Luana Moment Shared

Activities Director, Teresa Lopes, shares how one resident provided care and brightened her day...

On Friday afternoon when we were cleaning up I asked my staff to just toss all the carnival games and extra prizes in my office, so this morning I knew I was going to walk into a very messy office. When I got here there was a bag hanging on my door knob with a small box of candy and a card from one of our residents on the Ilima neighborhood. He wrote a very special card wishing me a Happy Birthday and Thank you for Friday’s event, but the most special part of his card was what he wrote on the envelope which I would like to share with all of you.

“God Bless”

Hale Makua

Home that I Love

Stand beside her and Guide her

Thru the night with the lights from Above.

Family Member Letter of Gratitude

To Whom It May Concern,

As the family of Harold Rawson – my Dad and a resident in the Pikake Neighborhood ---my wife and I, and my sister Linda (from Costa Rica, but who visits regularly) would like to  extend our deep thanks to all the staff at Hale Makua….from the nurses, CNA’s, social services staff, administrations people, to the food prep, and Aloha Café workers, the yard and maintenance and all the great cleaning staff, the Doctors, transporters, supervisors, therapists (yes, even the volunteer help) and anyone I may have inadvertently overlooked:  You are all the best.  Your concern and commitment to making Hale Makua Kahului the best it could possibly be is evident from day-to-day and in every neighborhood and in the attitude of every worker.

It’s hard to walk away from my Dad and leave him behind as I visit him, but knowing the care that will be given and the love shown him after our visits are pau, make the leaving easier.  It’s true for us, and for my Dad too.  He has never….not even once in the nearly 2 years that he has been a resident….ever had a nasty or negative comment about those who attend to him.  Quite a testament to the good folks at Hale Makua and the love they share amongst themselves and the folks the care for.

So, please accept our thanks and rest assured of our continued support for the facility and its staff as we all work together to implement even deeper on an ongoing basis the principles that are embodied in the Eden journey that we know as Luana.

Very Sincerely,

Ron & Izzy Rawson and Linda Lamers

Eden Alternative Tip of the Week: Practice the Art of Being

Summer provides us with many opportunities to reflect on what it means to simply "BE." The art of creating a caring community relies on our ability to embrace the moment and drink it in. Being fully present for each other is central to building relationships. Next time you are at the beach or the lake or your favorite outdoor spot, take five minutes to tune in. In those five minutes, list everything you see. What are the scents? Ocean air? Suntan lotion? What do you feel? The breeze? The sun on your face? The heat on your skin? What are you hearing? The sound of birds? The lapping of waves? Detail every part of your sensory experience. Notice what you like about what you are experiencing, and even what you don't. The important thing is that you are completely there, in the moment.

Celebrating Eden Alternative Milestone 1

We are excited to let you know that Hale Makua Kahului and Wailuku have passed the first milestone along the Eden Alternative journey which we call Luana (“living in comfort). To mark this accomplishment we cordially invite all residents and their extended family to participate in our Luana / Eden Carnival Celebration Friday, July 1st, 1 - 3 pm

Children and grandchildren are especially welcome. Each nursing neighborhood will decorate and focus on one of the ten Eden Principles. A different carnival game will take place at all of the neighborhoods, Day Health, the Business Office, Nutrition Services, and in the Aloha Café. On arrival at our Kahului community, please go to the Aloha Café (dining area in Activities) to receive your game map. Prizes will be awarded to all of the winners. There will be a clown, balloons and animals.

We will be serving carnival type food such as shave ice, cotton candy, pronto pups, etc. We hope to see you there to help us celebrate as we continue our journey to eliminate the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.