According to a state Department of Health report, 82 percent of adults have at least one chronic disease and over half (53 percent) have two or more chronic diseases.
“We find that like the foundation of a family, experienced home healthcare agencies form a structure that is effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs and values of seniors and their families,” said Marissa Ramos, RN.
“Even though studies show Hawai‘i seniors live longer, they are still more likely to have one or more chronic conditions, such as cognitive impairment or heart disease,” said Marissa. “With chronic conditions come a greater likelihood of pain, loss of function and increased dependence. Skilled, licensed providers can help by carrying out physician’s orders, making assessments, assisting with managing pain and educating and training families.”
Home healthcare agencies are uniquely equipped to help seniors and their families manage a wide range of care. Experienced providers can assess needs that are less complex, yet very important to the ongoing safety and quality of life of a senior family member.
As seniors continue to age, more direct personal care may be needed. Home health aids and nurse supervisors are trained to provide both basic and more advanced levels of care.
“When consulting with adult children and their parents, it’s important to understand the fine details of our senior’s life and history,” said Janet Grace, a home healthcare sales and marketing director. “This brings a special level of trust to the discussion and allows for a more comprehensive clinical plan of care to be developed, making an uncertain and difficult task better to accomplish.”
“Every day, I have the privilege of hearing the amazing stories of our clients lives, the work they’ve done, the sacrifices they made and important lessons passed down through generations,” said Janet. “Because of these experiences, I’m deeply touched by how committed adult children are to making these same sacrifices for their parents by ensuring that safe and reliable home care is easy to access. This helps to preserve and perpetuate the legacies passed down from one generation to another.”
Caring for parents or loved ones may appear to be a relationship where one person gives and the other receives. However, research shows that the relationship actually goes both ways. Adult children caregivers experience tremendous moments of comfort, appreciation and great satisfaction.
Teaching our keiki to respect and love their kūpuna and informing them about their rich history and heritage will continue a family’s legacy of immense joy and reward far into the future.
ATTENTION PLUS CARE
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:
a monthly program to provide resources for seniors and
their families, instructed by a registered nurse, who covers
a different aging topic each month.
For class information on fall prevention and upcoming
topics, call 808-440-9356.
Studies show hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes than those who do not have the disease, mainly due to poor circulation. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to certain areas. The lack of blood flow causes damage to the structures of the inner ear, which are highly vascularized and do not have a backup blood supply. Hearing loss could be the result of permanent damage to the blood vessels in the inner ear.
In 2012, at age 62, George Crowder retired from his profession as a regional fire prevention chief.
1. Falls from ladders and trees: Each fruit harvesting season, the number of serious fall injuries spikes at emergency rooms all over the state. Do not climb into your favorite tree or on the roof to harvest the fruits of your labor without someone holding the ladder. Also, do, do not lean or stretch to grab that papaya, because you will fall. Be absolutely aware of your limitations.
2. Falls in the shower or tub: Far too often, our kūpuna fall in the bathroom. Many years ago, my own father fell and severely injured himself in the tub. We did not find him for over 12 hours…
1) Medications can cause dizziness that can lead to falls. Simply make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist today to review your medications, including any over thecounter drugs and supplements.
2) Maintaining good vision helps with balance and safety. Paying attention to where you place your feet is important, and so is being able to see where you are going. Have your eyes checked at least once a year.
3) Balance and strength are essential to preventing falls. Be active and do simple movements every day to prevent a fall, including walking, gardening, yoga, swimming, dancing or taking a tai chi class.
4) Make your home safer by removing fall hazards. Keep pathways clear and the floor free of objects. Be aware that seniors can trip over anything from the grandkids’ toys to the beloved family pet.
5) Invest in and use a personal electronic safety device. This is absolutely essential for any senior who lives alone. It has been proven that wearing one of these tiny devices saves lives every day.
Consider these educational travel explorations over a “mass tourism” group package as tours emphasize learning about the destination, its indigenous peoples, and its history and natural environments. Gain perspective from the locals, discover regional cuisine and leave with a better understanding of what life is like in these places.
T. David Woo’s highly textured memoir of his life as a Hawai‘i Island plantation doctor provides a fascinating look at the days when sugar cane was king.
Did you or a loved one work for the plantations on Maui during the 20th century? Do you enjoy reminiscing with children and grandchildren about simpler times, when family came first and neighbors looked out for each other? Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s (LRF) Plantation Camp Map project helps tell your story.
Over seven years, the Plantation Days annual event in Lahaina allowed members of West Maui sugar and pineapple plantation communities to view and fine-tune details on large paper maps originally drawn up by Taketo Okamitsu. By locating their family homes on the maps, they preserved details for future generations.
By the end of 2016, residents and visitors will be able to view camp maps in a permanent display at the Plantation Museum, located on the top floor of The Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina. Historic photos and antiques, including appliances, tools, furniture and heirlooms will illustrate poignant, real-life stories on display panels. Learn how migrant workers traveled to Hawai‘i; view the workings of a sugar mill and pineapple cannery; see homemade toys, games and community sports; explore the bango system and mid-century labor strikes. Visit the museum with your family and share your memories of plantation life.