LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Adult Day Center, located on Kress Street near Hamura’s Saimin and in the back of the Lihu‘e Christian Church, joins other adult day centers across the country in observing the third week of September as National Adult Day Services Week.
The week in September, observed annually since President Ronald Regan proclaimed it in 1983, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact, availability, and accessibility of Adult Day Programs, nationwide. The observance also highlights programs and services that are positively impacting and enhancing the lives of seniors.
To this end, Kaua‘i Adult Day Center added the celebration of Grandparents/Kupuna Day with a theme of “Grandparents are the Footsteps to Future Generations” to honor and acknowledge the joy, wisdom, love, and guidance kupuna bring to people’s lives every single day.
“As the aging population continues to increase both in Hawai‘i, and nationally, it is imperative that communities continue to have access to Adult Say Service professionals who can provide safe, engaging, and quality programs for kupuna,” said Kaulana Mossman, program director of the Kaua‘i Adult Day Center. “It is an incredible honor, and privilege to have the opportunity of providing a meaningful experience for kupuna, and respite for caregivers at the Kaua‘i Adult Day Center.”
The appearance of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was a welcome visit for the kupuna who normally do not have an opportunity to meet with the mayor. His visit was especially enhanced with a basket of Cuties that were brought to his office by the Employees Council to celebrate the equinox and the end of summer, a special gift in the hot, humid afternoon.
The Kaua‘i Adult Day Center provides specialized individualized care through fun and meaningful experiences like the mayor having a dance with Kaua‘i Adult Day Center client Matsuko Uyeda as Imogene Richards crooned “Only You” through a karaoke website.
“We recognize the importance of these quality services and do not take this responsibility lightly,” Mossman said. “On behalf of the Kaua‘i Adult Day Center team, we extend our greatest appreciation to the caregivers, families, volunteers, stakeholders, and community partners who bestow on us, the gift of time with Kupuna. Our hearts are full.”
In addition to spending time with the kupuna, Kawakami also presented special ‘Ohana Pacific Health-prepared Certificates of Appreciation to the Kaua‘i Adult Day Center for their individual efforts at keeping the day center’s clients healthy with engaging and quality programs.
