THE BEST OF GENEROSITY, LOVE, AND CARE AT AURORA HOUSE

BY LORI BRUTON

There is a time and season for everything. In 2010, it was time for Aurora House to be born. e Westside needed this comfort care home. eir mission began with raising money and gathering a team of volunteers. Ogden Presbyterian Church donated the land at 2495 South Union Street, and the house was built with donated funds and services.

Aurora House o ers high-quality comfort care with a personal touch. Residents and their visitors are surrounded by warmth, acceptance, and understanding in this two-bed homelike setting. It’s about you and your loved one being together and nding respite.

Since residents cannot go to their homes, sta do their best to make Aurora House feel like home. Aurora House provides the physical and emotional space for each resident to complete their earthly assignment and for families to carry on their loved one’s legacy. ere are no visitor restrictions. Family and friends are even welcome to stay overnight in the house if they want to.

All comfort care homes maintain the motto, “Neighbors taking care of neighbors.” e sta asks themselves, “How would I care for my loved one to make them most comfortable?” Compassion over ows in many ways, whether it’s sitting in silence or lending a listening ear. Needs are heard and taken care of to the best of their ability.

Not all patients are elderly; one was even 34 years old. Unfortunately, accepted end-of-life patients are getting younger.

Although they focus on end-of-life care, life is celebrated at Aurora House. Each resident matters. It’s important to learn about their life at every stage as well as who they are now. ere is wisdom in hearing their stories. Fun and laughter are encouraged within the house.

ere is much more to a person beyond their physical and medical needs. at is why volunteers at Aurora House ll wishes and residents’ and family requests. A visit from a precious pet or a call from out-of-town relatives can be arranged.

Volunteers are the heart of this home. Cooking, cleaning, gardening, event planning, and fundraising are all part of the giving and caring. Donations, memorials, grants, and fundraisers support the home’s operation. Care and related services are free of charge to the patient and their family thanks to the generosity of the community, friends, and neighbors.

Before a loved one climbs the stairway to heaven, this wonderful home provides the opportunity to share special moments that will live on forever.

Everyone processes grief di erently. Having conversations and o ering resources helps people prepare and understand what they will face. Aurora House sta educates those facing loss and grief onsite and in the community. Hard conversations about end-of-life wishes are essential.

Aurora House sta meets people where they are in their stage of care, and they help people understand what to expect. Support continues for families a er the loved one passes. Sta mail cards to families to let them know they remember them on special days.

Aurora House survives solely on donations and volunteers. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Anyone interested in donating personal, household, or other items Aurora House needs should check the home’s website at aurorahousewmc.com. Anything a house needs to function, they need. ey don’t want patients’ families to need anything during their stay.

Two large annual fundraisers help raise necessary funds. Casino Night this year is scheduled for April 21st at the Italian American Community Center. e night features celebrity bartenders, Doug Emblidge, Jennifer Lewke, and Sheri Todd Baxter. Join in a fun evening of ra es, prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and live music by John Akers.

Baskets and Brunch in October is Aurora House’s other big fundraiser. Anyone interested may create and donate a basket or you may drop o items or cash to go toward a basket. More information will be available on the home’s website.

Smaller events sprinkled throughout the year, such as the community favorite chicken barbecue, help support Aurora House.

Contact Aurora House for ways to support them on their mission at aurorahousewmc.com, by calling 585-617-4863.

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Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is caused by the bacteria that grow in our mouths on bits of food that get stuck between teeth. The bacteria release sulfur compounds that cause your breath to smell bad. Contrary to common belief, you can’t counteract bad breath by using mouthwash: you must brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily. In addition to regular brushing, daily flossing is the best way to avoid bad breath because it removes food particles from in between teeth. Certain pungent foods such as onions and garlic also cause bad breath because their oils are carried into the lungs and then recycled into your mouth through the respiratory system.

At BATAVIA FAMILY DENTAL, our purpose in presenting this column is to exhibit the virtues of professional care as well as diligent home care in achieving and maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile. Through a combination of proven techniques and innovative technology, plus communication and compassionate concern, we attempt to move our patients toward an optimum state of oral health. When was your last dental checkup? Now is a good time to schedule an appointment for comprehensive dental care, including help with bad breath, helpful dietary information, cleanings, restorations, cosmetic work, or gum disease treatment. Call us at 6 Batavia City Centre, 585.343.4246.

P.S. You cannot determine whether you have bad breath by breathing into your cupped hands. Talking, rather than breathing, brings odors from the back of your mouth to the front.

To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D.