This week we welcome Pastor Bill Staton, a retired veteran and veterans’ services counselor on Maui, to the podcast. Originally, Bill’s job was helping veterans navigate the complex systems of veterans’ financial benefits. However, Bill quickly realized the need to advocate for the holistic needs of veterans returning from conflicts and their families.

Bill talks about challenges faced by veterans, including an ingrained military culture of not complaining, which can make it difficult for many veterans to ask for help. We discuss how the perseverance of the Nisei veterans and their families reshaped perceptions of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Bill addresses the ongoing reluctance among Gulf War veterans to seek support.

Bill breaks down the various benefits available to our veterans, including the important question of where to begin. We cover medical care through the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, long term care, burial services, support groups, and education under the GI Bill.

Pastor Bill Staton’s candid observations reflect a deep commitment to advocate on behalf of our veterans.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Evolution of veteran services from financial applications to holistic support
• Nisei veterans' impact on PTSD perception and compensation
• Challenges Gulf War veterans face in seeking PTSD support
• Overview of veteran benefits, including medical care, compensation, burial, long term care
• Importance of tailored support for National Guard and Reserve members

Note: Bill observed in the interview that when he was working, Hale Makua Health Services did not have a contract with the VA due to a difference in pharmacy packaging. We reached out to Hale Makua and were happy to learn that they do now have a contract with the VA, and residents are able to fill prescriptions with the VA if they choose.

Resources from this Episode

Veterans Service Council, 333 Dairy Road, Kahului, Maui: Start Here!

Community Based Outreach Clinic (CBOC) - Maui Clinic: Find out if you are eligible for medical care

Vets Center - Rehab & Counseling Center in Maui Lani

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What happens if tutu loses the capacity to make her own decisions? Who can make those decisions for her? In this solo episode of the Taking Care of Tutu podcast, we review what happens if tutu has not made prior legal arrangements, such as a power of attorney or an advance health-care directive.

Specifically, we’ll discuss the process of filing a court case to establish a Conservatorship and/or Guardianship in Hawaii. Like always, we’ll remind you of why it’s better to have legal arrangements in place before you need them to avoid court proceedings.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is a Conservatorship and Guardianship in Hawaii, and who needs one?
• What can we do now to avoid Conservatorships and Guardianships?
• What is the legal process to petition for a Conservatorship and Guardianship?
• What are the duties of a court-appointed Guardian or Conservator? Can they do whatever they want without notifying the Court? (Spoiler Alert: No!)
• Role of Hawaii's Office of the Public Guardian for individuals without a support network
• Emergency orders for Guardianship or Conservatorship in urgent situations, such as fraud

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

This week on the Taking Care of Tutu podcast we’re happy to have Kathleen Couch, program coordinator & caregiver at Maui Adult Day Care Centers. We’ll learn about the four locations for Maui Adult Day Care Centers, how they differ, and the services provided. Kathleen shares her 20 years of experience working with seniors to teach us how to enhance communication with loved ones experiencing Alzheimer's or dementia, and how embracing their perceptions can maintain their dignity and comfort.

We hear about how the centers not only support clients but also serve as a reprieve for caregivers, which ultimately benefits the clients and their families. Kathleen discusses the fees for Maui Adult Day Care Centers and also highlights scholarship programs from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Maui County Office of Aging that provide free essential services, from meals to transportation. With a focus on helping clients and their caregivers create supportive networks, Kathleen helps us cherish the collective journey of caregiving.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Maui Adult Daycare's services, including flexible hours and sundowning sessions.
• Strategies for effective communication with Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
• The role of day care centers in supporting caregivers and providing respite.
• Community resilience and support during challenging times, including wildfire recovery.
• Scholarship programs and resources available through Hawaii Community Foundation and Maui County Office of Aging.

Resources from this Episode

www.madcc.org

808-871-5804

Annual Caregiver Walk on Saturday October 19 at Queen Kaahumanu Center (7am-11am)

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join us this week on the Taking Care of Tutu Podcast as we sit down with Teana Kahoohanohano and Alohi Gomes from Hale Makua Health Services. Teana and Alohi share what motivated them to work at Hale Makua and their commitment to giving back to our local kūpuna. We think you’ll be surprised by the variety of services Hale Makua offers–from skilled nursing to the Kalele program, designed to ease residents' transition from residential care to the comfort of their homes.

We learn about the complexities of navigating care transitions and the vital role that social services can play in ensuring smooth transitions and preventing rehospitalization. Our conversation highlights the importance of accurate information and collaboration among families, insurance providers, and healthcare professionals to streamline the discharge planning process. We discuss common misconceptions about Medicaid and property ownership, aiming to provide clarity for families making critical care decisions.

