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Contents
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Sushi Rolling
04 Letter from the Editor
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10 Caregiver Tips for the Holidays 12 Kauai’s Club Scene 19 Health & Wellness Directory
Plantation Days Rodeo 8
22 Hip Replacement Surgery 25 Classic Casserole with a Twist 28 Community Resources
Senior Fun Day 16
30 Ask the Nurse Also - Sudoku, Word Search & Crossword Puzzles
Exercise of the Month: Hula 18
Elder Resource Magazine Editor & Publisher Christine Bothmer, RN
Artistic Consultant Judith Lee
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Printed in Hawaii
Contact Elder Resource Mail: P.O. Box 1257, Koloa, HI 96756 Email: cbothmer@elder-resource.org Phone: (808) 212-2760
Graphics & Design Guest Article: Julie Bothmer-Yost Sadie Doi The material contained in this magazine is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce portions of this magazine for educational, non-commercial purposes only; please give credit to Elder Resource including date of issue, website url or mailing address. All photos by Christine Bothmer unless otherwise credited. Advertisement in Elder Resource does not necessarily imply an endorsement of products or services. We have no political or religious affiliation. We respectfully decline advertisements whose purpose is to influence public opinion on controversial issues or the outcome of elections or ballot measures.
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Letter from the Editor
I
t is a time of transition, as we slip from one season to the next. While it’s still hurricane season, the sun is a little lower in the sky and it’s time to get a flu shot. Soon extra blankets will be on the bed and the holiday season will be upon us. This issue of Elder Resource reflects this transition, with photo spreads of your friends enjoying summer events and a pivot for caregivers to start thinking about our Hawaiian “winter” with it’s holiday festivities, flu season, and family traditions. We have great resources to help you plan for the future, from our longstanding Community Resources and caregiver tips to our new Health & Wellness Directory, we hope you find the help you need in these pages to continue your journey of growth in the many unique forms it comes in throughout our lifetimes.
-Chris Bothmer
On the cover: Jimmy Miranda going for the heels during the Plantation Days Preliminary Roping at CJM Stables. More photos on page 8.
What are your Halloween plans? Waimea Senior Club ladies posing last year with their handmade masks. Craft activities are a fun way to get together with friends and talk story. For more info on Kauai County Senior Clubs and their activities contact the neighborhood center nearest you. See page 29 for addresses and phone numbers.
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SUSHI ROLLING AT
Left: Karen, Betsy & Barbara placing ingredients for the making of maki sushi. Below left: Donna & Helen add finishing touches. Below right: Dozens were busy at work preparing for the August Bon Dance.
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Step One
Step Two
Maki Sushi!
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Plantation Days Rodeo Preliminary Roping at CJM Stables, Koloa
Kain Silva, Pat Brun, Glenn Shimazu, Adam Brun
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Jim Hobbs, at the head in team roping.
Stewart Wellington
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Caregiver Tips for the Holiday Season Alzheimer’s Series
By Christine Bothmer
S
ymptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) evolve slowly. As a result, family caregivers should re-evaluate and use their best judgement when deciding how much to include a loved one with AD in holiday festivities and gatherings.
In
the beginning stages of AD, a person’s forgetfulness and behavioral changes can be subtle and they can participate as they always have. As the disease progresses, the behavior of a person with AD is less predictable and family caregivers need to carefully consider how to proceed. Keep this in mind as the holidays approach and use the PITCH acronym as a reminder to ask others to pitch in and help.
Prioritize.
So many things demand your attention, so establish boundaries to protect yourself from exhaustion and to protect your loved one with AD from needless emotional distress. Taking on caregiving and holiday planning at the same time is overwhelming and can be bad for your health. This year,
recruit others to take on the holiday planning. You can always offer suggestions or write up a timeline to help them plan. Your priority is your health and the health of your loved one.
Include
your loved one to the level they can tolerate. A person with middle-stage AD might enjoy helping with meal preparation, baking, cleaning or decorating. Give them one job at a time and keep instructions simple and direct, such as “please fold these towels.” Remember to focus on the well-being of your loved one rather than the result of their efforts. If you don’t like the way the towels are folded, refold them later. Avoid correcting a person with AD because this can frustrate them and lead to challenging behaviors. If your loved one starts showing signs of anxiety, acknowledge their feelings with love, rule out physical causes such as pain or thirst, and distract them by changing the subject with a different activity, a snack, or music they enjoy.
