Eugene Tiwanak

A pioneer in promoting cost-effective long-term care is leading a bid to buy two bankrupt isle hospitals

By Mark Coleman

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 01, 2012

~~<p>Eugene Tiwanak is on a mission. His goal is to improve health care delivery to Hawaii's increasing number of elderly who wish to "age in place" — preferably in their own homes, but if not there, then in nursing homes or other facilities that are less costly and more comfortable than hospitals.</p>
<p>Part of his motivation is monetary, since government reimbursements for medical care are shifting toward reducing patient hospital stays, but also, Tiwanak said, he agrees with his mentor and former boss at St. Francis Hospital, Sister Maureen Keleher, that people heal quicker and age more "nicely" in their own surroundings.</p>
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Eugene Tiwanak is on a mission. His goal is to improve health care delivery to Hawaii's increasing number of elderly who wish to "age in place" — preferably in their own homes, but if not there, then in nursing homes or other facilities that are less costly and more comfortable than hospitals.

Part of his motivation is monetary, since government reimbursements for medical care are shifting toward reducing patient hospital stays, but also, Tiwanak said, he agrees with his mentor and former boss at St. Francis Hospital, Sister Maureen Keleher, that people heal quicker and age more "nicely" in their own surroundings. Login for more...