Hawaii’s Sisters of St. Francis continue their pioneering healthcare with ‘holistic’ homes for low-income elderly

By Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz | Hawaii Catholic Herald

“When they called us, I said ‘Yay!’”

Eulalia Chang sits at her dining table, recalling the excitement she felt when she and her husband Arthur learned they would be moving into Franciscan Vistas Ewa. Surrounded by framed photos of their family, statues of angels and saints, and handmade placemats and jewelry, the Changs happily bask in the warmth of the new apartment they now call home.

“It is beautiful,” Arthur said. “It’s a place where we can sit back, relax and enjoy life.”

The Changs are pioneer residents of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii’s new 149-unit senior independent living community in leeward Oahu. Franciscan Vistas Ewa opened its doors in late January to welcome 14 new tenants and more than 300 prospective visitors since.

A project conceived by the local Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities almost a decade ago, Franciscan Vistas Ewa strives to create a new model for senior housing, blending affordable amenities with the religious order’s 128-year-old island legacy of health ministry.

Continuation of mission

Franciscan Vistas Ewa lies in a serene nook on the Ewa plain, a few side streets off Renton Road. It sits on former plantation land that St. Francis Healthcare System purchased in 2003.

Around the time the land was acquired, the Sisters had been interested in offering more services to Hawaii’s seniors. St. Francis Healthcare System currently sponsors numerous health and wellness initiatives, hospice and other programs. Creating affordable senior housing seemed a natural next step.

“We’re looking at helping the community,” said Sister William Marie Eleniki, chief administrator of the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation.” This is kind of a continuation of our mission. It helps seniors find an alternative for hospital care.”

According to Pamela Witty-Oakland, chief administrator of St. Francis Residential Care Community, it was key from the start that Franciscan Vistas Ewa would be grounded in addressing the holistic health needs of lower-income seniors.

“Franciscan Vistas Ewa bridges the gap in senior health disparities by creating a new model where access to proactive health and wellness programs can be included in affordable housing solutions,” Witty-Oakland said.

Witty-Oakland surveyed local senior groups for ideas to create the new senior housing complex. Eulalia Chang said her Makakilo Seniors group pitched in many suggestions, including conveniences such as lower cabinets and counters.

With those ideas, and the help of several public and private institutions, ground was finally broken for Franciscan Vistas Ewa last January. By the end of 2010, the first of six apartment buildings had been completed. Today, 49 apartments have been finished.

A blessing was scheduled on March 1 for the opening of the third Franciscan Vistas Ewa apartment building. According to Witty-Oakland, 25 more apartments will be completed this month.

She said the project is on track for 25 units to be completed every month until June. A full grand opening celebration for Franciscan Vistas Ewa is planned for July 12.

Courtyards and roll-in showers

As the Franciscan Sisters and St. Francis Healthcare System staff eagerly watch Franciscan Vistas Ewa develop, residents like the Changs are just as excited to explore all of the community’s new amenities.

The Changs said they appreciate the senior-friendly advantages within each apartment. Eulalia notes the “roll-in” shower, specially designed with railings and an unobstructed floor. She also excitedly points out the kitchen, an airy space where the stove, counters and cabinets sit in low enough reach — just as she and the Makakilo Seniors had asked.

“We designed this kitchen,” she joked.

Outside, one of Arthur’s favorite features is the courtyard. Franciscan Vistas Ewa aims to promote a social atmosphere for seniors, and Arthur says placing a courtyard in between the first two apartment buildings has allowed him to enjoy the company of his new neighbors.

“It’s good for talking story,” he said. “We’re like one big happy family.”

Eulalia is awaiting the opening of the community center. This building houses a salon, fitness center, swimming pool, computer lab and meeting room. It also has a library, where Eulalia and her neighbors have started a growing collection of novels, puzzles and games.

According to Arthur, the convenience of having all of these things at their fingertips is extremely valuable.

“What it does for seniors is that it gives us places to get to without having to go out,” he said. “Now that we’re in it, I can see that the design of Franciscan Vistas Ewa is very befitting for seniors.”

Sisters in charge

The Changs said their experience at Franciscan Vistas Ewa has so far been a great way to celebrate their “golden years.” After caring for five children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, the retired couple now has a place to enjoy their favorite activities.

“It’s our turn,” Arthur said, smiling.

Witty-Oakland and Sister Eleniki are proud of the services that Franciscan Vistas Ewa offers to Island seniors like the Changs and other residents.

“They love it because they feel safe and secure,” said Sister Eleniki. “They know the (Franciscan) Sisters are in charge, so it’s going to be done well.”

Applications continue to be accepted for future Franciscan Vistas Ewa residents. To qualify, seniors must be age 62 or older and meet certain income considerations. For more information, call 681-4000.