Assisted Living: More on the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony
We asked Amy Koch, executive director of the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony, to tell us more about the assisted living community history. Here’s what she said:
“The Charles Ford Memorial Home was established by the Last Will and Testament of Charles Ford, who was born January 29, 1853, and lived his entire life in New Harmony. Mr. Ford, who was described as a caring man, was said to be moved, emotionally, when his mother and sister became dependent on others for their care. So, in response to this concern, he created a Trust that would, upon his death, establish a retirement home for women.
“Following Ford’s death on September 23, 1940, his widow, Mollie, continued to reside in their home on Main Street until she died in 1954. Two years later, her husband’s wishes were fulfilled, when the Charles Ford Memorial Home opened on May 6, 1956, in the converted residence he and Mollie had shared.
“Ford had specified how the home would be operated. In his Trust, he directed the New Harmony Town Board to appoint three Trustees, each to serve three-year staggered terms, with a new Trustee appointed each year. The Trustees were to be given full power of administration for the residence. And so, it continued for many years. Some significant changes in operation have occurred in recent years, however.
“In the beginning, preference for admission was given to women who lived in Posey County and New Harmony. Today, residents include both men and women from all locales.
“Also, initially, only women age 65 years and over were admitted, with an entrance fee and the assignment of all real estate, personal property and investments required. In exchange, the women were guaranteed care for life. Today, residents may be as young as 55, no assets are turned over, and residents pay only a deposit and the monthly rental fees. Each resident receives room, board, meals, wellness checks, all utilities except telephone service, transportation to doctors’ appointments, and a comprehensive Life Enrichment program. In addition, respite care (without an ongoing commitment) is available on a month-to-month basis.
“In the past few years,” Koch explains, “extensive remodeling and interior improvements have been made to enhance the design of residential rooms and to update common areas. At the same time, every effort is made to keep the monthly fee affordable and to adhere as closely as possible with Mr. Ford’s original intent.
“Perhaps, one of the most important governmental changes occurred in October 2011, when the Trustees determined that in order to continue Ford’s mission, it would be imperative they seek permission from the Court to terminate the Trust in favor of establishing a non-profit corporation. Trustees explained that this change would provide greater operational flexibility, thus empowering the organization to remain a viable entity. As a part of this action, the corporation’s governance moved from three trustees to an appointed nine-member board of directors.
“Today, the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony is licensed as a Residential Health Care Facility with the power of administration given to a licensed administrator, along with the nine-member board of directors. Together, they oversee
Community policies and investment funds, approve and sign all checks, and have final approval of large purchases and capital expenditures.
“On January 29, we will mark the 167th anniversary of Charles Ford’s birth. I think he would be tremendously pleased to know the gift of his home and assets continue to meet his goal of supplying a residence for those in need. He would appreciate our efforts to live up to his commitment while providing the highest quality service for individuals living well into retirement years,” Koch concluded.
