About Glenn Furukawa

My work history includes serving in a number of clinical settings to include Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, and Long-Term Care. My father, Dr. Masanobu Furukawa spent his professional career teaching disciplines focused on Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. Following his collegiate basketball playing days, “Mutt” as he was known by his teammates, would later be inducted into University of Hawaii’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Appropriately and honorably, my father is mentioned here as his life’s work involving activity and therapy has played an instrumental role with the design of our program. Based on our shared experiences, we place a high premium on mental and physical stimulation, and therapy. Our Day Care doesn’t focus on what we’ve lost; rather, we emphasize what we can enjoy and gain given the right opportunities.

In 1999, my Grandparents were in need of more care. At that time, I operated two businesses in California, a wellness center and a massage therapy school. I took a two-week vacation returning home to Oahu to visit my Grandparents. Assessing their care needs, a two-week stay became two years of sleeping on their couch as I was given the gift of being able to spend this time with Grandma and Grandpa. Looking back on this time of great challenges and sacrifice, I am now left with a sense of peace and gratitude. I would truly be remiss not to mention my ex-wife “Allyson” Ngoc-Han Furukawa, and her help during this phase of my Grandparent’s life. I fondly recall the times “Allyson” Ngoc-Han spent at McDonald’s with a soft serve cone enduring Grandpa’s insatiable appetite for learning more about Vietnam and her culture; I have only appreciation.

Meanwhile, KAZU Japanese station played loudly from an old transistor radio while I enjoyed my miso soup for breakfast seated at Grandma and Grandpa’s tiny, wobbly kitchen table. From this humble and cherished time, I learned valuable insights about the importance of relationships and family.

With the responsibilities of care, I honestly recall feeling as though I was building the airplane while flying. Without an owner’s manual, I intuitively created a predictable and safe environment from which they began to receive dignified and respectful care. Next, I could focus on enhancement. While I was saddened with their decline, I found encouragement as we discovered the many things they could still enjoy. We shared conversations, some strange and most funny. We began with a routine of stimulation, interaction, and proper nutrition.

Eventually, I would embark upon a mission that became my Adult Day Care service. Once I successfully obtained our Certificate to Operate by the Hawaii State Department of Health, Grandma and Grandpa were the first clients to attended my program; a humble moment. I am a sum of my past, to include cherished experiences, and those who paved the road before me.

Professional Snapshot

• Clientele: a spectrum of clients to include infants and children with disabilities, seniors, Olympic and Professional athletes

• Regulation support with our Legislators to insure best care practices for seniors throughout Hawaii

• Consultant for our City & County, and State Departments

• Business consultant for several major senior care operations in Japan

• Business consultant locally and throughout the mainland

• Volunteer speaker at conferences, churches and temples regarding topics on navigating appropriate senior care choice