Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani

Connie Kissinger wrote the following testimonial about the care her mother receives at Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani.

Dear Judy (Knutson, wellness director),

My mother, Dorothy Burger, moved to Pohai Nani in July. She had become quite reclusive with mild Alzheimer’s and Meniere’s disease, spending most of her time watching TV. Mom’s only exercise was short walks to the nearby market, bank and bus stop. Whenever, I was in town, we would go walking at the park. But with her sedentary lifestyle, her strength and steadiness on her feet continued to decline over the past few years.

It is amazing that after only two months at Pohai Nani, she had blossomed. Her walking was noticeably stronger and energy level much improved. She enjoys the exercise classes, activities (especially bingo and mah jong) and outings. Mom has made new friends. She even looks younger! At almost 90, it’s as though she has a new lease on life.

Mahalo for the special attention you have given her so she could stay in your strength, balance and stretch class. Her exercise routine has greatly improved her mobility. I never dreamed that mom’s quality of life could be so fulfilling at her age. Pohai Nani has been the greatest blessing to our family this year.

In gratitude,

Connie Kissinger

Resident Bill Lowrey, resident since January 2008

Bill came to Pohai Nani after his wife, Carolyn, died. Bill and Carolyn had lived in Hawaii for 35 years and moved to Squim, Wash., where they resided for 7 years. But, the weather in Squim was beginning to get cold and he decided to move back to Hawaii. Bill decided Pohai Nani would be the place for him to be. He knew he did not want to worry about cooking and cleaning and Pohai Nani had the amenities and location he was looking for.

Bill enjoys the food, the exercise room and most of all sitting on his balcony and enjoying the view of the Koolau Mountains and sitting in the blue room, which looks out over the ocean.

When Bill first moved to Pohai Nani, he did not have a car with him. Pohai Nani had a bus trip scheduled to go out to Sunset Beach and a packed lunch. Bill signed up for that tour and had a great time. It was a wonderful way to begin to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hawaii again and a wonderful benefit for residents. He also enjoys having the ability to visit with family and friends at his leisure.

Staff member Nuni Waiolama

Nuni Waiolama has worked at Pohai Nani for 33 years. Her journey began in September 1978 as a waitress in the dining room, then a co-hostess and finally for the last 15 years, a Cook III. Nuni had just been laid off by her former employer when the employment agency called and asked how she would feel about working with seniors. Nuni responded that she would love to work with all kinds of people and has been at Pohai Nani ever since. Nuni fondly remembers residents and co-workers who have passed. She enjoys the ability to be the source of sunshine for residents by speaking with them and getting them to laugh as she gets breakfast ready for the them. She even planned a wedding reception for residents who were married here at Pohai Nani.

Staff member Reid Watanabe

Reid Watanabe began working in the dietary department as a dishwasher since 2001. While working at Pohai Nani, he applied for a scholarship from Good Sam to attend nursing school. Reid graduated as a registered nurse in 2009 and transferred to our health services department.Reid first came to Pohai Nani because of its proximity to home. Having previously worked with people, he knew this was his calling. He enjoyed working with residents in the care center and listening to the stories residents shared.

Staff member Brian Monahan

Brian has been a Pohai Nani employee since 1999. Brian was told of an opening at Pohai Nani by the director of nursing at a Good Samaritan Society center in Sioux Falls, S.D. At the time of this opening, Brian was almost ready to move to the mainland and start another chapter of his life. Brian considered the position at Pohai Nani as a new opportunity and really liked the idea of working for the first time in geriatics. 

The residents never stop surprising Brian with their stories of their life experiences. Sometimes they are not always who they seem to be. Even at their age of 80s and 90s, they still have plans and goals for their futures. Our staff members are so diverse that the melting pot of different cultures allows us to learn something all the time. It is a good example of people of different faiths and cultures living and working together.