Sponsored by Pohai Nani
As part of the continuing care at Pohai Nani, the staff there help residents continue to live in their apartments and live the lifestyle they choose to live. Assisted living offers additional services such as medication management, assurance checks for wellness and safety, escort services providing assistance to meals and activities and more. All of which provide them the physical and emotional support they need to stay at Pohai Nani.
Pohai Nani works to develop a plan that meets the needs of each resident so that they continue to have control and input into their care. When a person starts to age, people tend to take things away things like the car keys or their ability to manage money. Instead, allowing them a say and having them be part of the decision of additional services helps to make the transition much smoother.
Judy Matthews has been the Director of Assisted Living at Pohai Nani for 10 years. She says the most important aspect of care giving is the relationship.
“The foundation of any relationship is about the connection. So often, in my experience with families and residents, there is a connection from the very beginning,” she says. :From the mention of what school you graduated from, or you recognize their last name and may have a mutual friend, or even when a family visits from the mainland and you have a connection in the same place. Just these small connections trigger a growing relationship.”
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Matthews says dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 have been challenging, and it’s impacted the residents most.
“We have had to make decisions that impose restrictions. For many, it has been hard as they age here and not have the degree of freedom they have been used to, she says.
Pohai Nani has implemented programs and activities for all the residents including holo holo rides on the bus off campus, pep rallies, bake sales, art classes, in-room Bingo, hallway exercises, and even doorway dance parties. On special occasions, Pohai Nani even has drive by birthdays.
“For the staff, it is so professionally and personally rewarding to see the joy on their faces and appreciation in their hearts. We receive letters, emails and phone calls from residents and families,” Matthews says.
For more information: pohainani.org