PALOLO CHINESE HOMEJuly 2018. Volume 32 . No. 2

Better Care . Better Lives

bout 22 years ago, both Stanley Ofsevit and Tove Nicholson moved from

California to Hawaii ready to welcome a fresh, new adventure. Stanley had been offered a position at the University of Hawaii to teach social work, and Tove (pronounced Toe-vah), a social worker, planned to pursue a master’s degree in social work at UH.

Life was good, but two years after moving to paradise, Stanley experienced a debilitating stroke that left him wheelchair bound and unable to speak. It was completely unexpected.

Staying the Course Despite the curve ball, the couple has stayed the course. They have stood by each other and the life-long partners married 13 years ago. Their enduring commitment to each other continues even today. Tove has been Stanley’s loyal advocate, making sure he receives the best care, while she also fulfi lled her life’s calling to be a social worker.

Even with the detour in their intended path, Tove successfully completed her master’s degree in social work, and, at the urging of a colleague, also earned a master’s

A

Everyone Wins with Palolo Chinese Home

Better Care for Both Seniors and Caregivers

degree in public health, all while working at Kaiser Permanente as a medical social worker.

In her role as a medical social worker, Tove always heard good things from families about the care provided by Palolo Chinese Home. And it would be something she remembered years later.

After retiring from Kaiser a few years ago and planning a well-deserved nine-week vacation to Italy, Spain and Denmark, Tove needed to fi nd an intermediate care facility for her husband. Palolo Chinese Home was the natural, top-of-mind choice for her.

Tove Nicholson and her husband Stanley Ofsevit on the lanai of Palolo Chinese Home’s Senior Day Care program, surrounded by the lush mountains that form Palolo Valley.

(continued on page 5)

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 2

2018 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Eric K. Watanabe, CPA Chair/President

Douglas C. Smith, Esq. 1st Vice President

Walton Shim, MD2nd Vice President

Patricia L. Blanchette, MD, MPH, CMD Secretary

Dick I. Oshima, CPA Treasurer

Roger K. S. Liu, CPAImmediate Past Chair/President

Frances H. GooBoard Representative

Directors Beverly C. Ament Gordon S. K. Au

Peter BackusAnthony J. H. ChingPeter C. K. Fong, Esq.

Russell J. Lau Gladys K. Lee

Lester K. M. Leu, Esq.Andrew Moats

Jackson NakasoneJ. P. Schmidt, Esq.

Dana-Ann S. Takushi Lawrence K. W. Tseu, DDS

Reginald K. T. Yee, Esq.

Directors Emeritus

Carolyn Y. K. Ballou Clinton K. L. Ching, Esq. Bernard W. D. Fong, MD

Wesley F. Fong, Esq. Chew Nung Lum Albert Q. Y. Tom

Darlene H. Nakayama, NHA Chief Executive Offi cer

Palolo Chinese Home is a private, 50I(c)(3)

non-profi t charitable organization. From its origins over a hundred years ago,

Palolo Chinese Home has been open to all, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin. Palolo Chinese Home’s mission is “to assist and care for elders

and their families by providing a continuum of care that is professional and multi-disciplinary, in a culturally sensitive

family setting.”

Palolo Chinese Home’s newsletter is published for our families and friends.

Please send comments to:

Development Offi cePalolo Chinese Home

2459 10th Avenue . Honolulu 96816Email: info@palolohome.org

All of us at Palolo Chinese Home are grateful for the generous support we receive to carry out our promise of providing “Better

Care, Better Lives” to seniors.

A Bronze AwardWe recently received notifi cation that Palolo Chinese Home received a Bronze Award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering quality care for our residents. We would not be able to provide high-quality care without our generous supporters and donors.

Successful Golf TournamentOur 28th Annual Dynasty Invitational Golf Tournament, held in May, raised a record-breaking amount for Palolo Chinese Home. Mahalo to our Honorary Event Chair Gordon S. K. Lau and his wife Lana, who also served as a golf tournament sponsor, along with Island Insurance Foundation, Pyramid Insurance, and the Wu Family

Charitable Foundation. We truly appreciate all of our sponsors and golfers for a wonderful day at the Ala Wai Municipal Golf Course.

Community EducationPalolo Chinese Home is planning to share its expertise with others in the community through our new Palolo Wellness Community Education Series, featuring a different speaker every month on topics of interest for both seniors and their caregivers.

