. It offers wonderful benefits for any age group and is an incredibly effective and helpful practice for older adults. Potential benefits include:

improved balance and fall prevention

relief for arthritis symptoms

improved blood pressure and circulation

increased relaxation and stress relief

Tai Chi also taps into the principle of Mindfulness — being able to calmly focus on a single idea, movement, thought, or problem.

The Tai Chi for Health program at the Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center in Honolulu, taught by certified instructor Randal Lau, provides a safe exercise designed specifically to meet the challenges of aging. It is open to all fitness levels and abilities, and is a great way to relax, enjoy yourself and improve your health and overall well-being! The class runs Tue. 10–11am and Fri. 11am–12pm.

Weekly kūpuna activities at the Senior Center in the historic pumping station on Ala Moana Blvd. include: Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath, Hula, Qi Gong, Hawaiian Language, Lauhala Weaving, Pua Culture/Lei-Making Class, Hanafuda, Tech Savvy Seniors, Kūpuna Podcasting, and a monthly Farmers Market.

NĀ KŪPUNA MAKAMAE SENIOR CENTER
A Project of Pacific Gateway Center
653 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu HI 96813
808-774-7047 | M-F 9am-5pm
www.NaKupunaMakamae.org
Tai Chi, often referred to as “moving meditation,” is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by slow, flowing, low-impact movements and deep breathing. It offers wonderful benefits for any age group and is an incredibly effective and helpful practice for older adults.
SQUAT – The One Exercise You Should Learn
Just think of the tasks you do every day that should involve a squat: getting on/off a chair or toilet or picking up something from the floor.

A “modified squat” is one of the most beneficial exercises to learn. It strengthens the lower body and core and reduces the strain on the knees when done right.

Unfortunately, most people never learn the PROPER way to squat (a squat is NOT the same as a knee bend). To start:

POSITION feet hip distance apart, toes ideally pointing forward

SET yourself by pressing the big toe into the ground, push your knees slightly out and keep the knees in line with the ankles and the toes — try to maintain the normal curves in your neck and back and keep your shoulders in line with your hips

BEGIN with a “hip hinge” or bow (DO NOT start with your knees) — PUSH your butt back as if sitting on a chair — KEEP your weight and pressure on the big toes and heels

KNEES STAY BEHIND THE TOES squatting down —
On the way UP, squeeze in your stomach and butt muscles and drive through the heels as you stand

Do 10–12 squats, 3–5 times a day, and soon you’ll be feeling stronger and more steady on your feet.

GYMGUYZ Urban Honolulu
808-638-2525 | www.gymguyz.com
A “modified squat” is one of the most beneficial exercises to learn. It strengthens the lower body and core and reduces the strain on the knees when done right. Unfortunately, most people never learn the PROPER way to squat.
Rehab for Breast Cancer Recovery

October is National Physical Therapy Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Physical therapy may not be the first healthcare field that comes to mind when someone is undergoing cancer treatment, but physical therapists can play an integral role in promoting a speedy recovery and in assisting a return to previous levels of activity following surgery and radiation/chemotherapy treatments.

Overhead reaching and elevating the arms forward, back and sideways are often affected as one recovers from lymph node resection, chest wall radiation, or breast reconstruction. Early intervention with manual therapy, such as scar tissue and trigger point release, passive range of motion, and joint mobilization help to reduce pain and tightness, and can improve upper extremity mobility and function. Desensitization techniques, such as vibration or rubbing with a textured cloth can help to treat nerve hypersensitivity. Physical therapy can address additional side effects, such as fatigue, bone and joint pain, osteoporosis, headaches and weakness. Along with building strength and increasing endurance with an individualized program prescribed by a physical therapist, socialization and the release of endorphins that occur with exercise can also help to improve the psychological aspect associated with the diagnosis of cancer.

It’s never too late to begin rehab services for cancer recovery. If you have difficulty performing daily tasks, seek out a physical therapist to help restore healthy movement, comfort and function.

MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
95-1057 Ainamakua Dr. F-11, Mililani HI 96789
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

October is National Physical Therapy Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Physical therapy may not be the first healthcare field that comes to mind when someone is undergoing cancer treatment, but physical therapists can play an integral role in promoting a speedy recovery and in assisting a return to previous levels of activity following…
An Innovative Way to Keep in Touch

As hearing loss progresses, it often becomes more difficult to understand what is being said over the telephone. While texting on a mobile phone is one solution, the loss of manual dexterity as we age can make that very frustrating. It’s disheartening not to be able to communicate easily with loved ones and friends.This challenge has led to the development of technology that brings together captioning and a telephone. This has become known as the “captioned telephone.”

A captioned telephone enables a conversation to be conducted using a built-in screen to display the written words as they are spoken. It can restore your confidence in communicating over the phone, so you can connect with the people you care about, just like you used to. The equipment is simple to use and is available for free in the State of Hawai‘i if the applicant meets certain eligibility requirements.

If you have a friend or loved one who has hearing loss and has difficulty understanding on the telephone, encourage them to check out this innovative solution and help them reconnect!

HAWAII CAPTEL^®
877-805-5845 (toll-free) | info@captel.com
www.hawaiicaptel.com

As hearing loss progresses, it often becomes more difficult to understand what is being said over the telephone. While texting on a mobile phone is one solution, the loss of manual dexterity as we age can make that very frustrating. It’s disheartening not to be able to communicate easily with loved ones and friends.
When a ‘Friend’ is Not a Friend

One of the trending online fraud schemes involves being contacted by either friends or relatives via email or through social networking services like Facebook about receiving large amounts of money through investments, a class action lawsuit, or even a random contest drawing.

However, these “friends” or “relatives” are NOT who they claim to be, but online fraudsters impersonating the subject’s real friends and relatives. They try to convince the subject that the scheme, whatever it may be, is legitimate and, once doing so, then introduce them to another party to assist the subject in obtaining the funds. Again, this person is just another fraudster in the scam and may even be the same person who claims to be the subject’s friend/relative!

The best thing to do in these situations is not respond at all. If it becomes a nuisance, block the sender or unfriend that “friend.”

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
1060 Richards St., Honolulu HI 96813
808-768-7400 | Office hrs: Mon – Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
www.honoluluprosecutor.org/contact-us/

One of the trending online fraud schemes involves being contacted by either friends or relatives via email or through social networking services like Facebook about receiving large amounts of money through investments, a class action lawsuit, or even a random contest drawing. However, these “friends” or “relatives” are NOT who they claim to be.
The Stages of a Family Caregiving Career
Family caregivers of older adults undergo fairly predictable stages in their caregiving careers. Each stage brings different challenges and requires different kinds of help for both the care receiver and family caregiver.

Stage 1: The beginning

The initial stage of a major illness represents a significant life transition for both the infirm elder and family caregiver, often requiring considerable
adjustments in life goals, relationships, daily activities, and routines. Family caregivers may lack knowledge of the illness, impeding future planning.

What is needed:

Information on the illness: possible causes, treatment options, expected trajectory

Emotional support: counseling services, support groups, peer counseling programs. Peer caregivers can share solutions to everyday issues and provide encouragement rooted in empathy.

Legal and financial planning: durable powers of attorney for asset management and healthcare decision-making; advance directives and wills; financial arrangements anticipating increased medical costs

Stage 2: Being a caregiver

This stage encompasses most of the caregiving experience and includes provision of home care and possible institutional placement.

What is needed:

Continued education on the illness or condition and its expected trajectory

Formal training: classes in direct-care skills (e.g., safely transferring or bathing)

Home assessments and modifications for safety; guidance in use of relevant assistive devices

Coaching in behavior management techniques to deal with disruptive behaviors.

Guidance on preserving self-identity and quality of life for persons with dementia; training on effective communication techniques

Instruction in both time and stress management; help in setting limits, developing realistic standards, prioritizing goals, avoiding burnout

Counseling to deal with changing family dynamics, disagreements regarding management of the illness, and conflicts over division of caregiving labor and costs

Information on available community resources and payment sources and how to access them

In-home services to help with personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming); homemaking services (e.g., cleaning, laundry, shopping); home-delivered meals

Guidance in working effectively with home care aides

Exercise or rehabilitation programs for both care receiver and caregiver

Respite care, e.g., adult day care, extended overnight respite programs

Stage 3: Completion of caregiving

During the later stages of an illness, caregivers frequently drop social activities and neglect friendships as they attempt to address the ever-growing needs of their family member. When the elder dies, the caregiver often feels socially isolated.

