New London Specialty Care turns 50!

According to the Journal dated July 25, 1975, the possibility of having a nursing home or health care center in New London had been a desired goal for many years. Various planners and builders met with the Chamber of Commerce and other interested parties to spread the idea that New London needed such a facility.

In early 1974, a group started to give serious effort to making this a reality. A plan was chosen that included raising part of the cost of building the unit. Many hours were spent on a drive to sell area residents on buying stock in this venture.

The group who first pledged money were the incorporators of the organization then named the New London Health Care Center. A group of about 20 men raised $40,000. Additionally $100,000 more was raised toward the cost of building the 50-bed unit. The rest of the funds needed were secured through lenders with the funds to handle such an undertaking. The effort paid off as the care center became a reality.

The members of the Board of Directors included Bob Shores — president; Merv Raines — vp; Tom Ritchey — treas.; Ralph Eckey — sec.; and the directors — Howard Miller, Wally Riepe, Gerald Lehman, Bob Hansen, and Dr. H. M. Readinger.

Upon completion, Mrs. F. L. Miller, who had moved to New London, was hired as the administrator. She hired staff for the facility. The facility opened Aug. 1 and she started taking residents at that time.

The first open house was on July 28 and drew between 400 to 500 people.

Fast forward to Aug. 3, 2025. The facility had a milestone birthday, turning 50. On hand were Bob Shores and Gerald Lehman, both there in the beginning and both thinking it was and is a great addition to New London. Bob did the celebratory ribbon cutting and said a few words about the facility. The staff felt the turnout was good. There were between 50 to 100 on hand.

Bailey Donahue, the facility administrator, who is relatively new on the job, gave a welcoming speech and thanked everyone for coming out. She works hard to make sure all the residents and staff are happy and getting good care

The staff worked very hard planning the open house. They served ice cream sundaes, walking tacos, and popcorn. Aaron Lotzow played piano and sang. He is a monthly entertainer at the facility, well-known to the residents. For the kids, there were games that included a Frisbee game, ball toss games, a bean bag toss, and a giant four-square checkerboard, plus face painting and temporary tattoos. Many of the residents were in the main room enjoying the festivities along with many family members.

According to the activities director Andrea Carlson, there have been key changes. “Care Initiatives took over in 1989. We now do rehabilitation, IVs, fluids, plus focusing on getting people back home. “We do more than just long-term care. There are now 46-beds instead of the original 50. We have opened up one for the therapy department and another for skilled-to-home.”

Carlson continued, “We have been deficiency-free for two years in a row and also received the AHCA/NCAL (American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living) bronze commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The Director of Nursing, Tonya Rehm, traveled to Florida to receive the award.”

Carlson also thanked the following people who added to the festivities:

The birthday celebration has come and gone, but was a blessing to all who attended, especially to all those who call 100 Care Circle home. Here’s to another 50 years!