Our fi rst session is Thursday, July 19, 6 pm to 7 pm, in Farm Hall. The Rev. Dr. Jayaprakash “JP” Sabbithi, Director of Counseling Services for Hospice Hawaii, will present “Going the Distance:

Who’s Taking Care of the Caregiver?”

We’re also planning a major Palolo Senior Health & Wellness session on Saturday, September 8, in Palolo Chinese Home’s Farm Hall. See more details on page 8.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Darlene NakayamaChief Executive Offi cer

A Message from Our CEO

Mahalo to All of Our Friends!

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 3

A Commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement

Palolo Chinese Home Team Receives a Bronze Award

Palolo Chinese Home was recently awarded a bronze award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to continuous improvement and delivering quality care for its residents.

Palolo Chinese Home is one of only fi ve nursing facilities in Hawaii that has received a bronze award, according to Andrew Garrett, Associate Vice President of Post-Acute Care and Operations for the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, the local affi liate of AHCA.

Darlene Nakayama, Chief Executive Offi cer of Palolo Chinese Home, will receive the award at AHCA/NCAL’s 69th Annual Convention and Exposition in San Diego, California, in October.

National RecogntionThe AHCA/NCAL national quality award program honors providers

throughout the nation that have demonstrated a commitment to delivering quality care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Progressive ProcessThe program is a progressive, three-step process that encourages continuous learning, development, and execution of integrated quality systems to achieve performance excellence. Each progressive step requires a more detailed and comprehensive demonstration of quality integration and performance. The bronze award recognizes providers that have developed a foundation for continuous quality improvement.

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 13,500 non-profi t and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with

intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AHCA/NCAL’s goal is to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in its member centers.

Congratulations to the Palolo Chinese Home team!

Top: The Palolo Chinese Home team celebrated their Bronze Award milestone with balloons and bentos. Bottom: Andrew Garrett, HAH’s Associate Vice President of Post-Acute Care and Operations; CEO Darlene Nakayama, and Administrator Kevin Wu.

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 4

Philanthropist Dr. Roberta Wong Leung Contributes to Palolo Chinese Home’s Endowment Fund for Future Needs

Top: Dr. Roberta Wong Leung, center, her daughter Robbieanne and husband Aldrin presented a $10,000 check for Palolo Chinese Home’s endowment fund to Kevin Wu, Administrator, and Rachel Agustin, Manager of the Palolo Wellness Program and Senior Day Care Program. Right: Dr. Roberta Wong Leung signs the big, generous check!

Dr. Roberta Wong Leung is a shining example of a Hawaii pro-fessional who has traveled the world but not forgotten her local roots. Along with husband Aldrin and daughter Robieanna, Dr. Wong Leung presented a $10,000 check for Palolo Chinese Home’s endow-ment. Daughter Aldrianna, named after her dad, was unable to join the family for the presentation.

Supporting Future Generations of Seniors When Palolo Chinese Home reaches its $5 million endowment goal, the gains realized from the endowment fund will be used for the Palolo Wellness Program’s home-based services, Certifi ed Nurse Aide training and to provide fi nancial assistance for residents who are unable to pay for their care. This will be increasingly important as government reimbursements for healthcare services change over time.

“We’re so fortunate Dr. Wong Leung has selected us as a recipient of her generosity,” said Darlene Nakayama, Palolo Chinese Home’s Chef Executive Offi cer. “Ultimately, future generations of seniors and their families will be the benefi ciaries of this endowment.”

Dr. Wong Leung acquired more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, serving in senior leadership posts for international premium and luxury

hotel chains in the U.S., Hong Kong and Australia, including Intercontinental Hotel Group, New Century International Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Admirable Academic Career Dr. Wong Leung also has an admirable track record in the academic fi eld. She has shared her real-world experience with travel industry students at 13 universities, including those in Hawaii, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. She has also published extensively in academic journals and conferences as well as authoring several books, book

chapters and training videos. Her academic career culminated with a position as Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader of the ABA Hospitality Management program at City University of Hong Kong.

Dr. Wong Leung was Dean and Professor at Shunde Polytechnic, known for its world-class School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The school is located in the Shunde District in Foshan, Guangdong Province, one of the most affl uent districts in mainland China. She also served as Program Director at the innovative HK University SPACE, Hong Kong’s premier community college with award-winning programs.

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 5

Remember to Designate Palolo Chinese Home for Your AUW Gift If you would like your Aloha United Way gift to go to Palolo Chinese Home, you must designate your donation. It’s easy. Mahalo!

Indicate the designation on your pledge form, available from your employer or at auw.org.

Palolo Chinese Home’s designa-tion code number is 96410.

