As part of a lifestyle and aging series, we’re working with renowned photographer Terry Lorant to showcase inspirational leaders in the industry. Each month, we’ll feature one or a few inspirational member(s) of the Amazing Care Network community who is using his or her voice to empower others in the collective aging experience. Read, in their own words, what the Amazing Care Network’s efforts mean to them.

This month, we’re proud to feature Gary Asato, a Member of Amazing Care Network and Sales Director at Sterling Administration Hawaii.

Q: How were you first introduced to Amazing Care Network?

They say life comes in full circle. I started with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii in the early 90s. I first met Cora, as the Hawaii President between her weekly commutes in Oakland. As a new employee, I was fortunate to be selected to learn about the organization’s roots and values. During those days, healthcare was changing rapidly and a need for strong core values were essential for professional development.  You don’t get that kind of introduction to a company and its values anymore these days.

After leaving Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, I was able gain valuable insights with other local and national companies. Different values, priorities with different organizations.   I was looking for a meaningful purpose, not just a pay check, and got in touch with some of my contacts who turned out were working with Cora in her new business here in Hawaii.  I wanted to be an independent business leader, without compromising my personal values. Values of integrity, innovation, compassion lead to an ideal match with Sterling Administration and The Amazing Care Network.

Currently we’re spreading the word in Hawaii about the Amazing Care Network.  It’s interesting, explaining how Amazing Care can help your relationships and community, both personally and professionally.

Q: How is aging currently affecting you and your loved ones?

I’m in the sandwich generation.  My parents are in their 80s and I have young children, so I’m trying to balance it all out. We’re trying to keep the connection with my parents as well as my kids and our friends. Also trying to keep my personal time…it’s really a balancing act. So many of us in Hawaii are in similar situations

My parents are living independently, but there’s going to come a time when we’ll need to intervene and help out with the day to day events. They still can drive, but on a limited basis. It’s just a matter of time. Things will change.  So, it’s important to be aware of the situation and noticing how they progress through their aging process. Preparing yourself mentally so there are no surprises.  Or fewer surprises.

Being prepared is an ongoing discussion, it’s a somewhat uneasy conversation, especially in the Asian culture.  At this point, you have to take your filters off and say how things are because if you don’t, you’re not going to get anywhere, and you won’t get to where you need to be until there’s a crisis moment. 

That’s where Amazing Care helps out…being aware and addressing the facts that need to be brought up going forward. For example, talking about finances, medical care, and advance care directives. Down to the details of where are your financial documents, medications, where is the safety deposit box key? Making sure that I’m coordinated with my sister and knowing what are the expectations.

My sister is a social worker, and even though she does that on a professional basis, we still have to make a point to keep an open line of communication. More and more, our conversations are just talking about what’s going to be the next steps. My grandfather lived to over 100, my aunties and uncles, are in their 80s and 90s, so we’re making sure that we’re relating to all of their situations in a preventative way rather than a reactive one. 

Q: How does ACN help in Hawaii?

We’re talking to businesses about how to attract, recruit and retain employees in Hawaii.  The unemployment rate here is so low…how do you differentiate yourself as an employer? Traditional ways of employee benefits have been rooted for years. Creating both health and financial wellness tools are new combinations of trying to attract and retain employees.  

It’s important to recognize that many of my customers are in the same generation, the sandwich generation. They have caregiver responsibilities and because of that, there’s a personal stake for how they treat their employees. They’re in the same boat and that creates a powerful influence of how they can get their employees to think about not only their pay and benefits but also how they can prepare for the future other than with traditional retirement or long term care plans. 

There’s a lot of recognition that Amazing Care is a unique service. It’s innovative, it’s different. Consultants and brokers seem to agree on the need and concept, but things don’t move too fast in Hawaii, so we need several conversations to move the idea forward. It’s a savings account designed for caregiving for the future with additional benefits such as caregiver resources, a social network and support, and online resources. Knowing there is local support out there and you can actually find it. Being prepared before there’s a crisis. Hawaii has a large Amazing Care Network chapter, besides quarterly afternoon teas, there are informal gatherings.

I volunteer for Meals on Wheels.  Every Saturday morning I deliver food to seniors or the disabled.  It’s important for these folks to have someone to visit them and talk to on a regular basis. It’s important to me as well.

Q: How have the ACN market events helped?

I attend the teas, and share in the conversations.  It’s kind of like talking to your parents sometimes.  So I’m laying the groundwork for the future. When I’m talking to others, I’m wanting to know, are you expanding your network? Learning and trying new things?  Have you thought about when you retire? You have to listen and learn…it’s not going to come to you instinctively after participating in the work routine for many years. Adopt…Change… Grow.  You can’t control aging, but you can control your attitude.

In addition to your attitude, communication is important; communicating your expectations. The fear of the unknown and the fear of uncertainty drives your behavior. If you don’t address the issues, you will face anxiety.  People will try to avoid and deny, but aging is going to happen and internally, if you’re able to face and conquer those fears that will help your thinking going forward.  

Amazing Care has helped me understand the dynamics of aging and caregiving. It has helped me have a sense of what to expect going forward; Amazing Care helps educate me in terms of knowing what kinds of behaviors I need to either adapt or change or continue. Life is a full circle, Amazing Care is a social network that champions awareness. As I age, I know more about what to expect.

Join ACN! Learn more HERE. If you’re an ACN Member and would like to be featured, please contact amazingcarenetwork@gmail.com.