Teach
others appropriate ways to interact with the person who has AD. Avoid statements that ask the person to remember things. For
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example, instead of saying “hi Joe, remember me?” A more appropriate statement would be “Hi Joe, I’m Frank. We taught school across the hall from each other.” If your loved one’s personality has changed significantly, consider updating distant relatives on their condition before they arrive so they are better prepared to interact appropriately.
Capitalize
on tradition. The oldest memories last the longest, so your loved one probably remembers longstanding family traditions including singing songs, participating in religious ceremonies, and preparing food. Including them in these activities will enhance the family gathering.
Have a plan B. Remember that your loved
one with AD will have good days and bad days. Have a quiet room as a retreat for your family member, ideally with an attached bathroom. When things calm down you can always try introducing one or two people
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at a time in to visit with your loved one.
When a loved one with AD is in a familiar
and consistent environment, they are more likely to be at ease. Changes in routine can be confusing and scary, often leading to disruptive behaviors. Remember these disruptive behaviors are caused by the disease, and are not the fault of your loved one. With a little planning and help, family gatherings can continue to be a wellspring of cultural continuity for the entire family. Recently we asked, “If you had Alzheimer’s would you want to know?” one reader’s comment: “I would want to know so I could start to say goodbye. ‘It’s the long goodbye,’ isn’t that what Nancy Reagan said?” -Pat
Below: The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual fundraising walk was held recently at Kukui Grove
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Kauai’s Club Scene Kauai Woodturners
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Local Chapter of the American Association of Woodturners
Left: Ray Nitta turns a wooden vase during a demonstration at the Farm Fair. Right: Robin Clark explained the process to their audience, providing many interesting details. Ray responds to a question from the crowd. Below: Beautiful bowls turned by Woodturners members, displaying the variations of wood species utilized. To learn more about the Woodturners Association visit their website at kauaiwoodturners.com.
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More Kauai’s Club Scene
Photo: PJ Pajardo
The Hanamaulu Hillsiders came out on top, winning first place in the H Division of the 39th annual Hawaii State Senior Softball Association’s tournament recently on Maui. Front row: Phillip Delos Reyes, Peter Rayno, Kenny Booth, Jose Madrid. Middle row: Jimmy Torio, Clifford Lee, Wanda Ibia, Ernest Domingo, Kenneth Tamashiro; Back row: Ben “PJ” Pajardo, Brian Ribidue, Franklin Riopta, Michael “Corky” Bryan, Guiseppe “Joe” Bertucci, Angel Madrid. Do you have a photo of your club or group you’d like to submit? Email your high resolution jpg photo and a caption to cbothmer@elder-resource.org. Publication date depends on space availability. Mahalo for your contribution!
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Makule Maka`i, retirees of the Kauai Police Department meet every two months to continue the friendships that have developed over decades on the force. They have lunch, talk story and plan ways to continue to serve. Seated from left: Leon Gonsalves, Richard Koerke, Glen Morita, Robert Tamura, Iketo Muraoka, Calvin Fujita, Melvin Morris. Standing from left: Howard Carvalho, Mike Kiyabu, Melvin Mandrigues, Wayne Medeiros, Joe Kauahi, Frank Medeiros. For more information contact chairman & founder Leon “Angus” Gonsalves at 639-0356.
Koloa’s Senior Ukulele Club welcomes their new instructor, Aileen Kageyama who retired from teaching music at Koloa School. Back row: Madalynne Garcia, Janice Tao, Leatrice Igawa, Cecelia Mahoe. Front: Rose Melchor, Helen Gerard, Aileen Kageyama, Kenny Reese, Betty Miyazaki
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Senior Fun Day
Kauai County Senior Clubs gathered recently for a day of Zumba, lawn games, bingo & lunch. Above Top: Getting ready for lawn bowling. Above Middle: Janet Kawamura tests her skill at lawn bowling while Betty Hamamura, Naoko Ho, and Wilfred “Smiley� Ibara look on. Right: Dexter Takashima and Koharu Kawamura at the bean bag toss.
Lydgate Park
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Exercise of the Month: Hula
June, Pat, Anita, Rebecca and Joyanne
Auntie Lui
Hula great for your mood, keeps your joints flexible and your muscles toned
Alaka`i Auntie Lui guides and leads with her knowledge of hula, chanting, interpretations and other Hawaiian traditions during the class
Lihue Senior Club’s hula group is honing their chanting skills and hula moves. As with many senior groups, it’s more about the camaraderie than it is for competition, and they are looking forward to taking excursions next year to perform outreach entertainment in a variety of settings. Stop by the Lihue Neighborhood Center on Wednesdays, 10am - 11:30.
