Independence and dignity are two basic human rights that all should be able to enjoy, regardless of the changing circumstances in life. This fact should by no means change as one matures and grows older. Yet, sadly, these are often the first two things to be left behind as one finds themselves or a loved one needing additional assistance to accomplish their daily needs. Finding adequate care, compassion, as well as achieving the delicate balance of allowing one to retain independence and dignity can feel overwhelming.
But for those living on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, they need not look no further than the beautiful and tranquil Windward Side. Lush and green, with the ever changing Ko‘olau Mountains standing sentry, Kīnā ʻOle Estate offers an alternative to the often thought of “hospital atmosphere” of nursing care homes. Located in Kāneʻohe, away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and it’s accompanying traffic and noise, Kina Ole Estate provides an oasis focused on treating and caring for the entire being of our senior loved ones, that of their mind, body and soul.
Housed in an intimate setting, there are no more than 8 seniors in each residence, allowing the competent and compassionate staff members the opportunity to know and care for each resident on a personal level, recognizing in them the person, not just the patient. This community focused treatment creates a welcoming environment for it’s senior residents to thrive while being cared for by capable, trained medical professionals.
Kīnā ʻOle Estate’s director, Elizabeth Slavens, is quoted as saying “We are not a big business. We are a small community that takes care of one another.” For anyone looking into the prospect of moving an aging loved one into a care facility, this certainly is a fresh and welcomed perspective. Moving away from the institutionalized care home standards, Kīnā ʻOle Estates proves a senior care residence that allows and encourages residents to live meaningful lives while at the same time providing daily care for their specifically changing needs.
Combining specialization in Memory Care, an Adult Residential Care Home, and Respite Services, Kīnā ʻOle Estate provides the care that so many are in desperate need of. This comes as a relief to many facing this delicate decision. In an industry that is all too often money driven, to know a loved ones care is instead based on human compassion and kindness, sounds almost too good to be true. But one trip over any of the 3 highways coming over from the west side, the Pali highway, Likelike or the H3, one will be transported instantly to a quieter way of life. Immediately upon exiting one of the tunnels, the breathtaking view of Kailua and Kāneʻohe unfold before your eyes. The natural beauty surrounding the facility alone is enough for one looking for a care home to exhale a little bit. The windward side of Oahu is known for it’s ever present trade winds, daily rain showers that typically last no more than a few minutes, just long enough to feed and nourish the flora and fauna that abounds, and a pristine blue sky that frames the majestic Ko‘olau Mountains. This natural beauty calms the mind, heart and soul just by simply being in it’s presence. Kīnā ʻOle Estate simply builds on this already existing healing environment by providing a home for those who need just a little bit more than merely a place to live. But rather, a place to live well.