Carmel Manor: 75 years of senior care where ‘the difference is love’

Sarah Torres

Contributor

Overlooking the Ohio River and surrounded by forest, Carmel Manor provides a tranquil home for those in need of care later in life. Surrounded by Kentucky’s natural wildlife and sharing the view once witnessed by Mary Draper Ingles on her brave escape along the Ohio River, the Manor has become as embedded in our history as the original mansion it was housed in. And it all began with a determined Bishop and two sisters on a mission of love.

Since the time of Bishop Camillus Maes, there had been no home for the aged within the Diocese of Covington, yet the need for one was great. Upon his arrival to the Diocese, Bishop William Mulloy made rectifying this issue one of his top priorities.

In November 1948, the Diocese purchased the 42-acre Kramer Property in Ft. Thomas, which included two buildings — the historic three-story stone “Kinney Mansion” and a smaller six-room frame building. The Kinney Mansion was remodeled, beginning in January 1949, to serve as a home for the aged, which proved to be a large undertaking as the building required steady electricity and running water along with repairs due to years of being vacant. The smaller building was converted into a convent for the Carmelite Sisters, whom Bishop Mulloy asked to run the new home.

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed had been founded 20 years earlier in New York, with a mission to serve the elderly with love in a cheerful, home-like environment. In July 1949, two sisters, Mother Mary Theresa and Mother Mary Martin, arrived in the Diocese to oversee the final stages of the remodel and to serve as the original staff. On December 13, 1949, Bishop Mulloy blessed the building, bestowing the name Carmel Manor.

The original building was able to house 35 residents and was immediately filled to capacity with a waiting list of over 200. It was clear from the beginning the need was greater than originally expected. In the early 1950s, expansions began leading to the opening of a new wing in 1956, creating space for nearly three times the residents as the original building.

Upon the request of Bishop Richard Ackerman, in 1969, a Priest House was added for the retired priests of the Diocese. The building provided six apartments, a chapel, and a central dining room and social space for the retired priests.

From the founding, Carmel Manor served mostly those who were larging self-sufficient and independent regarding their physical needs. In the 1980s, the need for more intensive care was recognized and 65 skilled-nurse beds were added in 1987. The new expansion, St. Joseph Terrace was opened in 1990 and blessed by Bishop William Hughes. These expansions in care and rooms brought the total resident capacity of Carmel Manor to nearly 150.

Continued expansion throughout the 2010s opened a modern skilled nursing setting including private rooms, spacious bathrooms, and, of course, continued breathtaking views of the Ohio River and surrounding wilderness that the Manor has always been known for.

As we come to the 75th anniversary, the once 35 resident building is now licensed for 95 skilled care and intermediate skilled care residents along with 80 personal care residents. A loving staff of 140 provide round-the-clock care, alongside three Carmelite Sisters who continue to uphold the Sister’s charism. Together they work to uphold the belief that “The Difference is Love.”

Sarah Torres is the archivist for the Diocese of Covington, Ky.