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Elder Resource Magazine’s
Health & Wellness Directory of Products & Services
Tips & Ideas for Quality of Life
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Flu Season is Here. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everybody 6 months of age and older get a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available. They also note people ages 65 and older have a greater risk of complications from the flu. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu shot. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
Photo: CDC/ Doug Jordan, M.A.
Ohana Home Health LLC
Specializing
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On Kauai For Kauai
in skilled nursing services with a strong rehabilitation team, we are dedicated to providing our Island Ohana an exceptional, cost effective and family focused approach to the medically complex home bound patient. We partner with other community members to help coordinate and access the best possible supports for both you and your loved ones; continually striving to improve the quality of rehabilitative services we provide in the home.
Services include: • Skilled Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing and Certified Nurse Aids, • Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology • Medical Social Worker (MSW) Last year, Ohana Home Health achieved Accreditation through the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP). Rigorous evaluation by CHAP focuses on quality of services, human resources, and long term viability for homebound Medicare & Medicaid patients. Through CHAP accreditation, Ohana Home Health is both licensed and accredited as a Medicare & Medicaid home health provider.
This is what people are saying about Ohana Home Health: “You made such an impact on our lives. Please tell your staff how impressed we were with the professional and loving care you offered us.” “Thank you very much for taking such good care of Mom. Tony could always make [her] smile. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” “With your knowledge and help we know that our Dad is in good hands with your care.” “I would highly recommend Ohana Home Health to everyone.” To find out how we can help or to schedule a facility tour, contact Suzie Woolway @ 332-5005.
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Thinking of
By Christine Bothmer
Hip Replacement Surgery?
W
hen Cheryl Morris went to see Dr. Arakawa for a routine check of her arthritis, she didn’t expect to be on the fast track for two hip replacement surgeries. “I had a little pain in my thighs,” she said, patting her lap. Dr. Ken Arakawa practices on Oahu and comes to Kauai for office visits with local residents. He ordered an x-ray and diagnosed arthritis of the hip as causing the pain. “The cartilage in my hip joint had worn away and the bones were rubbing against each other. He referred me to Dr. Rovinsky and I was scheduled for surgery.” The incision has since healed, and Cheryl described how Dr. Rovinsky was able to make a small incision, move the muscles aside, and replace the joint with a titanium ball and cap. “He didn’t have to cut any muscle, so I had a fast recovery.” After a few days in the hospital, Cheryl continued her recovery at home and visited a nearby establishment for physical therapy. Adaptive equipment at home also helped. Hand rails and grab bars had already been installed in areas such as at the main entrance to her home and in the bathroom. “It’s important to be comfortable and make things easier to prevent injury,” adding that she now has non-skid area rugs, lumbar support cushions, and even a swivel seat cushion that makes it easier to get into and out of her car.
It’s been over four months since her surgery and she has completed her outpatient physical therapy sessions. Cheryl continues to perform the exercises recommended by her therapist, including strengthening, stretching and endurance exercises. Having retired from teaching art and home economics at Kapaa High & Middle Schools and now substitute teaching, she still has order and discipline in her spirit. “You have to be strict with yourself and exercise.” While there are still a few areas in her yard that are too steep for her to traverse, Cheryl knows all this exercise will help her recover more quickly after her next hip replacement surgery, scheduled for January. Any parting words of advice? “Get a good nurse,” she says, with a nod of acknowledgement to her husband, Mel.
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Chunks of papaya, avocado and tomato seasoned with green onions, cilantro, black pepper, salt and a squeeze of lime makes a tasty fruit salsa for this fresh piece of sauteed opah. Served here with steamed green beans.
Come
Grow
With
Us
Promote your product, service or event in this Health & Wellness Directory or other location in Elder Resource Magazine. Call or email Chris (808) 212-2760 cbothmer@elder-resource.org. Check out our website at www.Elder-Resource.org
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Tuna Salmon Cassserole
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A twist on an old favorite, this casserole is full of surprises!
¾ cup chopped round onion 1 can condensed cream of mush room soup with an equal amount of evaporated milk ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 7 ounce can tuna 1 7 ounce can red salmon mushrooms, 1 small can or ⅓ cup fresh, chopped ½ to ¾ cup chopped green olives with pimento ½ pound egg noodles, cooked
Photo: Judith Lee
Cook onion and mushrooms (if using fresh mushrooms) in a small amount of olive oil until tender. Add soup, milk and cheese, stir occasionally until heated through. Add olives, noodles, and cauliflower (if using), stir to combine. Break tuna and salmon into chunks, gently fold into mixture. Pour into a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Optional topping: Mix 3 tablespoons each of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over casserole and dot with 1½ tablespoons olive oil or butter. Bake at 375° for about 25 minutes. Serves 6. Check with your healthcare provider before changing your diet if you have a chronic condition.
