Brandi Hori-Moises is the executive director at Waimea Care Center and is a licensed nursing home administrator as well as a registered nurse, who spends her days coordinating care for kupuna on the West Side.
She was nominated as a Kaua‘i Hometown Hero by her mother-in-law, Marlene Moises of Lawai, who made the move because she was inspired by Hori-Moises’s dedication not only to her job, but to her community — especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
Hori-Moises has gone to great lengths to make sure those under her care are safe, and feel loved and supported in a time when they’re being cut off from their usual socialization with family and friends. Waimea Care Center, like the other entities under Regency Pacific Management, has stopped allowing all visitations and has added social distancing and other protocols to dining and other activities. Many activities for residents have been canceled.
“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes,” said Marlene Moises. “As the director of Waimea Care Center she oversees the wellbeing of patients who need constant care. She works 24/7 for her patients. She is also a mother of four children ages 4 to 15, and a championship coach of Waimea High volleyball team. ”
Moises watched Hori-Moises work her way up the ladder in her career, often providing support with the rest of the family during 14-hour workdays. She watched Moises earn her R.N. certification and put in time in different hospital departments
“I remember her saying that she thought (she) would be in pediatrics, but after working with the elderly she felt that was her calling.” said Moises.
Hori- Moises, who values family above all and endeavors to create that ‘ohana atmosphere at Waimea Care Center, says she doesn’t see herself as a hero and credits her “amazing management crew” and highly committed staff for successes and for safeguarding Kaua‘i’s kupuna.
“It is their daily sacrifice and countless acts of kindness that allow us to witness miracles each and every day. Our kupuna deserve the very best,” said Hori-Moises.
Health care was a natural calling for Hori-Moises, a Waimea High and University of Hawaii alumni who grew up inspired by her grandmother, Michiyo Hori, a “hero in her own right, also a retired nurse, she instilled my passion for what I do.”
Focusing on kupuna care was a natural step, as well.
“It is our duty and our obligation to always remember and to honor those who came before us,” Hori-Moises said, expressing that she truly loves her career. “(It’s important) to do what you love and to love what you do. Those are honest words to live by.”
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hori-Moises said she thinks the main obligation and duty for the people of Kauai is to work together to ensure risk of exposure is minimized for the most vulnerable in the community.
“Please take heed to the guidance provided by our community leaders, we must not only flatten the curve, we must stay ahead of it, be proactive in all you do. For that, our kupuna thank you,” Hori-Moises said.
During down time, which is in short supply for Hori-Moises during the COVID crisis, it’s family, movies and basketball that help the Waimea Care Center executive director unwind.
“Watching my kids attempt to beat the hubby at basketball, always brings laughter after a long day at work,” Hori-Moises said.
She says having that supportive ‘ohana is irreplaceable because they keep her “steadfast in the face of adversity”.
“As our community will and continue to face the unknown, together we will and together we must. Blessings for your health, stay safe everyone,” Hori-Moises said.
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Stephanie Shinno, features and community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
