Notice of Non‑Discrimination and Notification of Rights Under Title VI
Resident Enjoys Cooking for Himself
Posted August 24, 2016
A few years ago when Michel Poissant became a resident of Hale Makua, he was quiet, he kept to himself and rarely would you find him outside of his room. But today, you could walk into the Wailuku campus and chances are you’ll either be greeted by Mr. Poissant at the main entrance, or you'll find him in the kitchen, doing what he loves most… cooking! This is all thanks to the love and dedication for a few of our Wailuku care partners and volunteer, Lillian Murakami.
Over a year ago, Michel indicated wanting freedom to eat foods that he loved and was craving. Kelly McGinnis, Social Services Assistant, started cooking with Michel, because it inspired Mr. Poissant to remain active, out of bed and in an enthused spirit. Other care partners have stepped up and cook with Michel when Kelly is unable.
Now, three years later, Michel goes out and shops for his favorite foods, like pizza, pasta, chicken, seafood, and steak, and Kelly along with other care partners like Delva Valdez and Mona Ordono help him 2-3 times a week to prepare his meals.
This is an excellent example of Eden Alternative Principle 6: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health, and Principle 8: An Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority; seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them.