A Look to the Future

What Lies Ahead for Hale Makua?

As Hawaii’s population continues to age, the services Hale Makua provides will be in even greater demand. Baby Boomers, who are now reaching retirement age, have different expectations than prior generations. Many want to age in place, they want to stay home as they grow older rather than being in a long-term care facility. To meet he needs of this segment of the population, Hale Makua’s Home Health Care Agency is ready to meet the needs of those who are able to remain in their homes.

For some, staying at home is not feasible due to needs for skilled nursing care. To meet their needs, we are making changes within our long-term care facilities, to make them feel less institutional, and more home-like. Luana, Live in Comfort, embodies our efforts to make Hale Makua feel more like home. Our goal is to have decisions made as close to the residents as possible, and asking ourselves, "Would we do this in our own home?"

Examples of some changes that have resulted from this effort so far include:

• Eliminating visiting hours, so family and friends can visit at times that are best for residents
• Removing the sign-in books and the “Please Sign In” placards
• Offering Continental Breakfast, where residents chose what they want to eat, and when they want to eat it
• A team of residents, family members, and staff has designed changes to the nursing station on Kahului’s West Unit. The existing nursing station is being replaced by an open living/dining space.

These decisions are being made by and with the people most affected by the changes. Watch for further changes as we continue to put the home back in our nursing home.