There's No Subsititute for Wise Leadership

During the last week of November, 13 care partners including Olive Bautista, Chris Casio, Jennifer Gardanier, Saundra Gaskey, Janinne Grimes, Tony Krieg, Medardo Lagat, Connie Miller, Gail Raikes, Joyce Tamori, Denise Thayer, Laurie Tomas, and Ted Tucker participated in an intensive five day Eden Alternative training to become Neighborhood Guides. The goal of the training was to equip these care partners with the tools to guide and empower smaller staff teams to become self-directed work teams that change the culture in our homes. These teams will strive to improve the well-being of Elders through compassionate personalized care.

Having these smaller staff teams will make it easier for care partners and Elders to become more well known to each other; to focus more individually on each Elder; to move decision making to the Elders and those closest to them; to create a more home-like environments; and for everyone in the organization to interact meaningfully with Elders.

This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 10: Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues (of loneliness, helplessness and boredom). For it, there can be no substitute.

Medical Treatment is the Servant of Genuine Human Caring

Mr. Shoichi Nakamoto joined the Hale Makua Wailuku Ohana in February of 2012, and currently resides on the Lanai Neighborhood.  Mr. Nakamoto recently began expressing to his care partners that he was tired of eating his pureed diet, and really wished he could eat saimin again. 

Mr. Nakamoto’s diet orders prescribed by his physician did not allow for saimin. Holly Alling, Speech Language Pathologist with SunDance Rehabilitation (pictured here with Mr. Nakamoto), heard his request and decided to take action. She has been working on safe swallowing techniques with Mr. Nakamoto to try to help him once again enjoy a bowl of saimin, even though Mr. Nakamoto’s medical history conflicts with a diet upgrade.

This picture shows the first day that Mr. Nakamoto was able to enjoy a bowl of saimin here at Hale Makua under close supervision from Holly. Not only did he have a huge smile, but he requested chopsticks and was instantly able to use them with ease!

This is an example of the Eden Principle Seven: Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.

A Meaningful Birthday Celebration

Resident Bud Uyenoyama recently celebrated his 97^th birthday. Knowing that Uncle Bud enjoys playing cards, care partner CNAs Dee and Faina set up a table and started a card game. They taught Uncle Bud how to play a game called Monkey Monkey. Soon care partner Jay came by to join in the fun. Then Uncle Bud’s roommate joined in the fun and was teaching the care partners how to play poker, which is Uncle Bud’s favorite card game. 

This is a great example of several Eden Alternative Principles:

• Principle 4: "An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness. - Uncle Bud's roommate taught Dee, Faina and Jay how to play poker. 
• Principle 5: "An Elder-centered community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom." - Uncle Bud's roommate and care partner Jay unexpectedly joined in the card game.
• Principle 6: "Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health." - Uncle Bud had the opportunity to do something that was meaningful. 
• Principle 8: "An Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of Elders or into the hands of those closest to them." - Dee and Faina knew that Uncle Bud enjoyed playing cards, and decided to celebrate his birthday by playing cards. A manager or supervisor didn't ask them to do it.

100 Certified Eden Associates Reached

Congratulations care partners Rosalie Alcon, Irene Alejo, Stephanie Bennett-Felipe, Jay Daguio, Faye Domingo, Temmie Faudan, Yolen Gumboc, Jenna Hedani, Hannah Humphrey, Rene Komoda, Harvey Mira, Byron  Molina, Terri Ocean, Annie Osorno, Mary Jane Pacubas, Joy Palazzotto, Diana Pascual, Miriam Rebolledo, Wendy Roseland, Lalena Thompson, Editha Tumacder and Natalie Turnbull, who underwent an intensive three-day training to become Certified Eden Associates (CEAs)! This graduating class brings our total up to 100 Certified Eden Associates at Hale Makua Health Services!

