Observing Hugh Nash Keel as an SMP Hawaii dual program volunteer with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer Program (LTCOVP), one would think COVID-19 was a faint memory or never occurred. That’s because Keel is undeterred, committed and caring in serving others, particularly those who are most vulnerable or as he puts it, “with little to no voice of their own.”
A retired Army Colonel, Nash joined the LTCOP in 2019, bringing his experience as a licensed nursing home administrator in Delaware, South Carolina, Texas and Hawaii, and sharing his knowledge of Medicare, Veterans Affairs coverage, and nursing home regulations in his work. He has provided testimony in state legislatures defending hospital budget and programs.
His non-paid service represents two programs of the Hawaii Department of Health – Executive Office on Aging (DOH-EOA) and his impact is far-reaching. Fellow volunteers describe Keel as “humble, unselfish, kind and thoughtful…he never brags (about his credentials)…Nash is all about helping others, including being better at our SMP volunteer roles.”
Until the pandemic, Nash made weekly visits to a, LTC facility in his community providing advocacy to over 100 of Hawaii’s most vulnerable residents. He joined SMP Hawaii in February 2021 and after initial training and practice, went to work as its newest presenter. He co-presented for one of the world’s leading real estate companies, on several topics concerning healthcare fraud prevention, via Zoom and Facebook Live. When restrictions were lifted fall, Keel was the first LTCO volunteer on Oahu to resume in-person visits with his residents. He has since been a mainstay for SMP Hawaii’s E Komo Mai Exhibit Team and Counseling Team, making him one of the few seasoned, multi-faceted SMP volunteers.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman John McDermott calls Keel, “Mr. Dependability! When Nash says he’ll do something, you can count on him to follow-through.”
“Whenever the program needs help,” says LTCOP Volunteer Coordinator Lynn Niitani, “Nash is consistently one of the first to volunteer. He registers for webinars and training, shares updates and news articles.” To read more, visit: www.smphawaii.org
Here are other ways Keel truly makes an immediate and lasting impact as a volunteer:
SMP Hawaii, along with LTCOVP and RSVP, are grateful and honored to have Keel on their team, uniting these groups as one to better serve the needs of older adults, their families and caregivers. Pandemic or not, Keel is there for Hawaii’s people.
Certified Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsmen protect the human and civil rights of long-term care residents by making regular visits to nursing homes, community care foster family homes, adult residential care homes (ARCH)s, expanded ARCHs, and assisted living facilities. LTC Ombudsmen speak with residents and observe their surroundings, activities, meals, and care. LTC Ombudsmen respond to complaints or problems and advocate to improve the quality of life or quality of care for all LTC residents.
To learn more, visit: https://www.hi-ltc-ombudsman.org
Call: 808-586-7268 Toll Free: 1-888-229-2231
E-mail: info@hi-ltc-ombudsman.org