The transition in ownership was very challenging for all of us. We had to adapt to new operational systems and the close oversight by the health department to ensure the quality of care and cultural preferences were maintained. I was fortunate to retain many of my key leadership and clinical team members which allowed us to provide a consistent and familiar home-like environment for our residents and families. After the sale, I declined other job opportunities because I wanted to continue the mission and the legacy of Keiro, even under different ownership. It was important to keep Keiro’s core values intact.

Announcing the pending closure of Sakura ICF and anticipating the collective angst and emotional response to the decision from residents, staff, family members, and the community-at-large was the most challenging journey of both my personal and professional lives. During the six months between February and August 2021, I went through all the stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I, and my leadership team, had to bury a lot of anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness, as we tried our best to navigate through a very complex set of regulations, procedures, and adversity. On top of all the challenges of COVID, many of us made sacrifices in our personal lives, working longer hours than ever before, to support the residents and families searching for alternate care options. I was frustrated and angry that there were so many circumstances and decisions that were beyond my control, and as the face of Sakura ICF, I was under attack. The depression was the longest phase, and having to close the facility, to move on from my ICF family of 20+ years, continues to be an adjustment. 

The closure still haunts me, but it no longer consumes me. Staying connected to so many of the residents, families, and staff has helped me find acceptance, that we did the best we could under dire circumstances. Time heals but the heart and mind do not forget. When I unexpectedly hear from one of my team members, or when I reach out and everyone talks about how much we all miss our ICF family, it makes me grateful for the experiences we shared. Successfully working together to keep our residents safe from COVID and supporting one another during the closure strengthened our bonds…so, today, I try to focus on our team accomplishments and cherish all of the wonderful relationships that I shared at the ICF.

My current role centers around maintaining connections to the legacy residents and staff of Sakura ICF as well as expanding Keiro’s ongoing efforts to support residential care facilities and their abilities to host culturally-enriching Japanese activity programs, supplementing food preferences, and supporting facility staff. I am also always available to be a resource to others and work as a Keiro ambassador.

After the closure, I tried to rest and recover from the strain of dealing both with COVID and the daily absence of my work family. My personal life was so closely tied to my professional life, and I was searching for purpose and meaning again. When I was offered the opportunity to work on special assignments for Keiro, it renewed my sense of purpose and belonging. I felt whole again.
I think the biggest reason why I enjoy this is because I can see how these programs provide such joyous engagement between the residents and the entertainers. It never fails to touch my heart as I watch the residents singing along in Japanese, clapping their hands in rhythm or appreciation, and seeing how their faces just light up with delight as they recognize a familiar song from the past. I feel grateful for the opportunity to touch their lives in such a meaningful way.  It reignites my passion for serving older adults in our community.