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.

Elder Decision-Making in Action

Eden Alternative Principle 8 states that an Elder-centered community seeks to place the maximum decision-making authority into the hands of the Elders or those closest to them. 

With this principle in mind, Elders participated in the interview process for an Activities Director and a Dietitian at Hale Makua Wailuku. Care Partner Connie Miller said that having a resident present in the interview was helpful, as she was able to watch their interaction, and the residents had some interesting and meaningful questions to ask the applicants. It’s a good way to determine if the new employee will be a good fit with the residents.

Alan Camara, Faye Massey and Peter Kaina, pictured above, are just three of several residents who have been participating in interviewing job applicants.

Meaning Found in Simple Tasks

Lanai Neighborhood resident Dolores Villarimo, who prefers to be called Auntie Dolly, likes to keep busy and active and will often tell you “I like to work!” She recently approached CNA Rene Komoda and told her she was very bored.  Rene asked her what she would like to do, and she answered “I like to clean.”  Rene was just starting to wash tables and carts, so Auntie Dolly joined in and they accomplished the task together. When Nursing Supervisor Chris Casio walked by, she recognized Eden Alternative Principle 6 in action and took a photo. Principle 6 states that “meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.” Thanks to Rene for recognizing this need and helping Auntie Dolly add meaning to her day.

Guest post by Connie Miller, Administrator & Eden Educator

Finding Meaning in Music

On May 11th Phil Smith of local jazz band, Phil Smith & the Gentlemen of Jazz, performed for the residents of Hale Makua Wailuku. Phil agreed to donate his time and talents because of the inspiring experience he previously had playing for individuals with Alzheimer's. Care partner Connie Miller shared that she witnessed one resident who has lived at Hale Makua for four years and rarely ever speaks, singing to the music and praising God. Truly amazing to witness the power of music!

The effect that music can have on people is profound, and has the potential to bring back the spark into the peoples lives. This is also an example of Eden Alternative 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, and Principle 6: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.

We're looking forward to Phil's next performance on Friday, June 8th at 1:30pm.

Easter Egg Coloring, an Antidote to Helplessness

Nancy Kawamura brightens up white eggs with pink and yellow

Some of the lovely ladies of Hale Makua Kahului gathered to color eggs in celebration of the Easter holiday. These brightly colored and festive eggs were included on each residents' breakfast tray on Easter morning. This is an example of the Eden Alternative Principle 4: An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness, and Principle 6: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.

Hisako Tamori waits for the dye to set on her yellow Easter egg

Vilma Sanchez helps care partner May Cordero pack up the colored eggs

Congratulations to Our Newest Certified Eden Associates!

 Congratulations to our recent Certified Eden Associate graduates: Julie Hoy, Lily Paet, Beth Poe, Cathlyn Sarian, Mone’t Gardanier, Steven Nakashima, Edie Kapoi, Will Castillo, Leonora Morales, Donna Gamurot, Liz Ball, Lolita Guerrero, Gail Raikes, Patty Nakooka, Cathy Guillermo, Bety Idica, Manny Agcolicol, Naomi Oyama, Sofia Cabias, Veronica Tanner, Gemma Orque and Mariam Somera!

What We Look Like Now. How We Want It to Be.

On April 11th, 12th and 13th, 22 care partners from various areas of the organization attended an intensive three day training to become Certified Eden Associates. This training session was lead by our very own Eden Educator, Connie Miller. Here are photos of the Red, Gold, Green and Blue teams on the first day with their posters of what each team thinks our nursing homes currently look like, and what they would ideally want our nursing homes to look like.

Julie Hoy, Lily Paet, Beth Poe, Cathlyn Sarian, Mone’t Gardanier

Steven Nakashima, Edie Kapoi, Will Castillo, Leonora Morales, Donna Gamurot, Liz Ball

Lolita Guerrero, Gail Raikes, Patty Nakooka, Cathy Guillermo, Bety Idica, Manny Agcolicol

Naomi Oyama, Sofia Cabias, Veronica Tanner, Gemma Orque, Mariam Somera