 Laurie Holmes, Director of the Sunset House was the speaker. As the Sunset House only has two beds, she explained their policy- When there is an empty bed, they look at referrals. House criteria is that a resident be under 160 pounds. Unfortunately, they can’t take dementia patients. Also, their policy is to take residents for whose prognosis is less than 3 months.
Occasionally, they find patients whose prognosis are less than 90 days start to respond because the Sunset staff is helping them with meds something that wasn’t occurring prior to their stay at Sunset. Sunset needs to enforce that they only are a three month agency as they can’t be viewed as nursing home. Most patients are cancer patients. Laurie emphasized that family members who need housing are welcome to stay.
Sunset House also helps families with their grieving process. Many family members state that People often say that it must be a hard job. Laurie replied that It really is a peaceful occupation as you see people who are ready to pass which is comforting. She shared that every year is a service where the all the residents that passed are remembered through lighted mason jars.
There were questions about funding. Laurie stated that many donations come from wills or suggested donations when a loved one passes. No state or local funds are used for SH operations. Laurie mentioned that they are in the process of buying the house, but electrical and plumbing work is needed. She also will need help with painting.
As Irondequoit Rotary makes a donation for the 5K race on May 26th, SH is looking for help with road marshals. Guy Kittelsen volunteered. Thanks, Guy. If anyone else is interested, please call the Sunset House at 467-3524.
|
