During her June lecture at the New Harmony Working Men’s Institute, Amy Koch, executive director at the Charles Ford Retirement Community, was asked to define the community’s unique culture.  Her answer focused on the relationship that develops between caregivers and residents.  She explained a culture that primarily results from each caregiver’s commitment to provide compassionate, loving care.  This column begins a series in which Amy describes the community more fully by acquainting us with these committed caregivers. 

Tracy Madison Bromm

Tracy Madison Bromm, a Licensed Practical Nurse, drives more than an hour from Bruceville (which is north of Vincennes, Indiana), to New Harmony, each morning, and then home again each evening, just so she can give care to the residents at the Charles Ford Retirement Community.  

Tracy began working nights at Charles Ford in 2021 during the pandemic.  She says her experience here is very different from what she encountered before as an agency nurse in larger facilities. She explains that she quickly fell in love, here, with the people with whom she works and the residents for whom she provides care.  She attributes the unique culture to an intimacy that grows between the caregivers and the residents due to the Community’s smaller size.  Residential capacity at Charles Ford is 25.  Currently, there are 22 residents with around 30 employees, representing a slightly more than one to one caregiver to resident ratio.

“Nothing will ever cause a staffing shortage at Charles Ford,” Tracy says, “because when there’s a need, everybody just pitches in.  If there’s a storm coming, off-work staff members just show up at the door without being called in,” she explains.  “I had never experienced that kind of commitment until I came to work here!”

Along with other primary care nursing duties, Tracy spends several hours each week in the luxury care spa helping individual residents take a whirlpool bath.  She says you can see the relaxation in the faces of each senior as they take their turn for a scheduled spa treatment and begin to relax in the warm water surrounded by pulsating whirlpool jets.

“Water therapy is amazing,” Tracy says, “and a warm bath is rejuvenating.  I watch the resident’s face and can see the stress just melting away.  The atmosphere we’ve created in the room allows for a very soothing and renewing experience.”  Amenities, including facemasks, fragrant sprays and lotions, are available to enhance the overall experience.  Tracy describes the ways she assists each resident depending on their comfort and capability, giving them as much privacy as they want, so they have time to soak up the warmth and security they feel in the enclosed tub.  

Once bathing is finished, the water is drained, the resident steps out and then wrapped in a warm towel.  “If they want, I apply lotion to their skin and massage their feet and hands,” Tracy explains, as she points to the numerous lotions on display.  Resident favorites are lavender or tea tree and peppermint.  Tracy says that when each individual returns to their apartment wrapped in a plush white robe, they are relaxed and often ready for a nap.  “They love being pampered by this spa-like experience,” Tracy concludes.  “Plus, their families appreciate the compassionate care that is expressed through this form of therapy.”

In addition to providing the luxury spa bathing experience, Tracy observes residents in the exercise room, and in other activities of daily living, as needed. When coordinating each resident’s personal care plan, Tracy corroborates with their family members and staff to work around busy schedules, including meals and Life Enrichment activities.

Tracy attests to her love for the Charles Ford community, “Just know that in five years, I’m moving in,” she laughs, “and I’ve already picked out my room!”  But for now, Tracy says she’s blessed and satisfied to be a caregiver.  She describes the benefits of working at Charles Ford as phenomenal with flexible hours, paid time off, vacation time, sick time, and a 401k retirement fund.  “What more could you want?” she asks.