Chur Family Foundation
The Chur Family Foundation was officially founded in 2014, following the sale of ElderWood Senior Care. Carol and Bob’s two daughters, Carla and Kelly, and their husbands, Terry and Don, serve on the Foundation Board helping guide it as their parents and founders envisioned. It was established around the same core values that governed Elderwood’s Commitment to Care.
Rooted in their mission to uphold the humanity, dignity, and well being of older adults—without compromise, their work is guided by four core pillars that reflect the values they live by and the impact they strive for.
Core Values
Teamwork - Collaboration over Isolation
- We believe care improves when we work together. That’s why we actively seek partnerships— with nonprofits, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders—to build integrated, resilient systems that support older adults. We also invest in programs that promote intergenerational understanding and inspire future caregivers
Reverence for the Individual - Bridging Gaps in Care
- Every older adult deserves equitable access to care and opportunity. We prioritize initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers—ensuring underserved seniors and aspiring care professionals alike receive the support they need to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance
Integrity - Accountability & Measurable Impact
- We are stewards of trust. Our giving is rooted in transparency, intentionality, and collaboration. We prioritize partners to have defined clear goals, measurable outcomes, and ensure every dollar supports meaningful, lasting change in the lives of older adults
Passion for Excellence - Innovation with Purpose
- We are driven to uplift elder care through excellence. By funding creative, purpose-driven solutions—from new models of senior support to training the next generation—we aim to improve quality of life, advance the field of aging, and bring dignity-centered care into the future
History
Providing quality care for seniors in residential eldercare has been a passion of the Chur family for three generations. The legacy began in 1968 with Robert R. and Mary Chur, who operated Aurora Park Health Care Center, a nursing home in East Aurora, New York.
ElderWood Artwork
Robert M. and Carol worked side by side at ElderWood from 1978 – 1994. Carol was also an accomplished artist who completed her master’s degree in art history. She prided herself on raising quilting to a respected art form. She authored her thesis on quilting, collected quilts, and designed a family heirloom quilt to commemorate the personal life of her husband and sale of the family business.
An artistic rendering of this quilt is displayed as a banner throughout this website. The quilt was made of the ties that Robert wore for 35 years as CEO and represented the four important areas of his life – the Early Years, Family Life, Work Career, and Leisure Time. The ElderWood logo is prominently featured in the center of the quilt.
From Aurora Park to Elderwood to Heathwood
Robert M. Chur, eldest son of Robert R. and Mary Chur started his career as Administrator at Aurora Park. Then in 1978, Bob and his wife Carol, founded Heathwood Health Care Center in Williamsville. Over 35 years they grew ElderWood Senior Care to 19 facilities - 9 Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, 8 Assisted Living, and 2 Independent Living, predominantly in Western NY, caring for over 2,000 residents and employing almost 3,000 staff. Their daughter, Carla Chur Suero, played key roles in the family business since 1994.
In 2013, 17 facilities were sold, along with the corporate name ElderWood Senior Care. Two assisted living facilities remained in the Chur family and the original name – Heathwood – was adopted as a tribute the Chur family’s heritage and ongoing commitment to quality care.
Awards
Under the Chur family’s leadership, ElderWood and Heathwood developed a stellar reputation as a premier provider of residential eldercare and earned many prestigious awards. Among the most competitive and highly regarded:
- 50 Quality Awards – including two coveted Gold Awards – from AHCA/NCAL, the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living. During this time, only 7 Gold awards were granted nationally.
- 20 Innovative Practice Awards from NYSHFA, the New York State Health Facilities Association.
- 2 Quality Awards from AMDA, the American Medical Directors Association.
- 2 My InnerView Excellence in Action Awards from the National Research Corporation for outstanding customer satisfaction.
- Buffalo-Niagara Business Ethics Award (BNBEA), recognizes companies that exemplify the highest standards of ethics.
- ElderWood was also ranked among Business First’s top 15 companies in WNY from 1988-2013.
