1368 Kuloaa Place, Kailua, HI 96734
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Moving a loved one into an assisted living setting is never easy, but the experience at Kina Ole Estate and its Elima and Elua residences offers a comforting sense of safety, warmth, and belonging that many families have been seeking. Across several heartfelt testimonials, families describe a place that feels more like home than a care facility - a setting where precautionary care is delivered with compassion, respect, and an unmistakable aloha. What resonated most was the feeling that the environment is safe and welcoming from day one, and that the staff truly treats each kupuna with dignity and love.
One family's experience stands out for its emotional clarity. From move-in day, Kina Ole helped ease their minds and hearts, and they soon noticed that Grandma was not only safe but thriving. She looks forward to daily activities and exercises, laughs more, eats better, and seems to carry a renewed energy and motivation. The caregivers are described as more than staff; they've become extended family who dote on her and make every effort to ensure her happiness. Visits produce a palpable sense of love and care that makes the decision to place a loved one feel worthwhile, with the family seeing it every time they walk through the door.
Another facet of Kina Ole Estate highlighted in these reviews is the level of service and the overall environment. Families repeatedly note an unparalleled standard of care and a team that genuinely cares for both residents and their families, offering reassurance and peace of mind. The properties are described as serene escapes, with lush tropical landscaping that provides a therapeutic backdrop for kupuna to enjoy. The homes are designed to be comfortable and to support timely care, with staff who take the time to ensure each resident feels important, treated with dignity, and respected. The combination of attentive staff, thoughtful design, and a tranquil setting helps residents maintain a sense of normalcy and belonging.
Longer-term testimonials reinforce the sense of trust families have placed in Kina Ole. Over several years, families have happily referred others and praised staff like Mary, the house manager in the Elima house, and her team - Tania, Grace, Anne, Andrea, and Sherinne - whose dedication is described in superlatives: caring, respectful, friendly, kind, patient, and hard-working. One family notes that their loved one's safety and well-being are supported by a strong care ethos that feels like "ohana." The community is described as safe within a gated Kane'ohe/Kailua setting, with three meals a day, daily activities, and nearby clinics for easy access to medical care. The commitment to health, safety, and social engagement is clearly a recurring theme, underscored by references to 24/7 assistance and even a strict Covid protocol to protect residents.
Amid the overwhelmingly positive portrayals, there is one nuanced and candid review that offers a more complex perspective. In this account, a family's grandmother - who has advanced dementia - entered Kina Ole Elima, where she found herself among housemates with varying needs. The reviewer acknowledges the facility's beauty, the polite and capable staff, and the private bedroom and bathroom, but expresses concern that the social interactions for their grandmother were insufficient and that she felt isolated and unengaged. The reviewer sought more social contact and activities, feeling that the current setup did not adequately address her cognitive and emotional needs, and they describe ongoing communication challenges with the resident manager. After an attempt to resolve these concerns, including a direct conversation with the owner, the reviewer reports a dismissive response and ultimately lowered their rating. The account ends with a call for a stronger focus on meaningful social interaction for residents who are not at the most advanced stage of dementia. While this narrative highlights potential gaps in activity and engagement for certain residents, it also underscores the importance of ongoing, responsive communication between families and the care team.
In another perspective, however, the staff and environment remain consistently praised. A personal assistant to a 92-year-old who moved into the Kina Ole Elima House describes immense satisfaction: the resident is happy, feels respected, and is treated more like family than a client. The house manager, Mary, and her colleagues are singled out for their exemplary care and teamwork - an "amazing" staff who are thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, and deeply attentive to both resident safety and family peace of mind. The testimonials emphasize the emotional weight of knowing a loved one is well cared for from thousands of miles away, a factor that many families value as highly as the daily routines and medical oversight. The facility's standards - 24/7 RN coverage, strong staff-to-resident ratios, timely assistance, and a home-like atmosphere - are repeatedly cited as key strengths.
Together, these reviews portray Kina Ole Estate as more than a place to live; it is a community built on genuine care, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to preserving dignity and independence while providing dependable support. The physical environment - private rooms and baths, comfortable common areas, a landscaped campus, and easy access to services - complements a care model that prioritizes daily activities, physical and mental engagement, and social connection. The shared message across families is that Kina Ole Estate offers not only safety and medical readiness but also a sense of belonging, purpose, and "ohana" that makes each kupuna feel valued and loved. For families seeking a home where compassion, respect, and comprehensive elder care coexist with a warm, family-like atmosphere, Kina Ole Estate appears to be a highly regarded option, with hearts full of gratitude and a clear stalwart commitment to the well-being of both residents and their families.
Kina 'Ole Estate Elima, located in the picturesque community of Kailua, HI, offers a serene and supportive environment for assisted living. This welcoming estate is designed with a focus on comfort and convenience, featuring fully furnished accommodations that provide residents with a homelike atmosphere. The beautiful garden and outdoor spaces invite leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst nature.
Residents enjoy a range of amenities to enhance their daily living experience, including a spacious dining room where nutritious meals are served. Housekeeping services ensure that homes are well-maintained, while move-in coordination makes transitioning to this vibrant community smooth and effortless. Connectivity is prioritized with telephone services and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available throughout the estate.
At Kina 'Ole Estate Elima, personalized care is at the forefront. The dedicated staff provides assistance with activities of daily living—such as bathing, dressing, and transfers—while also coordinating health care providers to meet each resident's unique medical needs. Specialized care services include diabetes diet management, medication management, meal preparation catering to special dietary restrictions, and transportation arrangements for medical appointments.
The community fosters an engaging lifestyle through scheduled daily activities tailored to residents' interests. With convenient access to local amenities—including nearby cafes, parks for recreational outings, pharmacies for health needs, physicians for medical care options, restaurants for dining out with family or friends, places of worship for spiritual connection, and hospitals in close proximity—the community supports an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Kina 'Ole Estate Elima is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by providing compassionate care in a warm and inviting setting that feels like home.
Kina 'Ole Estate Elima is located at 1368 Kuloaa Place, Kailua, HI 96734 in Honolulu County, Hawaii
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Understanding Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Guide
The guide outlines the complexities of Medicaid coverage for assisted living, highlighting significant state-to-state variations, limited coverage often restricted to personal care services, and the existence of specialized waivers for certain needs like memory care. It advises families to consult local Medicaid offices for options while emphasizing the importance of understanding state-specific regulations and facility policies.
How and When Medicaid May Cover Assisted Living Costs
Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state and is primarily available to low-income individuals, with eligibility dependent on strict income and asset limits. Some states offer HCBS waivers for specific services in assisted living, but families must generally cover room and board costs, and should verify facility acceptance of Medicaid while considering potential waiting lists.
A Detailed Exploration of Assisted Living Medicaid Waivers Across the United States
Medicaid waivers for assisted living services provide vital support for seniors and individuals with disabilities in need of long-term care, with varying state-specific eligibility criteria and benefits. These waivers cover personal care and case management but often do not fully cover room and board, leading to waiting lists for many applicants.