Remember, AUW requires a minimum contribution of $48 per donor-designated gift.

Tove was able to experience the fi rst-rate care at Palolo Chinese Home for herself and understood what families had been telling her. She recalled how Palolo Chinese Home went the extra step to reassure her that Stanley would be in good hands.

Personal FaceTime Sessions “Hansel (Purugganan) in Admissions arranged for me to have a FaceTime on an iPad with Stanley every Friday at 9 am while I was away on my trip,” Tove remembered fondly. “He really went above and beyond.”

Tove also benefi ts. Now that she is retired, the respite she receives as a caregiver affords her the time to “get caught up” on all things she had to put on hold while working, including taking UH courses that she wasn’t able to while pursuing her degrees.

A Beautiful, Safe PlaceTove said she would recommend others consider Palolo Chinese Home as part of their long term care plan. “It’s in a beautiful setting and there are a lot of good people who work here. It’s a place where you can come and be cared for safely.”

(continued from page 1)

Caring for Stanley and Tove

Leave a Legacy for Hawaii’s Seniors Palolo Chinese Home created the Legacy Society to acknowledge our generous and forward-looking donors who have named Palolo Chinese Home as the benefi ciary of a charitable estate gift, or who have established a named endowed fund. Your charitable estate gift will help to build the Palolo Chinese Home endowment and provide growing annual income to ensure that our residents, as well as seniors who receive care at home, can continue to receive exceptional care.

If you have already included Palolo Chinese Home in your planning, please notify us, in confi dence, so that we may thank you and welcome you to the Legacy Society. If you wish, you may choose to be an anonymous member. You will enjoy special events planned exclusively for members, and experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that your gift will help Palolo Chinese Home provide better care for better lives for years to come. We will keep your information in strict confi dence.

For more information on charitable estate gifts, named endowed funds, our Legacy Society or to request our Legacy Toolkit to help you get started, please call Darlene Nakayama, in confi dence, at (808) 748-4901, or email her at dnakayama@palolohome.org. You can also fi nd information on the PCH website, www.palolohome.org under GIVE. Mahalo!

Impressed with the quality of care that Stanley received at nursing home, Tove now arranges for him to be a participant in Palolo Chinese Home’s senior day care program four days a week for social interaction outside the home and simply being surrounded by the beautiful views from Palolo Valley.

Wonderful Staff “Stanley enjoys the entertainment on Thursdays,” Tove said. “Even though he can’t verbalize, he is able to sing along and enjoy the music. It’s a lot better for him. Rachel (Agustin) and the Senior Day Care staff are wonderful!”

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 6

Creating a better world is every-one’s responsibility. When we understand the needs of others, we become more empathetic, caring and concerned individuals. We learn to look beyond our own needs to support the greater good.

Encouraging youth to become more involved in their communities transforms them into change agents and leaders to strengthen our communities. That’s exactly what Dr. Laura Chang-Blust, who teaches Punahou School’s Mandarin Chinese IV Honors class, has been working to instill in her students for the past several years.

Intergenerational InteractionAs part of Punahou School’s requirement for students to participant in a SECR (Spiritual, Ethical, Community Responsibility) course, Dr. Chang-Blustencourages her students to volunteer at Palolo Chinese Home each year as a class.

The students perform songs and music; participate in interactive games and other activities with Palolo Chinese Home residents and senior day care participants on Saturdays twice a month; or visit individually on their own.

The intergenerational interaction is benefi cial for everyone, and thanks to the generosity of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Mandarin Chinese Honors class

Punahou’s Mandarin Honors Class Brings Joy to PaloloPalolo Chinese Home is designated the recipient of $5,000 from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s “Educating the Heart” Program

students were able to couple their volunteer time with a charitable contribution.

Educating the HeartThe Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s “Educating the Heart” program allows middle and high school teachers to identify programs connected to their academic studies where their students can volunteer 100 hours or more to support those in need. The students can then designate the nonprofi t organization to be the recipient of a $5,000 contribution. Dr. Chang-Blust and her Honors students chose Palolo Chinese Home, and recently presented the check to Darlene Nakayama,

Palolo Chinese Home’s Chief Executive Offi cer.

“We are so honored to have these students brighten the days of our residents and participants,” Darlene said. “We appreciate all of you for coming to spend time at our facility, even with your busy schedules.” Many of the students in this year’s class are juniors and had taken SAT exams that morning.

“We’re also so grateful to The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for encouraging students to support the community. The ‘Educating the Heart’ really does begin to transform the hearts of both those who are giving and receiving,” she said.

