Elder Care in Kurtistown, Hawaii

Aloha my name is Charissa and I would love to share with you some insight into my life experiences and the reasons for caring/nurturing of the elderly. I am from a small college/retirement town, Hilo, on the island of Hawai'i. I am part Native Hawaiian and part Caucasian. I was raised within a family that holds cultural beliefs and traditions as a way of life. My paternal grandparents were amazing individuals who loved and nurtured each of their children as if they were the most precious gifts that anyone could possibly have. Family values were strongly adhered to by all and they exuded a warmth of "Aloha" that was infectious. Well-known pillars in their respective communities and here, in Hilo, they brought a sense of belonging that one gets when welcomed with open arms and hearts. Music, church-life, family unity, and community events gave others an opportunity to see the "real" Island life at work. 'oponopono, daily bread baking, live stock raising, laundering/mending for the service men stationed nearby, Kapa (quilting) making, and outreach work within the community as well as the outer islands. These are just a few things that shine brightly through the generations and have rooted within our familial ties. When Granma was 80, she was still helping her grandchildren raise their children. At 90, she was still quilting, baking, and laundering. I was very fortunate to be the one to care for her and help with personal grooming, hygiene, and companionship until she required more care. My job search landed me a housekeeping job for an elderly couple that blossomed into a 10 year relationship which grew into grooming, hygiene, cosmetology, and "grandparents", to my youngest, who is now 14. What better way to give back to those that loved and nurtured you than by being physically present, offering up ways for them to remain independent, finding ways in which to communicate so they feel adequate and competent. While the body and mind, especially, can be very cruel, it is important that they feel safe, loved, respected, appreciated, and worthy of a good and decent life. I pray that when my "Senior" years arrive that I will be fortunate enough to have someone who is willing to fight for me, go to any length to help prepare me for daily routines, offer solutions to my ailing body and mind, provide me with compassion and understanding, yet, allow me, to be me in spite of my limitations. Our Kupuna deserve to be treated with love and respect, NO MATTER WHAT!!!~ If I can help my Granma, others, and my Dad then I know I must be doing something right. Seniors need a voice and someone to go the extra mile for them for they are unable to do it for themselves. Unconditionally love outweighs and cancels all the negativity surrounding the aging. If I have touched you in any way and you feel that I may be able to help, please do NOT hesitate to call, email, or cry out to me, I will be here for you when you need me. God bless you and remember that you are never alone...A Hui Hou.