KAUAI KUPUNA

Our Ohana Champion Cliflynn Bukoski By Kurt Akamine

Ohana Champions are employees who help make our mission (“Caring for Our Kupuna”) come alive by promoting the Ohana Experience – an organizational culture based on excellence and genuine care. These individuals are proven role models who exemplify our values in observable and tangible ways. They not only work hard; they positively impact the lives of those they serve and serve alongside. This elite group of employees (top half percent) were nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee made of leaders from across the organization. 24

With over 1400 employees statewide, Kauai’s became interested in cattle, she would bring own Cliflynn Bukoski was selected as the him in to visit with Kimo and they would talk 2020 Ohana Champion. With much pride story for hours, even on the weekend. and aloha, we congratulate Cliflynn for this well-deserved recognition. “Paulette” lived alone, and due to an accident, she required quite a bit of physical For anyone, whether for themselves or a and occupational therapy. Her goal was special person in their lives, navigating to return home as soon as possible. With through the complex healthcare maze is a her permission, the therapist and Cliflynn daunting feat. The rules surrounding medical visited her house to ensure it was safe necessity and insurance qualification can and accommodating given her physical be very burdensome for a person just trying limitation. However, they found the house to receive skilled nursing and rehabilitation to be disheveled and unsafe. The next day, care. Cliflynn has helped countless individuals While her tenacity Clifynn came to work in jeans and along with her through this process, not in helping people co-worker, they worked only lifting the burden of the cumbersome process work through the hard at cleaning her house and even bought items but doing so in such a logistical confusion is that would assist with her way that makes them feel valued and truly cared for. While her tenacity in helping people work through the logistical confusion is so welcomed, what sets Cliflynn apart is the compassionate care she demonstrates when interacting with each individual at Garden Isle Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (GIRHC). It is commonplace for her to spend goal to be independent. Rather than a thank you, Paulette called the police with the accusation that Cliflynn stole her valuables. Those items were later found where Paulette said she hid them and forgot where she placed them. Cliflynn vowed to never clean someone’s house again lest she be accused of a crime. so welcomed, what sets Cliflynn apart is the compassionate care she demonstrates when interacting with each individual… hours with residents that struggle with the It was only a few months later that Cliflynn, adjustment of being in a place other than despite being traumatized by the allegation, their home, away from their family or with a was back again helping a gentleman so that new diagnosis that is “rocking their world.” he could return home safely. Her husband Having gone through experiences with her Shaun commented that she is the strongest own family, Cliflynn’s empathetic approach and most selfless person he knows. allows her to express her genuine care in such a way that it is felt by those she encounters. The lives of the special individuals that Cliflynn is fortunate enough to serve “Kimo” worked as a cowboy until he retired. and be a part of is better because of He had no relatives on Kauai and during his her genuine care for people. The team stay at GIRHC, he did not have any visitors. members that get to work with her Cliflynn would “sneak” in a visit with him are so blessed and privileged to work whenever she had any spare moment just to alongside a true warrior for the kupuna talk story. When her elementary school son and our Ohana Champion!

8 Ways to Connect with Grandparents During a Pandemic

When physical and social distancing is necessary for everyone’s health, maintaining connection can be a challenge even for grandparents who live just down the street.

If you’re looking for new and inventive ways to maintain close relationships between generations, try these ideas. Have dinner together outside when schedules permit, spacing chairs more than six feet apart and enjoying time together. This is an easy way to stay connected with grandparents who live close by. Consider a regular weekly dinner date. Read A Book Together Set a time each day to call and read another chapter of a book together. This not only keeps the child connected with the grandparent, but also offers the benefits of reading aloud, such as building the vocabulary and creating a positive attitude towards reading. Play Online Games Just because you can’t get together in person doesn’t mean that game night is out of the question. Try online games such as Scrabble Go or Spyfall, or apps such as Together or Houseparty. Just as playing traditional board games offers educational benefits, online games can help develop skills such as vocabulary and math. Text And Email Have kids text and email grandparents. It’s a great way to practice writing while putting a smile on their faces.

Social Distancing Dinner Utilize the Post Office Receiving personal correspondence in the mail always brightens someone’s day. Sending mail is easier than ever- Touchnote is an app that allows families to create and send photo cards from a phone. As an added bonus, kids can learn the conventions of letter writing. Video Chat If you’re not already, consider using Zoom and FaceTime to keep grandparents and kids connected. Establish a weekly Zoom call with parents, aunties, uncles and children all participating on the same call. Take An Online Class Together Find a local online class that interests both kids and adults, such as yoga or dance, and register to take it together. Or check www.outschool.com for a variety of classes that appeal to different age groups, such as a themed cooking class. Create Online Artwork Together Zoom has a screen-sharing option that lets kids and grandparents create artwork together. What a fun way to connect.

Be Pono

5 Hawaiian Words To Redefine Health, Happiness And Power In Your Life Pono Aloha Aina Ohana Mana

Apply these concepts to your own life and your children’s.

