ASK AMY KOCH
A monthly column from the Executive Director of the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony
An Update on What Amy Koch Expects to Transpire at the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony in the First Quarter of 2021
We asked Amy Koch to tell us what she expects to transpire at Charles Ford Retirement Community in this first quarter of 2021. She describes hope and promise in her response:
“I think we’ve all come away from this pandemic with some anxiety, and even though we try not to be anxious about anything, and to show gratitude for everything, there is a peace that comes with knowing that hope is out there and this, too, will pass. We’re striving to hold on to that belief and that promise at the Charles Ford Retirement Community, this first month of the New Year!
“In December, the virus forced us to search out new ways to express joy and thanksgiving as we celebrated the holidays with our residents. We’re happy they remained healthy and were able to be with their families on Christmas Eve through a
Zoom caroling party that included a very special gift exchange.
“Now, it’s January and the feelings generated by the New Year are complex, because we continue to face the overwhelming, but necessary restrictions and safety protocols this virus has created, along with the confidence that medical science brings. We know recovery from the pandemic will be slow and that reality manifests itself in a heaviness of spirit. The good news is two vaccines against COVID-19 have been distributed in our area and a majority of the Charles Ford Retirement Community staff has already received the first of the two required vaccinations. Assisted living facilities are in the current eligibility group and arrangements are being made for our residents to receive their vaccinations.
“So relief seems just around the corner as we enter this first month of 2021, yet, we are weary and the fight is not over. Industry leaders predict that virus-related matters will dominate the actions of senior living owners and operators for months to come. At CFRC, the next year will be consumed with the review and rewrite of our policies and procedures to incorporate what we’ve learned through this experience.
“Looking forward, there continue to be a lot of unknowns, but one thing is sure: The pandemic has caused our staff members to gain a sense that the work they do really matters. So, if you’re interested in a job that makes a difference in the lives of others,
and it’s a good time for you to make a move, then we’re interested in talking to you. Let’s see if your objectives meet and match our need. You, joining our family, may turn out to be the best decision either of us has ever made. Now, that’s a New Year’s hope and promise I want to keep.”