What is needed:

Emotional support to deal with bereavement and loss

Help in coming to terms with the end of caregiving, an integral part of self-identity for many

Exploring caregiving in other forms, e.g.,
volunteering

Encouragement to re-engage and/or develop new activities to restore balance to a life previously structured by the caregiver role

CENTER ON AGING — University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 2430 Campus Road, Gartley Hall, 201B, Honolulu HI 96822 | 808-956-6124 | map3@hawaii.edu | www.hawaii.edu/aging/
Family caregivers of older adults undergo fairly predictable stages in their caregiving careers. Each stage brings different challenges and requires different kinds of help for both the care receiver and family caregiver.
A Very Active Centenarian

Edward Jurkens, 100 yrs. old

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so I can drive him somewhere?”

Edward was born and raised in Illinois, met his wife, Frances, in the second grade, married in 1944, had three daughters, and he’s very proud of his three grandsons, three granddaughters, nine great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Edward’s memory is so good we chatted about everything, from his college days at Knox College — where he got free tuition as a hurdle and high jump athlete and received his pilot’s license before signing up with the Air Force — to retiring from Hawai‘i’s CINCPAC in July 1968. Since retirement, he has had some fun and not-so-fun jobs, but found his love was in volunteering: for AARP giving driving lessons to seniors for 22 years, 13 years for the Service Core of Retired Executives, and looking after the “petting zoo” at Waikīkī Aquarium. Now, on Mondays, he volunteers at the Pacific Aviation Museum.

He credits his post-retirement longevity to all the walking he did when golfing up through his 90s, walking around Ala Moana and now on the grassy area of his condominium, eating salads, reading a lot, doing Sudoku, and exercising his arms with dumbbells as he watches TV.

For lunch, he walked to and from the restaurant near his condominium, while I scurried to keep up!

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so…
Need to Work? Need to Earn?
If your answer is “yes” to either question, then here are three immediate actions that will improve the return on your most important investment — YOU!

Embrace the demands of change

One in 4 of us are over 60 and life expectancy is increasing faster in Hawai‘i than in any other state. And if you live to age 65, add 22–25 years — a long time to sit on a white, sandy beach even if you can afford it and the knees still bend!

Go beyond the past, familiar world of “jobs” and rekindle your excitement by looking at new ways to work; ways packed with opportunities for older workers.

Continue to learn

Combine your anticipated longer lifetime with meeting the fast-evolving new technical demands of work and you will soon see that, from start to finish, a lifetime of learning is a requirement for all generations to embrace.

It’s easy to learn and there are countless, affordable and local opportunities available. Want to know where? Google it! Don’t know how? Ask your teenage child or grandchild for help! Further-
more, most keiki can teach you the first steps to embracing everyday skills.

Know where opportunity favors older workers

The largest percentage of workers over age 55 are earning in new ways beyond the “old” world of jobs. Here are a few of the most obvious ways:

Job sharing: Job sharing, or work sharing, is an arrangement where two people are retained on a part-time or reduced-time basis to perform a job normally fulfilled by one person working full time.

Remote work: When you work from home; you can work for someone here, there or anywhere.

Portfolio work: Balancing a portfolio of talents means using a number of efforts on behalf of many outcomes.

Phasing: Rather than abruptly leaving a full-time position at the end of a lengthy career, why not phase out by reducing your work week and commitment over time?

Freelancing: Freelancing generally means that you will work when an organization needs you.

As to “how” to adjust to your longer working future… ah… that’s a subject for another time. For now, begin your journey by seeking inspiration from a choice that appeals to you.

NEW WORKFORCE HAWAII Carleen MacKay, Co-Founder 913-316-0143 | carleenmackayhi@gmail.com | www.newworkforcehawaii.com
Need to work? Need to earn? If your answer is “yes” to either question, then here are three immediate actions that will improve the return on your most important investment — YOU!