HPU FACULTY HIGHLIGHT ELDER CARE STRATEGIES AT 'EDUCATION DAY'

HPU’s School of Nursing was well represented at Education Day on May 10, hosted by Primary Care Provider of Hawai‘i. HPU Dean of the School of Nursing Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Ed.D, APRN, CMDCP, and Assistant Professor of Nursing Leeah Javier, DNP, RN, were invited to present to an audience of more than 50 registered nurses (RN), offering insights on innovative and meaningful approaches to elder care. The event was organized by in-service coordinator Virginia Baptista, RN.

Dean Magpantay-Monroe shared her expertise on dementia care, focusing on the Montessori method as an effective, person-centered approach. The Montessori model emphasizes engaging individuals through activities tailored to their needs, strengths, and interests. These activities, ranging from sorting and matching tasks to memory games, arts and crafts, music, and movement, are designed to preserve a sense of dignity, encourage participation, and help slow cognitive decline.

While dementia is more common with age, it is important to note that it is not a natural part of aging. Dean Magpantay-Monroe underscored how important it is to provide meaningful stimulation for individuals experiencing cognitive deficits. A Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP), she brings clinical expertise in psychiatric mental health with a specialty in older adult care.

Javier’s presentation focused on the impact of structured daily activities on the well-being of elderly patients. Drawing on her own early experience in rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, she emphasized how purposeful engagement can positively influence an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental health.

In her presentation, Javier highlighted the value of working directly with caregivers to design activities that bring structure and enjoyment to each day, which is an essential element in enhancing quality of life for older adults.

Education Day provided a perfect opportunity for local RNs to deepen their understanding of geriatric care while also learning practical strategies they can bring to their own clinical settings. Through ongoing community engagement and faculty leadership, HPU continues to support the professional development of Hawai‘i’s healthcare workforce and the health of its aging population.

“Caring for older adults with compassion and creativity isn’t just good practice, it’s really a calling,” said Dean Magpantay-Monroe. “At HPU, we’re proud to prepare nurses who honor the dignity and potential in every stage of life.”

To learn more about the HPU School of Nursing, go to: www.hpu.edu/nursing.