Non‑Discrimination Policy
Reese Family Shares Praise
Posted September 28, 2016
Bill Reese and his wife of 64 years were pen pals during World War II. The two finally met after Bill's military career ended and they fell in love. Bill's military training as a mechanic led him to a long career at Westinghouse as a Tool and Dye Maker. After retiring, he taught himself to make Nantucket Lightship baskets and then he and his wife taught classes for 25 years. After his wife's passing in 2010, Bill visited Maui to spend time with his daughter, Carol Kennedy. His four month visit turned into a permanent residency. In January 2016, Bill was admitted to Rehab with Hale Makua and shortly afterwards was admitted into our nursing home.
In a letter dated September 7, 2016, Carol shares her family's experience with our hardworking staff:
Analynne,
You were the leader of an amazing team in the Pikake neighborhood while Bill Reese was a resident in your care. A team is often only as god as the leadership, so I realize what an asset you are to Hale Makua.
One of the comments our friends said after visiting Dad was that they found the staff to be uncommonly helpful and friendly. If they arrived while Dad was getting care, there would be sounds of laughter and genuine happiness coming from the room. Those kinds of attitudes and behaviors are not something you can require in a contract; it comes from the environment leadership has created. You are to be congratulated for nurturing this attitude in the Pikake neighborhood.
There are a few individuals I would like to specifically mention who made a difference in Dad's life and mine.
We have previously identified Carme as an angel and our opinion of her has not faded. Dad seemed to develop the strongest bond with her and we cannot begin to repay her kindness to Dad.
I know you must appreciate the strength that Roger brings to the team. His gender allows him the opportunity to connect with male residents in a unique way. He provided care for my father in a very professional and calm, understanding manner. His assistance on Dad's final evening will not be forgotten.
Deana seemed to always be there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Even though I knew the end was coming, some days I just handled it better than others. On those days when I did not handle it well, Deana was caring while being professional. Her common sense approach was a welcome perspective and I was totally comfortable with her nursing skills and knowledge. She is a strong player on your team and if I had to pick a team, she would be my quarterback.
Joni never once complained when I asked her to schedule, re-schedule or re-re-schedule appointments for my dad. Support staff with a positive attitude is worth their weight in gold.
Lucky never failed to bring a smile to Dad's face. Her encouragement for Dad was genuine and her care-giving was exceptional.
Julie Hoy was helpful in many ways. There were many "firsts" that we encountered and Julie was always able to guide us and get whatever assistance we needed.
Food service was great. Dad found the variety and quality to be better than what he had at Kalama Heights. Who would guess that chow fun would become his favorite food!
The facility was always clean and the individuals responsible for cleaning the rooms and common areas were always courteous and considerate. While these individuals are seldom recognized, their efforts are appreciated.
I have not mentioned everyone by name but the entire team contributed to a very comfortable environment. Omission of a name does not imply that we did not appreciate them. Not once did I regret the decision we made to admit Dad to Hale Makua and place him in your care.
Aloha and mahalo,
Carol Kennedy
Daughter of William "Bill" Reese