Is Palolo Chinese Home only for Chinese?
No – PCH is open to men and women regardless of race, religion and national origin. PCH serves primarily frail elders but has no age minimums or limits. Admission is based on functional abilities and nursing care needs. Each potential resident is assessed individually by a member of the nursing staff. The word “Chinese” in our name not only reflects our early beginnings of caring for aging plantation workers, but also the Chinese philosophy of filial piety and benevolence towards the elderly, which continues to this day.
How long has Palolo Chinese Home been in Hawaii?
The Palolo Chinese Home originated in the 19th century through the efforts of Hawaii’s community unified by values of respect for the aged. In 1896, 326 Chinese immigrants to Hawaii joined together to provide for others less fortunate who had grown too old or infirmed to continue working Hawaii’s plantations and ranches. Known first as Wai Wah Yee Yin Chinese Hospital, the first facility was founded in 1897 in Kapalama near Honolulu’s Chinatown. Need soon outstripped this modest beginning and many elderly Chinese were again forced to sleep in Chinese family or district organization halls. Additional funds were raised from the community and in 1917 the organization acquired 15 acres in the rural area of Palolo Valley. It was then known as the Palolo Chinese Old Men’s Home. Since inception, the Home and its predecessor the Chinese Hospital, had served men of all ethnicities. Palolo Chinese Home was expanded to include women residents in 1972.
What services does PCH provide?
- Rehabilitation
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Skilled and Intermediate Nursing Care
- Adult Residential Care Home (Type II)
- Adult Day Care
- Hospice Services
- Day and Overnight Respite
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Hawaii Neighborhood Outreach to the Aged (HiNOA)
- Information and Referral Service
- Home Care
- Companionship and Personal Care/Bathing
- Home Delivered Meals
- Residential House Cleaning
What kind of activities does PCH provide?
Therapeutic, social, educational, recreational and other specific activities are provided and include:
- Daily exercise as tolerated by the participant and/or prescribed by the doctor
- Hand-eye coordination activities
- Opportunities for creative expression through arts and crafts
- Facilitated reading of magazines and books
- Listening to music and watching travel/educational television programs
- Inter-generational activities with students and others from within the community
- Participation in group functions
What kinds of foods does PCH serve?
PCH provides balanced meals prepared by PCH’s Dietary Department under the supervision of a licensed Dietician. Our menu includes a wide variety of cultural and local foods. Special diets can be accommodated and appropriate snacks are provided between meals.
Click to here see our menu currently offered at Palolo Chinese Home
What is the admission process?
Call (808) 748-4911 during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30pm (Hawaii Standard Time) for a tour of the facility with our Admission Coordinator or to have materials mailed/emailed to you. Completed application, physical exam report and 2 – step TB clearance are required to advance the admission process. Admission is dependent upon availability of space. Generally it is possible to move an applicant in within a few days or weeks at the most.
How is medication ordered and charged?
PCH under a doctor’s supervision will oversee the filing or reordering of prescribed medications or supplies. PCH recommends the use of its contracted pharmacy. Residents or family representatives who wish to obtain medicines on their own or who chose to use a non-contract pharmacy should notify the Admission Coordinator prior to the date of admission. Non-contract pharmacy should provide pharmacy labels for all medication including over-the-counter supplements, vitamins and herbal medications clearly placed on the original containers with doctor’s orders and diagnosis to the Charge Nurse at the time of admission. In either case, the cost of medications and supplies is the responsibility of the resident and/or representative unless covered by Medicare or other insurances, which will be reviewed by the Admission Coordinator.
Can residents be taken out-on-pass?
Yes. Unless contraindicated by the resident’s physician, a resident may leave when accompanied by relatives or friends for short periods or even overnight(s) as long as proper notice of such absence is given. A Leave of Absence form must be completed and signed before any resident can be absent overnight.
Is there a registration pass?
Yes – we charge only for Adult Residential Care Home, Overnight Respite and Senior Day Care. Residents being admitted or entering PCH for the first time will be charged a non-refundable application-processing fee in addition to the amount due for the first month of service. In certain circumstances this fee may be waived. You may discuss this with our Admissions Coordinator.
What are the visiting hours?
Anyone may visit a resident of Palolo Chinese Home with a pre-approved appointment scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. For visits scheduled outside of normal business hours, we request that visitors call if they expect to arrive on campus before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Visitors are required to check-in at our electronic kiosks with each visit. Visiting is allowed only in the public reception and/or common areas. Visitors may see residents at bedside only after obtaining the Charge Nurse’s permission. Visitors with contagious or communicable conditions must not visit the Home. All visits are subject to the approval of Palolo Chinese Home staff.
Is Palolo Chinese Home a provider for Medicaid and Medicare?
Yes, PCH is both certified and licensed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). PCH is also rated by Nursing Home Compare, which is an official government Star Rating system for Nursing Homes. PCH is proud to be a 5 star facility in 2012, 2015, and 2016.