Caregivers Honored at 3rd Annual Kupuna Malama Awards

‘Ohana Health Plan (‘Ohana), honored 26 adult caregivers for outstanding dedication and member service at the company’s 3rd annual Kūpuna Malama Awards at the Hawai‘i Okinawa Center in Waipahu. Three of those honored were from Hawai‘i Island, including Na‘alehu resident Helen Sembran with Health Services Hawai‘i; Pāhoa resident Michelle Champion with Blue Water Resources; and Hilo resident Victoria Baker with Health Services Hawai‘i.

(L-R) ‘Ohana Health Plan State President Scott Sivik, Representative Lei Learmont, Senator Jon Yoshimura, Kupuna Malama Award Honoree Victoria Baker, Kupuna Malama Award Honoree Helen Sembran and Representative John Mizuno, Chair, House Committee on Health and Human Services. PC: ‘Ohana Health Plan

Since 2009, ‘Ohana has operated its Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH) program, a state approved adult foster care program in Hawai‘i that provides an alternative to traditional long-term care for members who are unable to care for themselves. Foster homes are single-family homes where care is provided for one to three people.

Through the program, adult caregivers and their back-up caregivers deliver 24-hour care and supervision for ‘Ohana members including veterans, seniors and others with long-term healthcare needs by providing housecleaning, laundry, healthy meal prep and trips to the doctor. They also go above and beyond to improve members’ quality of life by planning activities to enhance socialization and well-being such as picnics, trips to the beach, crafts and movies, while taking into consideration each member’s individual language and culture. These caregivers welcome members into their own families, celebrating birthdays, holidays and special occasions together.

Of the 26 honorees, ‘Ohana recognized nine caregivers for exceptional care and service, with one of these awards going to Pāhoa resident Michelle Champion.

“We are honored to recognize these extraordinary award recipients whose life work and passion have revolved around serving members with significant health needs,” said Scott Sivik, state president of ‘Ohana. “Their efforts support ‘Ohana’s mission to promote better health for our members by providing timely and quality care.”

‘Ohana has approximately 600 members enrolled in its CCFFH as of 2018. To qualify for the CCFFH program, ‘Ohana members must require nursing facility-level care, which must be validated by a physician.

About ‘Ohana Health Plan

‘Ohana Health Plan has more than 250 employees in Hawai‘i and serves approximately 48,000 members through its offices in Hilo, Kapolei, Honolulu, and Kahului. Since 2008, ‘Ohana Health Plan has served members throughout Hawai‘i and has taken WellCare’s national experience and develop an ‘Ohana Health Plan care model that addresses local members’ healthcare and health coordination needs. As of June 30, 2018, ‘Ohana Health Plan serves approximately 43,000 Medicaid members, 5,000 Medicare Advantage members and 400 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) members in Hawai‘i. For more information about ‘Ohana Health Plan, please visit the company’s website at www.ohanahealthplan.com.