Moving Decision-Making Closer to Elders

Hale Makua Wailuku resident William Shigetani’s daughter-in-law brought in bananas for Mr. Shigetani and staff. There were so many bananas care partner and Neighborhood Clerk Lily Vergara thought it would be nice to make something different with the bananas for Mr. Shigetani to try. At lunch time she fried and boiled the bananas and brought them to Mr. Shigetani. While he was skeptical at first, he tried the fried bananas and enjoyed them so much that he told Lily that he didn’t want to share them with the other residents.

This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 8: “An Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of the Elders or those closest to them”.

What a beautiful day

This morning as I walked to the Ilima neighborhood wanting to wish Uncle Bud Uyenoyama a happy 97^th birthday. When I got there, care partner CNAs Dee and Faina were setting up a table in front of Uncle Bud. They both sat with him to wish him a happy birthday, and knowing that he likes to play cards they started a card game. Both beautiful young ladies taught Uncle Bud how to play a game called Monkey Monkey. Soon care partner Jay came by to join in the fun. I left to print a picture for Uncle Bud, and when I got back Uncle Bud’s roommate was playing cards with all of them and was teaching them how to play poker, which is Uncle Bud’s favorite card game. 

What a beautiful morning, I couldn’t help but play a couple hands of poker myself.

This is a great example of several Eden Alternative Principles:

• Principle 6: "Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health." - Dee and Faina gave Uncle Bud the opportunity to do something that was meaningful to him. 
• Principle 4: "An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness. - Uncle Bud's roommate taught Dee, Faina and Jay how to play poker. 
• Principle 5: "An Elder-centered community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom." - Uncle Bud's roommate and care partner Jay unexpectedly joined in the card game.
• Principle 8: "An Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of Elders or into the hands of those closest to them." - Dee and Faina knew that Uncle Bud enjoyed playing cards, and decided to celebrate his birthday with a few hands of Monkey Monkey and poker. A manager or supervisor didn't ask them to do it.

Thank you Ilima staff you are awesome and you made my day!

- Teresa Lopes, Activities Director

Residents Highlight of Kokua for Kupuna Event

On Saturday, September 22nd, two residents, Faye Massey and Vilma Sanchez, attended our signature fundraising event, Kokua for Kupuna, to share their experiences that they’ve had while living at Hale Makua Wailuku and Kahului respectively. Their stories moved many guests to tears, and there were several individuals who commented that the speakers were the highlight of the event.

By speaking at our fundraising event, Faye and Vilma helped other individuals in our community learn about our services, their wonderful care partners, and that they still live full and active lives at Hale Makua. In this way, these residents provided care for our entire organization, which is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 4: An Elder-centered community creates opportunities to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness. It is also an example of Principle 6, which states that meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.

Resident Shares Her Crocheting Expertise

Hale Makua Wailuku Resident Marieta “Nana” Yalon learned to crochet at school in the Philippines at the age of 15, and has been crocheting ever since. At Hale Makua, she makes tote bags, hats, and lap blankets, which she sells at the monthly Country Store.

While sitting and crocheting one day, Nana realized she was being watched. Administrative Secretary and Care Partner Temmie Faudan was watching with interest as Nana Yalon created a hat out of colorful yarn.

“Come on, I’ll teach you” Nana remembers saying to Temmie. Several lessons later, Temmie is trying to meet Nana’s high standards for tight stitches. “She reviews my work and sometimes tears it out and makes me start over” laughs Temmie. 

This is an example of Eden Principle 4:  An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care.  This is the antidote to helplessness.

Residents Participate in Care Partner Training

Care partner Ruby Yadao met with the members of the Hale Makua Kahului Resident Council to ask them if there were things that could be taught or shared with new hires to improve the quality of care that is provided to them. The residents couldn’t think of any specific areas of improvement, but suggested having a resident participate in the training so that care partners would get some practice with an actual resident and the resident could provide feedback at the time of the training that may help further improve care. Resident Beverly Kamimoto pictured above volunteers for training on the lift with care partners Malia Spencer and Ryan Nasu.

