Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (Special to Hawaii 24/7)

Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Elena Cabatu

On Tuesday, March 23, the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home shared the latest news about Hawaii’s first state veterans while hosting the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii for its Goji Kara (Japanese version of business after hours).

Highlights of the event include:

* Patient status reaches 85.
* Intermediate Care Facility, Skilled Nursing, Respite and Hospice Care. Traditional Therapies: Physical, Speech and Occupational. Alternative Therapies including: Massage, Aroma, Light and Pet.
* Plans to develop an Advisory Committee, including 6-8 community leaders representing veterans across the state who have a passion and desire to engage in outreach activities that support the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and to advise and assist with coordinating community-based marketing programs which support full occupancy of the home.

The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home – Hilo is a 95-bed long-term care facility employing more that 120 full- and part-time staff. The home celebrated its grand opening Nov. 17, 2007; with 700 guests and dignitaries in attendance. It welcomed its first patient on Dec. 1, 2007.

Last spring, the State Veterans Home was notified it successfully passed the final inspection. The Feb. 17-23 inspection consisted of 158 standards that covered all aspects affecting the quality of life, safety, and health of the homes residents.

Based on the survey team’s report, Dr. James E. Hastings, Director Pacific Islands Health Care System, determined the facility and its management met the standards required for recognition and certification by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hastings then submitted his recommendation for recognition to The Honorable Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Department of Veterans Affairs, and Under Secretary for Health.

“We are happy to update the community with the most recent news about the Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home,” said John Johnson, administrator of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. “Especially since the home was built by the people of Hawaii to honor members of their military community and provide for their health and welfare in recognition of their distinguished service to our country.”

Johnson has witnessed enormous growth at the home. “When I started a year and a half ago, there were 30 residents,” said Johnson. “A couple of months ago, we reached 93 residents.”

In addition, Johnson noted the home’s budget stands at $10 million a year with $6 million of it dedicated to employee salaries. “Our home has provided a good place to care for our veterans and also much needed employment and economic stimulus for our community,” Johnson said.

The home is located at 1180 Waianuenue Avenue, adjacent to Hilo Medical Center.