Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Miller's Merry Manor recently celebrated its 40th anniversary by honoring residents and employees with a luncheon barbecue. Indiana Gov. Joseph Kernan proclaimed July 27 as Miller's Merry Manor Day. The proclamation refers to the changing needs of today's "Greatest Generation" and the way the Miller's facilities continue to provide evolving services to meet those needs.
In 1964, Wallace and Connie Miller's vision to provide long-term health care for the aging became a reality when they mortgaged everything they had and opened the first Miller's Merry Manor in Warsaw.
Forty years later, the Miller family continues to care for Indiana's seniors. Today, Miller's Merry Manor is a corporation that operates 30 rehabilitation and health care centers and eight assisted living apartment complexes, while employing 3,000 people under the Miller's Health Systems name.
It began with the purchase of the former Kosciusko County Home and more than 157 acres just outside Warsaw's city limits.Connie Miller, a registered nurse, enjoyed working with senior citizens and saw the need for a nursing care facility in Warsaw. Her husband was a confident businessman, but neither expected their venture to evolve to the magnitude that it has today.
The direction set by the Millers, and later, under the leadership of their oldest son, the late Wallace Jr., as chief executive officer/chief operating officer, led to an ongoing evaluation of the needs of Indiana seniors and fostered a time of measured growth for the company. Presently, as key members of the board of directors of Miller's Health Systems, the four surviving children of Wallace and Connie Miller - V. Richard Miller (chairman of the board), James Miller, Beverly Miller Marshall and Barbara Miller - continue the commitment on which the company was founded. Patrick Boyle, chief executive officer, and a group of long-term senior employees manage the operations and long-term development of Miller's Health Systems.
Boyle says the keys to the business are the residents and employees. He said, "It's a people business -Êyou get back what you give. I've been in the business for 20 years and I know a good staff makes all the difference in the world. We invest in our employees. Our senior staff has had 15-25 years with the company. They start at the bottom and hold different positions.
"With 3,000 employees statewide, health care is local. Everything's personal, from nurses spending more time with patients to building personal relationships with physicians. We're the only local family-owned facility."
While Miller's facilities continue to specialize in long-term restorative health care, Alzheimer's care, hospice and adult day care, the driving purpose has shifted to providing the best in rehabilitation while restoring as much independence to an individual as possible. The facilities feature services such as physical, speech and occupational therapies, while offering time for recuperation in a comfortable atmosphere.
The housing needs and desires of the aging adult population are changing. Miller's has responded by expanding into the residential care option, as well as by offering assisted living apartments. The emphasis on different types of senior living and levels of individual care and offering options to all residents will continue.