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Jack Masami Hada August 15, 1918 - August 26, 2014
A tribute by Sadie Doi, long-time friend of Jack Hada and president of the Hanapepe Senior Club.
J
ack Hada was drafted December 10, 1940 and his life began as a young soldier who then became one of the members of the famed 100/442 Infantry Battalion Company D.
His life as a community-minded citizen began upon returning from the war. After retiring from Lihue Post Office he took care of his partner during her fight with cancer. He thought his life was over when she passed away. The community of Hanapepe became his savior. He joined and became an active and highly productive member of the Friends of the Hanapepe Library. His love of reading blossomed until he was unable to read a few weeks before passing. Jack participated in almost every activity that the Friends offered at the library. He was instrumental in establishing a conference room and donated monies so the new room would have furniture and a refrigerator.
his share of the work. His motto: �Be ready whenever there is a need to better the community and the world!� Another passion was his active membership with the Hanapepe Seniors. As a very skilled craftsman he created numerous wood crafts to be sold at the senior craft sale and also gave them away. He loved music, especially Christmas carols and Japanese songs. During monthly visits to care homes, he with the other seniors entertained the residents. Harmonica playing was his forte and many enjoyed the different kinds of songs he was able to perform.
When the Storybook Theater had a Senator Sparky Matsunaga Peace Garden project, Jack was there donating two marble benches to grace the park.
Jack was one of the first 100/442 soldiers to answer the call from an Indiana Middle School student who was working on a quilt honoring Japanese Americans who fought in WWII. He attended the Tapestry of Honor showing on Oahu in March 2002.
Whenever the call for volunteers was announced for building, restoring and beautifying the Hanapepe Heights Community Park, there was Jack with his hammer ready to do
He lived a wonderful life full of zest and gave our country and community his love, loyalty, wisdom, energy and his genuine friendship. We will miss him dearly.
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Community Resources
Kapi’olani Community College’s Kupuna Education Center “Kupuna Connections” TV series • Family caregiver training & tips www.KupunaEducation.com
Call Jess at 335-0296 ext. 152
NEED HELP WITH FOOD STAMPS?
Parkinson’s Support Group
S.N.A.P. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance by Child & Family Service
Talk story and share ideas. People with Parkinson’s or any progressive disease and their caregivers meet at the Regency at Puakea the last Tuesday of every month, 5:00pm - 6:30pm.
To schedule an appointment call: Dory at Hale Ho’omalu (821-2520) or Momi at Nana’s House (338-0252)
Call Susan Storm at 212-1250
Community Resources Share The Care Kaua’i We help organize family, friends & resources into caring teams. Contact Deborah Duda 332-7668 deborahduda@yahoo.com
Think B.I.G. Advocacy & support for persons with acquired brain & spinal cord injuries, their families & caregivers; info sharing and community outreach. Monthly meetings 2nd Wednesday 4:30pm - 6:30pm Kapaa Neighborhood Ctr.
Seniors Law Program
Educational seminars for your club or group by James Michael Ratcliffe, Attorney at Law
Call 246-8868
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Ask the Nurse
By Christine Bothmer
A Pressing Question Question:
Are those memory foam mattresses good for pressure relief? My Dad spends the majority of his time in bed and I was told he might get pressure sores.
Answer:
This is difficult to answer because there are a variety of risk factors that contribute to the development of pressure sores such as body mass, ability to change positions without help, how often the skin is exposed to moisture, and other factors. Some memory foam products can help distribute body weight so the pressure is not as concentrated on high risk areas such as where bones are close to the surface: head, shoulder blades, pelvic area, knees, ankles and heels; however, the thickness of the pad or mattress is also a factor in how well the pressure is distributed. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering memory foam for pressure relief: • Changing positions in bed, with or without help, can be more difficult because the mattress does not provide a firm surface to push against. • They can trap heat and moisture, increasing the chance of painful, itchy yeast infections of the skin and even skin breakdown. • A memory foam topper on top of a traditional mattress will change the height of the bed, increasing the risk of falling while getting into or out of bed. Also, if a person has to slide off the bed even an inch to reach the floor, the friction of the skin against the mattress can cause shearing injuries in seniors, damaging the skin and underlying tissues. Talk to your father’s healthcare provider. They can offer more suggestions and may even make a referral for an in-home evaluation and caregiver training to help you prevent pressure sores. Under certain circumstances, the visit is covered under Medicare/Medicaid.
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