July 2018 Palolo Chinese Home 7

Like Mother, Like DaughterCaring is in their DNA. Palolo Chinese Home is fortunate to have both a mom and daughter, Helen Balila and Rachel Agustin, to care for seniors. Although they work in different areas, during different shifts, they each share the same spirit of caring for the residents, clients and their families.

Caring Runs in the Family“At night, you’ll readily notice Helen, a Certifi ed Nursing Assistant, whose cheerful, friendly demeanor make her the perfect team member for the night shift crew that serves residents in the skilled nursing care in the Pikake area of the new Harry Wong Hall.

During the day, you’ll fi nd her daughter Rachel on the lower level of the Alice Goldsmith Building. While Rachel was working in a health and fi tness club, her mom encouraged her to work with seniors at Palolo Chinese Home. She applied and started about fi ve years ago. Eventually, she was named Manager of the Senior Day Care program in 2016.

As a result of her hard work, diligence, and aloha spirit, she has been given additional responsibilities. In addition to Senior Day Care program, she also oversees the Palolo Wellness Program, which includes in-home care and the growing Meals-to-Go program.

“It feels good to help the elderly,” says Helen, who has been with Palolo Chinese Home for 13 years

and notes the great team of two registered nurses and four CNAs she works with during her shift as the reason she enjoys working at Palolo Chinese Home.

“Safety for the residents is our priority,” she added, noting that family members are generally not on the campus during the night shift from 10:30 pm to 6 pm. This makes the role of the CNAs even more critical at night.

That same commitment runs in the family. Rachel demonstrates that

same kind of care and attention as she oversees the Senior Day Care team. They provide a full range of activities to keep the senior participants healthy in body and mind, with opportunities throughout the day for social engagement, seven days a week. This allows family members to work during the day, and not have to worry about the safety and well-being of their loved one.

Mahalo to Helen and Rachel for being a part of the team!

Top photo:Rachel Agustin and Helen Balila.

Middle left photo: Rachel Agustin welcomes a Senior Day Care participant.

Middle right photo: Helen Balila checks in with a resident.

Bottom left photo, from left to right: Juvy Requilman, Rachel Agustin, Jittima Amazaki, and Hansel Purugganan entertain Senior Day Care participants.

Bottom right photo: Helen Balila, CNA; Sally Lacusta, CNA; and Mylene Manuel, RN, at the Pikake nursing station.

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 928 HONOLULU, HI

2459 I0th Avenue . Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-3051 Phone: (808) 748-4904 . Fax: (808) 748-4916

E-Mail: info@palolohome.org Website: www.palolohome.org Federal Tax ID# 99-0073521

The blessing of “long life” is universally celebrated. At Palolo Chinese Home,

the Chinese character for longevity (shou) has long been used as our symbol. By adding two brush strokes, the artist, the late Clarence Lee, incorporated the Chinese character for people or mankind (ren), and the result is an image of a roof embracing long life — our wish for you.

The unbroken circle signifi es our mission of continuous care and respect

for our kupuna (elders).

Free Palolo Senior Health & Wellness Session Save the Date!

Palolo Chinese Home Farm Hall

Saturday, September 8, 20189 am to 11 am

Palolo Chinese Home wants you to learn about better care for better lives. Join us for an information-packed session to make aging easier and less stressful for you and your loved one.

Palolo Chinese Home welcomes the community to enjoy a panel of guest speakers with expertise in various areas. You can tour the Palolo Chinese Home campus and learn more about its spectrum of services, too.

Guest Speakers:Suzanne Chun Oakland, former State Senator and Program Coordinator of the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center is coordinating a panel of experts. Topics and speakers will include:

• Cynthia Arnold, Vice President, Senior Move Managers, LLC dba De-Clutter Hawaii, on clutter and hoarding

• Catherine Chao, Clinical Research Assistant at Hawaii Pacifi c Neuroscience, on the latest research fi ndings on preventing dementia

• Jody Mishan, Project Consultant, Hawaii Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

• Margaret (Peggy) Perkinson, PhD, Director of the University of Hawaii Center on Aging, on vision and hearing care

• Dr. Lisa Taniguchi, audiologist, on communicating with seniors experiencing hearing loss

Sponsored by Speaker of the House Scott Saiki, Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi.

RSVP TodayThis session is presented as a free community service of Palolo Chinese Home. Limited to 150 people. Includes breakfast and lunch. Please RSVP today. Call Palolo Chinese Home at (808) 748-4904 by Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.