KAUA`I KUPUNA

Protecting Our Kupuna

By Jacob Mauer, Administrator, Hale Kupuna Heritage Home

It has been over 16 months since COVID-19 changed all our lives forever. Those serving on the frontline in nursing homes have remained, for the most part, in the shadows. But they, too, have put their lives at risk to protect the most vulnerable—people, who often become like family. They have become lifelines for residents and their loved ones, offering comfort and connection at a time marred by crisis, fear and death.

Nursing home residents makeup 0.62% of the total US population and have represented over 22% of all deaths in the US during the pandemic. Long-term care facilities claiming 132,608 of the country’s COVID deaths and 655,110 residents have been infected with the virus according to CMS data through 5/30/2021.

We are so very fortunate that Hale Kupuna Heritage Home has kept our residents safe from COVID-19. This is due to the hard work of our nurses, nursing assistants, activities staff, housekeeping staff, maintenance associates, dietary staff, rehab team and all our administrative team. Words cannot describe how grateful our residents, family and community are for the team effort put forth to successfully protect our island’s most vulnerable population. All staff were more than willingly to 100% abide by all of the strict rules on screening, sanitation, adherence to infection control protocol and proper wearing of PPE. Many days were spent wearing uncomfortable face masks, face shields, sanitizing hands hundreds of times a day and conducting unpleasant COVID-19 tests. Everyone did it and they did it to protect our residents. We are so very thankful for their sacrifice,

love and compassion given to those that needed our assistance over the course of the pandemic. Understandably, some struggled to accept that we were not allowed to have visitors in our buildings. This along with the many other restrictions caused significant disruption for many. This reminded me of the intense and sometimes relentless effort while deployed in combat with the US Army to Afghanistan. Being meticulous and focused following directions kept me and my comrades safe while at war. This time the war was with an invisible virus and our health care warriors did their duty to keep those that sometimes could not protect themselves safe. While it is so gratifying to witness our residents and team members being happy and connected, it is was also our responsibility to keep our residents protected. Now, with the vaccination being made available to us, we are working diligently in getting our residents and staff vaccinated. We believe that as we continue to safely emerge from this pandemic, we will once again share the joys of seeing the smiles and experiencing the hugs of those who are so special to us.

Our mayor coined a phrase that continues to resonate with me. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. It’s a sign of aloha and respect.” Whether it’s mask-wearing, hand washing, distancing, or vaccination, “my actions protect you, and your actions protect me. It’s a sign of aloha and respect!” Let’s spread the aloha!

To find out more about how Hale Kupuna Heritage Home can be a home of choice for you or your loved one, call one of Hale Kupuna Heritage Home’s competent and compassionate caregivers. Welcome home!

Phone: 808-742-7591 email: admissions@halekupuna.com 4279A Omao Road, Koloa, HI 96756

KAUAI RSVP MEMBERS Enjoy The Benefits of Volunteering

Jim Jung, Milton Oshiro, Eric Nordmeier at a collection drive

Shirley Akita, Tere & Robert Inouye, Kay

Matsuwaki at Lihue Salvation Army

Kauai RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) members see the positive effects of volunteering on their mental health and well-being as reflected in a recent survey conducted by the program where 268 volunteers responded.

Volunteering can provide the senior a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 94% agreed that volunteering allowed them to share their experiences and talents. 88% learned new skills and developed their talents while 94 % felt it enabled them to help other people and/ or the community.

Serving as a volunteer promotes better health and well-being. 89% agreed they felt good by staying active and keeping their brain healthy. 95% reported having a more positive attitude.

Volunteering can reduce loneliness, rates of depression and gives the volunteer a greater sense of well-being. 92% agreed volunteering helped them to not feel lonely. In addition, 95% met new people and made more friends.

Kauai RSVP is a federal program of AmeriCorps Seniors. The program pairs Americans aged 55 and better with organizations making change in their communities. AmeriCorps Senior volunteers who serve in RSVP programs choose how, where, and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week. You can find an opportunity with any of the organizations we work with that sees service as a solution to local, regional, and national challenges. Members of AmeriCorps Seniors with Kauai RSVP report better health and longevity having served their community. Kauai RSVP is sponsored by the County of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs.

“I volunteer because I want to serve the community” “I have a sense of accomplishment and feel I am giving back to my community by volunteering. Volunteering gives me a sense of pride.”

“it makes me feel useful. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of volunteering”

For more information, call 241-4479 or email rsvp@kauai.gov.

By Kaulana Mossman, Program Director, Kaua’i Adult Day Health

One in nine Americans over the age of 65, and nearly 35% of those 85 years and older have Alzheimer’s disease. There are over 29,000 people in Hawaiʻi living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 65,000 dedicated caregivers providing care.

As caregiver’s bear witness to the loss of their loved one’s gradual diminishing physical, cognitive, and functional abilities, they often become overwhelmed and neglect their own health. Caregivers want to be there for their loved one, but it can have an exhaustive toll and wreak havoc on a person’s health and wellbeing. Caregiving can generate feelings of sadness, loneliness, and helplessness. However, there are several options of coping, and you are NOT alone. Kainani Viado, caregiver for mother Hazel Bukoski, is grateful for the collaborative support from family. “It is more than just us who oversee this dedication of love for our Kupuna at home…it is a network of loving caring people, and the amazing staff at the Kaua’i Adult Day Health for providing genuine care. We would be lost without their services.” Grandson Kuikahi shared that “Caregivers are one of the most quiet, unsung heroes. Daily selfless acts of love. Learn how to ask for help. Some days you are going to need it, so do not take all the weight on your shoulders.” Caregivers love and support has a positive impact on a loved one’s quality of life. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Family, friends, volunteer agencies, and adult day programs can provide respite and aid.

Kuikahi Viado, Hazel Bukoski and Kainani Viado Joining support groups are beneficial for caregivers. Connecting with others facing similar challenges and learning from each other’s experiences is therapeutic and reduces feelings of anxiety. For additional resources and information, you may also contact the Alzheimer’s Association at (808) 591-2771 or alz.org/ Hawaii.