This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 4, which states that an Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness. By asking residents for their input, and Principle 8 that states an Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision making authority into the hands of Elders or into the hands of those closest to them

The Magic of Music

When Lucille Fletcher recently started singing and waving her arms when a jazz musician was performing at Hale Makua Wailuku, many care partners were amazed at how animated she was and how well she knew the lyrics. It reminded care partner Connie Miller of a YouTube video she’d seen in which an elderly nursing home resident responded positively to listening to his favorite music on an iPod.  Maui MacNet donated a Shuffle and Connie downloaded songs from the 1940’s. When the headphone were put on, Lucille’s face lit up and she started singing.  When asked if she liked the music, she responded “I love it!”

This picture shows care partners Evelyn Orquia and Rosalie Alcon delighting in Lucille’s response to the music.  When Lucille’s grandson heard about how meaningful this was to his grandma, he agreed to buying an iPod just for her. Now she has her own to listen to anytime, and the donated one is shared by many other residents, who are enjoying Hawaiian music in addition to the 1940’s classics.

This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 6: “Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.” Lucille finds meaning in listening to music, and we can see that in the way she responds to it.

Resident-Directed Care Creates the Feel of Home

Resident Dave Fichman needed more space for all of his family photos and frames for his loose photos. When he mentioned this to care partner Rhonda Reny, she was eager to help in whatever way she was able to. She didn’t need to think twice or seek approval for bringing in some picture frames that she wasn’t using at home and finding some inexpensive shelves. Rhonda worked with Dave to arrange all of his photos and care partner Edwin Asuncion to install the shelves.

Together with Dave, Rhonda and Edwin, decided how the photos and shelves should be arranged; creating a more home-like, personalized space for Dave.  This is an example of Eden Alternative Principle 8, which states “An Elder-centered  community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision making into the hands of Elders or into the hands of those closest to them.”

Meet Mochi, Wailuku's Day Dog

Hale Makua Wailuku has added a cute, furry, four-legged addition to its family - Mochi the day dog. Mochi can be found following care partner Thaedra Aiyana-Pascarella down the hallways, or visiting with residents who enjoy her company. Mochi provides companionship to residents during the day, Monday through Thursday. She was introduced to the field of helping others with special needs children, and has gained “work” experience as a therapeutic dog from providing love and affection to clients being counseled by a Licensed Social Worker.

This is an example of Eden Principle 2 in action. An Elder-centered community commits to creating a Human Habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth  living.

Simple Pleasures Learned & Fulfilled

The care partners in the West Neighborhood have committed to finding out what their Elders’ simple pleasures are. Every other week two care partners share two Elders’ simple pleasures. Care partner Ella Rosetes discovered that Beverly Kamimoto’s simple pleasure is to be woken up in the morning so that she can read a book or do word puzzles instead of sleeping.

This Eden in action moment is a reflection of Eden Alternative Principle 6, which states: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.

In addition to care partners learning about an Elders’ simple pleasure, the care partners on West are also getting to know their Elders better, and finding out their histories. Every other week the care partners gather to share what they’ve discovered about the Elder they’ve partnered with.

Refresher for Our 1st Certified Eden Associates

On June 19th, 22 members of our first group of Certified Eden Associates from 2007 attended a four hour refresher workshop held by our very own Eden Educator, Connie Miller. Attendees shared stories about Eden in action, held learning circles, and were overall reinvigorated by the Eden Alternative philosophy and the 10 Principles.

Blessing Provides Care for Our Community

 

Last month resident Francis Kamakawiwoole Jr. took the time to bless the buildings and surrounding grounds at Hale Makua Kahului. He shared that several residents have also approached him to bless their rooms when a roommate has passed. He was more than happy to provide his services and share his talents with Hale Makua. 

This is great example of Eden Alternative Principle 4 in action. This principle states that an Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness.