Rena Hwang Story

Palolo Chinese Home Helps Ease the Transition to a New Home for Everyone in the Family

If given a choice, most seniors would prefer to “age in place” in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, even if it means they can receive quality care in a residential care setting. Adult children also feel the tension. They may have conflicting emotions and thoughts about having to relocate their parents from their homes.

Rena Hwang knows that all too well.  She recently shared her firsthand experiences at a recent donor appreciation event at Palolo Chinese Home.

“I have friends and colleagues who are in similar situations, like our family, needing caregiving help for their loved ones. It’s a reoccurring theme: family members are deeply reluctant to leave their home and the children are concerned their parents will not adjust well in a different environment,” Rena said.

Fortunately, Rena is able to provide words of consolation and wisdom, speaking from personal experience after having been through such a major transition herself with Palolo Chinese Home. Click here to read more about Rena’s story.

“My parents were dedicated, hard-working, and gave much to raise my brother and me. As they approached their 80s, we expected some day we would need to provide care for them. When our mother and father’s health declined, both could no longer live independently. We knew in their hearts that their desire was to remain in their own home. We were faced with a difficult decision. But the most important priority was to safeguard their health and well-being. That is when we turned to Palolo Chinese Home and they entered as residents,” Rena recalls.

“Coincidentally, our 87-year-old, single uncle also could no longer live independently. He entered Palolo shortly after to be closer to his sister. Having three of our family members at Palolo at once was unexpected,” she added.

It is not always an easy transition for seniors or their children.

“While change is always tough, Palolo has helped our family integrate into their new environment over time. Their flexibility and openness to allow family members to visit loved ones at their convenience has turned our visits into a family affair. The staff is welcoming and greets their residents and family members by their name. They are accommodating and arrange areas for families to hold special occasions,” said Rena, who freely shares this with others who are undergoing the same transitional challenges.

The high standards of care and attention at Palolo Chinese Home helped ease Rena and her brother’s concerns about the new place for their parents and uncle.

“Our parents and uncle required different levels of care. Each of them was provided with a comfortable and caring environment,” Rena said. “We have admired the entire staff for their passion and commitment.  It is a difficult job they have,” Rena said.

“The close relationships they have with the residents and their family members are really nice. We feel that that’s the foundation of what makes Palolo successful,” she added.

“Since our parents and uncle entered the Home, the warm environment and improvements of the facility Palolo has made has turned into their family home,” Rena said. “I’d like to thank Palolo Chinese Home for all they’ve done for our family.  While our mom and uncle have passed, Palolo continues to care for our father today.  He’s a trooper and tells us everyone is good to him.”

Thank you, Rena, for allowing Palolo Chinese Home to serve you and your family!