Passionate About Its Purpose

Thirty years ago, John August and Charlotte Miller shared a vision of what a nursing facility would be like if it were privately owned and managed. At the time, August was an administrator, and Miller was a director of nursing at a local, corporate-owned Fort Wayne nursing home.

In 1981, they turned their vision into reality, when they purchased the facility that is now Woodview. At the time of purchase, the small facility was going bankrupt and was in disrepair.

The facility housed 30 residents and August and Miller quickly went to work hiring a caring staff, renovating the existing hallways and putting systems in place that would build a solid foundation for the care Woodview would provide. They were committed to quality care and their values consisted of respect, integrity, dignity and excellence.

“They wanted to make things better for seniors in the area and they were very successful with that,” says Angela Buckland, administrator for Woodview. “They worked hard to improve the building and services that we provide to our residents.”

In 2007, August partnered with House Investments through his friend and business partner, Doug Sylvester, to expand the vision to provide multiple levels of senior care. In 2008, outpatient therapy, a new rehabilitation wing and assisted living were added to the growing list of services and amenities. In 2010, Woodview welcomed the addition of Memory Care services in an assisted living environment.

Today, Woodview spans several acres on both the north and south sides of East State Boulevard near Hobson Road in northeast Fort Wayne and includes 128 health care beds and 106 assisted living apartments. 

The landscape may look different than it did when August and Miller started their venture, but the foundation upon which it was built has stayed the same.

“We’re truly a full campus of care,” says Buckland. “What makes us special is that we have the same philosophy of care across our entire campus.”

Woodview offers short- and long-term care, independent assisted living, memory care services for Alzheimer’s and dementia clients, rehabilitation services, wellness and therapy and home care services for Allen county residents.

Woodview remains a family-owned business. August’s sons, Justin and Jason, are actively involved with daily operations throughout the campus and are part of the Woodview team.

“They both take great pride in the Woodview name, facility values and the legacy their father and his partners have established,” says Buckland.

Woodview is home to many residents and staff. The proof of Woodview’s home-like atmosphere is in the long-term Woodview staff. Some employees have been at Woodview since the beginning. Joyce Caldwell, quality of life coordinator, is one of them.

“John taught us to welcome everyone and show them we care about them,” says Caldwell. “We have a close relationship with our residents and their families and we love them. I tell our residents that it is a privilege to care for them.”

Even a staff member whose job is to focus on the business and accounting at Woodview develops relationships with the residents.

“I join residents for breakfast or lunch or take walks down the hall with them,” says Tricia Simms, assisted living administrator. “My job is very hands-on with the residents.”

Simms points out that most people would never believe they’re in a nursing home when they enter Woodview. The grounds are beautifully maintained with numerous courtyards and a gazebo. Inside, the decor is inviting. It’s airy with wide hallways and a generous number of large windows including bay windows in many of the residents’ rooms.

In one of the hallways hangs a decorative sign that reads, “Enter as strangers... leave as friends.”

“We are all family here,” says Caldwell. “I’m not just saying that, we really walk the walk that we talk.”