St. Francis

by Nathan Hokama The presence and involvement of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities continue to have a positive influence on St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. We are fortunate to have two jubilarians working among us: Sister William Marie Eleniki, OSF, and Sister Norise Kaiser, OSF, who each recently celebrated 50 [...]

The loss of a loved one is a trying experience.  Most people experience a range of powerful emotions: anger, fear, loneliness, and sadness are normal parts of the grieving process.  Many people report feeling as if they are the only ones who have ever felt this way, and they wonder if life will ever return [...]

by Nathan Hokama It can be challenging to demonstrate the love of God to those who may not be able to reciprocate any love in return, who may think you’re a stranger to be feared, or who may even be violent and lash out against you. These are the types of patients and clients St. [...]

by Nathan Hokama  The St. Francis Healthy Lifestyles Program (HeLP) has successfully merged food security, Hawaiian cultural preservation, and health education all into one by offering experiences in aquaponics. Aquaponics is a sustainable system of food production that combines aquaculture with hydroponics.  Aquaculture involves raising aquatic animals such as fish or shrimps, and hydroponics is [...]

How we relate to our patients and their families is often a reflection of how we treat each other within St. Francis Healthcare System. When employees on the frontline who are providing direct patient care feel supported and respected, this is often transferred to those who are entrusted in our care through a referring physician [...]

Many people believe that choosing hospice care for someone with a serious illness means that they are “giving up hope”.  This mistaken thinking can lead to greater financial and emotional stress for the person dealing with an illness, and his or her caregivers, family, and other loved ones.  This article from agingcare.com discusses the kinds of difficulties electing hospice [...]

For Christians, Lent is a time of preparation for the Resurrection.  If fasting is part of your normal Lenten observance, you may have been thinking of giving something up for the season—coffee, chocolate, soda, and desserts seem to be popular fasting choices.  While giving up small pleasures for Lent is a good practice, it might [...]

by Hathan Hokama   “Golden apples in silver settings are words spoken at the proper time.” – Proverbs 25:11   Every St. Francis Hospice volunteer brings a special presence into the lives of our hospice patients. Their role is invaluable in making the final months, days and moments of our patients a special, rewarding experience.  Whether [...]

by Elder Care Link Whether we want it to be or not, caregiving for a loved one is a full-time job. As most of our parents would like to remain at home when they age, there comes a time when we cannot possibly provide all of the care and assistance they require.   Rather than [...]

Is your mom a “collector”?  Does Dad find it difficult to throw anything away?  Sometimes, our parents’ love for mementoes of happy times is simply a wish to remember, and harms neither them nor anyone else.  Sometimes, though, this behavior may be a sign of hoarding, which can be unhealthy and even become dangerous.  This [...]