Teana and Alohi describe Hale Makua’s unique "neighborhood" organization, which fosters a homey, inclusive atmosphere and encourages residents to engage in meaningful activities and relationships. From dietary accommodations to security protocols, every aspect of resident care is carefully considered. We hear stories of connection and dedication, such as finding comfort in a Monday Night Football game, that illustrate the bonds formed between staff and residents. Tune in to learn how Hale Makua's team goes above and beyond to ensure every resident feels valued and at home.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What services does Hale Makua offer?
• What are some misconceptions about Medicaid and property ownership?
• What is the role of social services in discharge planning and collaboration with families and insurance providers?
• What is it like to live at Hale Makua? How is it set up, what is there to do, and what is there to eat?
• How does the Hale Makua team keep residents safe and well cared for?

Resources from this Episode

https://www.halemakua.org/

808-873-6600

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

We're thrilled to welcome Debbie Priest and Clint Langham from Roselani Place to the podcast! Roselani Place, located in Kahului, is Maui's only licensed assisted living and memory care community. Debbie and Clint guide us through the comprehensive services offered at Roselani Place, which spans independent living to enhanced memory care.

Debbie and Clint explain the differences between independent and assisted living, highlighting their state certification and the support Roselani provides for daily activities and medication management. They also describe the engaging community environment and the array of daily activities designed to keep residents active and secure, ensuring peace of mind for families.

Finally, we delve into the amenities offered at Roselani Place, including beauty services, excursions, and a diverse dining experience. Learn how the team tailors support for residents with cognitive decline and hear their dedication to making Roselani Place a welcoming and secure home for Maui's kupuna.

Resources from this Episode

https://roselaniplace.com

808-871-7720

Facebook - Roselani Place

Instagram - Roselani Place

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Many of our clients express their wish to age in place. But what if home is no longer the best place for them? Can a senior with reclusive tendencies transform into a vibrant, active community member?

Now that we have an understanding of Medicaid in Hawaii, let’s take a look at the senior living facilities we have here on Maui. Starting us off, we’ll hear from Tim Johnston, sales representative at Kalama Heights in Kihei. Tim describes the persistent efforts of the Kalama Heights activity coordinator, illustrating the profound benefits of engaging seniors in communal activities.

Tim walks us through the offerings of Kalama Heights, including the amenities and services available, such as chef-cooked meals, maintenance services, and weekly housekeeping. Learn how additional services like physical therapy and nursing care further support the lives of the residents. We'll also discuss the inclusive and supportive community environment, where peer encouragement and the inclusion of pets play a crucial role in maintaining a high quality of life for seniors.

Resources from this Episode

https://www.kalamaheights.com/

808-879-1500

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In our last episode of Taking Care of Tutu, we learned what tutu is allowed to own and still qualify for Medicaid in Hawaii. But what if tutu has more than that? What if she has a house, or more than $2000? Does she have any options?

On this episode of "Taking Care of Tutu," we’ll discuss tutu’s options to qualify for Medicaid while still preserving her hard-earned savings. From investing in a prepaid funeral plan to making crucial home improvements and even acquiring a new vehicle, we will explore practical methods to convert assets that Medicaid counts into assets that Medicaid exempts. These strategies will help tutu meet Medicaid's stringent requirements while also offering tangible benefits to her family.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Strategies to convert countable assets into exempt ones for Medicaid eligibility
• Examples of spending down assets, such as prepaid funeral plans, home improvements, specialized vehicles
• Understanding the Medicaid exemption that allows someone to give a house to their adult child
• Rules and penalties for transferring properties to children, siblings, or children with disabilities
• Exploring Medicaid's five-year look-back period and its impact on asset gifting

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We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

If you’ve ever tried to google how to qualify for Medicaid, you know it’s SO confusing. Even though Medicaid is a federal program, it’s a little bit different in every state. It’s so common for our clients to leave their Medicaid google search more confused than when they began it!

Can tutu own a home? A car? A bank account? A pension? What happens if she gives it away?

In this episode, we’ll go through the Hawaii rules covering what you are allowed to own to qualify for Medicaid.

Haven’t heard of Medicaid? It’s the program that pays for an incapacitated senior’s stay at a nursing home, such as Hale Makua or Kula San, or adult foster care. It’s different than the medical insurance program, Medicare (confusing, right?). Medicare might pay for a short stay at a nursing home, if you are rehabbing from surgery for example, but it won’t pay for a long term stay.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Hawaii-specific Medicaid regulations
• Eligibility criteria
• What does Medicaid actually cover in Hawaii?
• What does not count toward tutu’s Medicaid eligibility?
• What if tutu is married? Can she get medicaid?

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.