On Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, Carla’s childhood was accented by ocean tides and salty breezes. At an early age, she learned to “read the wind,” traveling often with her family to Maui for its world-class windsurfing.
The Hawaiian island became a second home for Carla’s family – and later, a permanent one for her.
Fast-forward a few decades.
Reading the Winds
Long-settled on Maui raising a family of her own, Carla found herself surfing a new wave – one of aging, caregiving and big decisions. After 63 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventures, her parents were living with the challenges of dementia 3,000 miles away in New Mexico.
Once the life of the party and devoted caregiver to his wife Claudia, Carl could no longer safely calculate her insulin dosages. The numbers that once came easily to the retired military defense specialist now confused him. Even the in-home support that Carla arranged from afar wasn’t enough.
“The year before they came here, I flew to New Mexico five times,” says Carla. “Mom had fallen and needed more care to recover from a broken arm and shoulder.”
The winds of change were blowing.
A Leap of Faith Across the Pacific
Taking Maui’s higher cost of living into account, Carla assumed senior living would be financially out of reach. So first, she researched options in New Mexico.
Then, her sister-in-law suggested Holiday Kalama Heights, an independent living community just 25 minutes from Carla’s house. This discovery triggered a sea change for the entire family.
“We didn’t know care was available at an independent living community,” she explains. “At Holiday Kalama Heights, caregivers lease space inside the community. Knowing that was a game changer.”
“And, it looks like an island resort,” says Carla. “It’s not at all what you’d expect in senior living.”
Carla and her brother Paul traveled to New Mexico to propose a three-month trial. Their father resisted, but somehow the siblings coaxed their parents onto the plane.
Once in Maui, Carl remained defiant – that is, until they pulled up to the entrance of Holiday Kalama Heights. The moment he saw the waterfall fountain, his face softened.
“Oh, this is nice,” he said with a smile.
More Than Community – It’s Aloha
From this first impression, Holiday Kalama Heights continued to surprise and delight.
“Right away, the stunning fountain and landscaping welcome you. That sense of calmness and beauty sets the tone for everything that follows,” says Carla.
But there’s more to Kalama Heights than lush tropical scenery. The staff’s genuine warmth gives Carla’s family much-needed peace of mind. Having lived on Maui for over 20 years, she recognizes it as aloha.
“Aloha is both a greeting and a way of life,” says Carla. “Aloha is a state of being that’s centered on compassion, kindness and respect.”
“This staff embodies the aloha spirit in everything they do.”
The Gift of Independence
Through Holiday Kalama Heights’ partnership with third-party caregivers, Carl and Claudia enjoy the support they need to maintain their independence. Claudia receives help with showering, dressing and preparing insulin for Carl to administer with guidance.
Early on, Carla realized that virtually the same support her parents might receive at an assisted living facility was available here, in the comfort of a vibrant independent living community. Best of all, the care services offered are à la carte, which allows families the flexibility to pick and choose the support they need – and pay for.
In fact, Carla says the family’s monthly expenses are now less than what they used to pay for in-home blood sugar monitoring alone, which cost $1,500 a month in New Mexico.
And, instead of an eight-hour flight, Carla’s parents live just 25 minutes away.
“The value is immeasurable,” says Carla.
Thriving in Paradise
Carl and Claudia have found sanctuary in their beautiful one-bedroom apartment. They spend countless hours on their lanai, taking in the island breezes and feeling grateful for this chapter in their lives. Both have gained healthy weight thanks to the exceptional culinary program.
But the changes go beyond physical health. Carl and Claudia enjoy spending time with family three to four times a week. New friends at the community drive the devout couple to church every week for mass. And although they’re mostly content spending quiet evenings in their apartment, Carl and Claudia make an exception whenever live music is scheduled at the community.
“They’re so much happier,” says Carla. “It’s obvious. They’re not just surviving – they’re flourishing.”
Carla’s parents enjoy visiting with family at least three times a week since moving to Maui. L to R: Claudia; Carla’s husband Billy; Paul; Paul’s wife Courtney; Carla and Carl.
A Message to Other Families
“If we had found Holiday Kalama Heights 10 years ago, my parents would have already been here,” says Carla.
Her advice to families navigating similar winds of change? Ask a lot of questions and avoid making assumptions.
“The fact that third-party care services are available in an independent living community – many people don’t know about that,” says Carla. “Overall, it’s more affordable than we originally thought.”
A Place to Call Home
Today, when Carla drives the 25 minutes from her home in South Maui to see her parents, she no longer rides atop a wave of worry. Her parents are content, well-cared for and steeped in the warmth and beauty of aloha. They’ve also maintained their independence by receiving the right amount of support each day.
“Holiday Kalama Heights isn’t just where our parents live – it’s where they’ve found a sense of community, a second family,” says Carla.
“As their children, we feel incredibly blessed.”
Interested in learning more about Holiday Kalama Heights and how independent living with third-party support might be right for your family? Schedule a tour today at the Holiday community near you and experience aloha for yourself.
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