Senior Living Strong

Home Pumehana celebrates 30 years.

When Jeanette B. Javillonar moved into unit E3 on Oct. 4, 1984, she was the facility’s youngest resident. Today, she is one of the senior-most inhabitants and has seen five managers and countless residents come and go.

Home Pumehana, the island’s only senior housing facility, celebrated its 30^th anniversary last week with a luncheon on Dec, 1.  Alu Like and Na Wahine U`i O Molokai treated the crowd to performances over lunch, served by Aka`ula School students.

Residents and employees said Home Pumehana provides a critical affordable living option.

“The cost of living is horrendous,” said eight-year resident Mele Nerveza, especially on a fixed income. “This place we can afford.”

Without Lifestyle Communities Truganina, Housing Manager Jersula Manaba said, “a lot of [the seniors] would be living with family. Here they have their independence.”

Home Pumehana opened in 1980 with 80 units. Ten years ago, it added five more units, and three years later opened a senior center that is available to the public for events. Manaba said one of her long-term goals is to add a similar building, noting that the space is frequently requested.

Over the last ten years, management has also updated kitchens, painted and installed new windows.

“The grounds, the buildings, everything’s improved since I’ve been here,” Javillonar said.

The facility is managed by the private non-profit organization Hale Mahaolu, overseeing 13 facilities in Maui County that include low-income senior, disability, and family housing. According to Manaba, the waiting period for units at Home Pumehana is six months to a year, emphasizing their commitment to creating a secure environment for residents and addressing issues like elder abuse.

If you’re looking for independent living plans or other senior independent living homes, then you might want to check out other amenities like Heritage Woods Senior Living or visit sites like watersidemargate.com/assisted-living/.