Waipahu Resident Opens Home Helpers

Hiroko Nakasone

“When my husband had cancer, I was working full time and helping him, and it wasn’t easy,” explained Hiroko Nakasone, who has a background as a child care provider and schoolteacher.

“Also, my elderly neighbor has children, but they are all grown and away from home. Nobody was taking care of her.

“She was taking the city bus to go to the doctor, and one day she came home and told me she fell down and got hurt. I told her, ‘Next time I will take you to the doctor.'”

It was experiences like these that led Nakasone to open a local Home Helpers franchise. The business launched Jan. 2 and specializes in companion care and services that include bathing, meal preparation, dressing assistance, transportation, checking the mail and light housekeeping.

Her staff will travel anywhere on the island to provide care.

“Some seniors prefer to stay home rather than go to a senior home, and it’s wonderful to be able to help them,” said Nakasone.

“If they want a sandwich, we can make it. If they want us to cook noodles, we can do that. At a senior home, you eat what they prepare and the caregivers are busy; they have no

time to talk story. We are caregivers who come to you in the comfort of your own home.

“I love the elderly,” she added. “They’re smart and they have a lot of life experience.”

Nakasone plans to add to her current staff of five, noting that “we’re still taking applications.”

For more information, call 636-6568.