Miller's Merry Manor is celebrating its 35th year Tuesday.

Two of its Warsaw employees have been there since almost day one.

Linda Carter has been a laundry assistant with Miller's for 31 years. Edie Glant, a qualified medical assistant, has worked at Miller's for 32 years now.

"I just always loved people," Carter said. "I was raised by my mother to care for the elderly."

She said the reason she has stayed so long is because of the residents. She talks with them, laughs with them and considers them part of her family. And there's not one particular memory or resident who stands out, she said, because there have been too many.

And there have been many great co-workers over the years too, she said.

She has noticed changes throughout the years - "mostly in the medical field, how they've changed things and improved," she said.

As for plans to retire, she said, she doesn't have any anytime soon.

Susan Shepherd, admissions, said Carter has only the best interests of the residents at heart, going above and beyond the call of duty.

"Linda's a true role model for our younger employees to look up to," said administrator James Schmidt.

As for Glant, Schmidt said, she is also a role model in her profession and never misses a day of work.

Last fall, Glant became a resident care assistant in the assisted living wing. She provides care and cooks for residents.

"She still works every other weekend in our rehab unit to keep up on her skills," said Schmidt.

"She always has a smile," said admissions director Nancy Derry. She said when residents leave the facility and then return after some time, they always ask for Glant.

"She is well respected in her profession. She takes nurses' aides under her wing. She's a good teacher," said Schmidt.

While Carter and Glant have been at Miller's the longest, other employees have been there for many years as well. Elaine Faurote-DiRico has been with Miller's 25 years. Other employees have been there five, 10, 15 and 20 years.

"Here, we recognize people for longevity," said Schmidt.

Derry said, "It does take special people to work with the elderly."

"You've got to like people or you couldn't stay here no matter what your job is," said Carter.

Derry has been with Miller's eight years. A registered nurse, she does all admissions along with Shepherd. Shepherd has been with Miller's for three years and is also a registered nurse.

"As admissions director, we're the first impression for inquiries and patients who are looking for facilities," said Derry.

They explain services Miller's offers and give prospective patients a tour, Derry said. Establishing relationships and understanding the needs of the residents is also an important job for Derry and Shepherd, she said.

"We work very closely with families," she said.

Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw, has 120 licensed beds and 10 assisted living apartments.

Derry said, "The people that come and live here, this is their home. We basically become part of their family."

"We do have a good team here," said Shepherd. "We do work well together ... Everyone that works here has the best interests of the residents at heart."

Miller's Merry Manor was founded in 1964 when Wallace and Connie Miller had a vision to provide longterm healthcare for the aging. After mortgaging everything they had, they opened Miller's in Warsaw.

Today, the corporation operates 31 nursing facilities statewide and two assisted living facilities under the Miller's Health Systems name. [[In-content Ad]]