Pono translates to righteousness. Living Pono means living “with a conscious decision to do the right thing in terms of self, others, and the environment.” The importance of pono, or doing what is morally right and selfless, is even found in the state’s motto,”Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono,” or “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” Aloha When you look up “aloha” in the Hawaiian dictionary every warm and fuzzy word in the English language pops up: love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity. Aloha is most often used as a greeting or parting phrase to create an atmosphere of friendliness and love, but the aloha spirit is a part of everything in Hawaii:

people surf with aloha, cook with aloha, and even write work emails with aloha. It’s as if people in Hawaii are constantly surrounded by an affirmation or mantra to live life with love. Aina means land. Life in Hawaii is lived outdoors -- malls, homes, offices, and even the airport are built with openair walkways, large windows, or lanais (balconies or patios) so you’re never fully indoors. Native Hawaiians see their identities and wellbeing entwined with the land, and so respecting it and living in it are of the utmost importance. Simply having lunch outside or taking a stroll through a park can help reconnect you to the aina. Ohana, as the movie Lilo & Stitch taught us, means family. The word comes from oha, which is the highly revered taro plant, and it signifies that all ohana come from the same root. No matter how distantly ancient Hawaiians were related, they recognized that they all came from the same root and thus were all part of the same family. Ohana is more generally used to describe any group of people with a common bond; people in Hawaii have a community ohana, a friends ohana, even a work ohana. One of the clearest findings from happiness research is that humans are social

creatures -- we need to feel like we’re part of a group and that we have support and security. Imagine how differently you would feel if you approached your work colleagues like they were your family. Mana translates to mean power, but the native Hawaiian concept of power doesn’t equate to material possessions or what floor your office is on. Mana is a life energy that flows through all things and is highly individual: you have a chance to gain or lose mana in everything you do. Having meaningful work to do, enjoying harmonious relationships with those around you, and being of service in some way all help to gather mana. Perhaps one of the best examples of mana can be seen in the late Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s life and career. The beloved Inouye was often described as softspoken, modest, and a man of integrity his mana led him to be the second longest-serving senator in U.S. history. His last word was “aloha.”

We are here to serve you. At HHSC - Kauai Region, providing quality care is important to us and we are excited to share with you big upgrades thoughout our Region with more to follow! Have a Safe Holiday Season. We are KAUA`I STRONG!

X-RAY RADIOLOGY NOW AT THE URGENT CARE AT POIPU We are a comprehensive Urgent Care located at the Shops at Kukui`ula and open daily to serve Kauai and our visitors. X-RAY Hours of operation open Mon-Fri 9:30am -6:00pm Urgent Care open daily Mon – Fri 8:30am to 7pm Sat – Sun, 8:00am to 4:30pm

(808) 742-0999

SMMH Emergency Department now includes a "Safe Room"

When someone arrives at the SMMH Emergency in acute distress, we are able to accommodate them safely and securely while being evaluated. www.kauai.hhsc.org HHSC Kauai Region

HAWAI`I HEALTH SYSTEMS KAUA`I REGION

WE ARE PREPARED!

New fuel tanks and generators were installed at KVMH and SMMH so we can continue to serve our communities with services when power interruption occurs.

SMMH Longterm Care receives resident room renovations

Our residents are important to us. With the newly renovated rooms, our healthcare workers, with attention to their safety, health and well-being can give them the security they need with the comfort of home.

who we are

HAWAI`I HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

KVMH Kaua`i Veterans Memorial Hospital SMMH Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital Urgent Care at Po`ipū Specialty Clinic at Kalaheo The Clinic at Kalaheo The Clinic at Kapa`a The Clinic at Port Allen The Clinic at Waimea

NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD 2020 SMMH received the 2020 Bronze award for their commitment to quality. www.ahcancal.org/qualityaward

by Michael Lutwin, DDS, Kalaheo Dental Group If you’ve recently lost your dental insurance, we want you to know that there are several options available for you to get the care that you need to keep a healthy mouth and bright smile. Here’s what you should know:

1.

If you’ve lost insurance due to job loss, check with your former employer to see if you qualify for a COBRA plan. Dental premiums under COBRA may only require a small monthly fee.

2.

If you’re thinking about joining Hawaii’s Medicaid Quest program, it’s important to know that for adults, Quest only covers emergency treatments like extractions. It does not cover routine dentistry like cleanings, check-ups, cavity fillings, etc. Visit Quest’s website for information.

3.

4.

Hawaii Dental Service, HDS, is expected to offer a Medicaid Quest Supplemental insurance program as of Jan. 1, 2021. Individuals on Quest may be able to purchase this supplement to make services beyond extractions more affordable. For information, contact HDS at 1-844-379-4325.

If you’re over age 65, or otherwise eligible for Medicare, you may purchase a supplemental dental insurance policy, such as Humana or HMSA’s Medicare supplement. HDS may also soon be offering a supplemental dental insurance for Medicare recipients. Finally, talk to your dentist. They are best suited and happy to work with you to find the best solution for you and your ohana.

Keeping Your Ohana Safe During Covid-19

At Kalaheo Dental Group, you’ll receive care in a safe, clean, and comfortable setting. We have staff who are highly trained in infection control, increased disinfecting rounds, more hand sanitizer stations, distanced seating in waiting areas, office flow that minimizes patient-to-patient contact, and disinfectants and sterilization techniques proven to kill harmful pathogens.

We’d love to care for you and your family. We’re accepting new patients.

• Family dentistry • Friendly, local staff • Same-week scheduling • Most major insurances accepted • NOW ACCEPTING HUMANA • Easy payment plans • Lost insurance? We can help!

Make an appointment today at (808) 332-9445. Rainbow Plaza 2-2514 Kaumualii Hwy., Suite 204 Kalaheo, HI 96741 kalaheodental.com

We love our community! We support local nonprofits, provide school presentations, and host the annual Halloween Candy Buy Back and Keiki Art Contest.