Testimonials
Local doctor recommends Hillcrest
I don’t hesitate to recommend Hillcrest to my patients. During my 13 years as a physician in Sumner, I have seen many of my patients admitted to Hillcrest for various reasons; from a quick recovery from a fracture and some for the rest of their lives for progressive dementia. I have been very impressed with the care delivered by the nursing staff in any situation. They treat people with kindness and dignity. There are always activities going on when I go on rounds.
I have also been impressed with their continued updates to their facility. This reflects their priority to caring for the patient rather than maximizing their profits. It is so important to have a facility like this in our community. Having to transition your loved one out of their home is so hard. It makes the move easier when you know they are going to be well cared for and you can go visit anytime because they are so close by. -Troy Buchholz MD
Business Owner supports Hillcrest
We have had the privilege of working with the Hillcrest over the last 30 years on various projects. In our working relationship with them, we have seen how the welfare of their residents is always at the forefront of the decisions they make. Hillcrest is a great asset to our community because is community owned and has a mission to serve our community.
-Bob Sanders
Begalske & Sanders Construction
Family member praises nursing home staff and facilities
In my professional experience as a nurse, and later as CEO at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, when helping family members make this transition for their loved ones, Hillcrest was always my first recommendation. I have a personal story to relate. When it became clear to our mother, Mary Elain Sexton, and the family that she was no longer able to safely live alone, we all agreed that she needed to move into a nursing facility. It was a unanimous decision for all that Hillcrest was to become her home for the remainder of her days. Our family has a long history with Hillcrest and knew the quality of the staff and the compassionate and personalized care provided there. Years ago my father’s mother, Inez Sexton was one of the earliest residents; first in an apartment and later moving into the nursing wing when her declining health required more care.
Mom had almost six years living at Hillcrest. We were so appreciative of the attention, dignity, and respect she was afforded while there and we became fond of many of the staff and care providers over these years too. Having Mom local allowed us to see her almost daily and enjoy her remaining years, knowing that in our absence, she was being lovingly cared for. Hillcrest is a true asset to our community not only as a wonderful care facility but also economically as an employer of many loving care providers – no matter what title they have.
-Mary Wells
Resident loves her independence and apartment life
My late husband, John Milnes, a longtime Sumner area funeral director, served on the original Board of Directors of Hillcrest Home some 50 years ago. Through the years he was always proud and complimentary of Hillcrest Home…the staff…management and their professionalism. He was impressed with the excellent care given to residents.
John died in 2009 at the age of 89 years. I continued to live in our home in Sumner. I loved our home and hoped I could live there “forever.” After hospitalization in 2014, I decided that I needed to “pare” down…I was 86 and caring for a home was getting to be more that I could handle. Moving to Hillcrest Apartments was not a difficult decision... only an adjustment. My family was relieved I made the choice myself, and it was the right one. Other residents who reside in the Apartments were so kind and friendly. Everyone helped me adjust.
The staff and employees at every level, in every department are just super. I am so impressed with them. The number of community volunteers is amazing! Some of them have been working and coming here to use their talents for many years. There are always so kind and cheerful.
My newly renovated apartment is so cozy and beautiful. I have one meal a day provided at 11:00am, and it is a highlight of each day. The Apartment residents look out for each other, kind of like another family.
I have observed so many times how the staff shows compassion and kindness to the residents. I love it here and am so happy that I can stay in Sumner. “My Home Sweet Home.” -Jane Milnes
Family member recommends Hillcrest
A few years ago, my mother came to Hillcrest. I was hesitant about how well she would be taken care of, but I found that Hillcrest took very, very good care of her. The staff was very friendly, caring, and uplifting. I also put my sister Linda in the Hillcrest apartments. They treated her very well and if needed they would be there for her. If your family needs to go more care or nursing home services, I highly recommend Hillcrest. They will take care of your family. -Sandy Reed
Family member finds Hillcrest ‘clean and fresh’
When our mom was no longer able to be cared for at her Assisted Living Apartment, we were faced with the dilemma of where to move her. We visited a number of Nursing Home Care Centers in Northeast Iowa. Most of the places we looked at were either poorly staffed, unclean, or had that “noticeable odor” of nursing homes reminiscent from years past. After a lengthy search we came upon Hillcrest in Sumner, IA.
Our first impression was very positive. The staff was genuinely friendly and wore sincere smiles. Hillcrest did not seem like a typical nursing home setting. It was squeaky clean and fresh smelling.
The residents seemed happy and content. The place had a “homeyness” to it. The residents were taking part in organized activities, attending church services, walking for exercise, watching TV in the public lounge, or reading quietly in their rooms. The halls were decorated with fresh bulletin boards and showed the names of each resident in that area. Each door to the resident rooms has colorful decorations, either seasonal or a specific holiday. The activity calendars were also displayed on each resident’s door.
A beauty shop was conveniently located within Hillcrest Home, to care for the residents’ hair needs. There was a nice multi-purpose chapel area, a sunroom with a southern exposure, and a central outside lawn/court area with beautiful trees and shrubs and the occasional bird feeder. The large dining room was very bright and clean. The front entry had an aviary with colorful birds flitting about and a nice sitting area for visitors. The main entry has a security code entrance for resident safety. The Nurse Staff went out of their way to explain the care and what we should expect for our Mom.
We knew that Hillcrest Home was exactly where Mom needed to be. We did not want to have to worry about how she was being cared for in our absence. We are very thankful that Hillcrest is conveniently located to visit Mom. Another bonus is the new Unity Point Hospital facility right next door. We would highly recommend Hillcrest to anyone who wants to have the peace of mind that their loved ones are being properly cared for in a clean and safe environment with very caring people. -Dan Hanson
Hillcrest is part of my life and my family
My affection for Hillcrest Home Inc., dates back to its inception in 1965. My father, the late John Milnes served on the board of trustees. I was among the few of the younger teens elected to help serve cookies at the open house; it really was a proud moment! Later in my teens, with the encouragement of my parents, I started to think about nursing as a career. I was hired by Hillcrest to work a couple short shifts after school and on weekends, learning on-the-job to be a nurses’ aide. I worked with Mathilda Engelke, Alberta Oltrogge, and Pearl Oleson and they taught me much of the course entitled Nursing 101!
In 2014, my mother, Jane Milnes, made the decision to move into a small independent living apartment in Hillcrest. After a year, she had the good fortune to move into a larger, new two-bedroom apartment with enough space to host family and friends. She comes and goes as she pleases and has a garage just a few feet from her apartment. The nursing staff from the care center area is available to her 24 hours a day should the need arise, which gives my mother and her family peace of mind.
As a retired hospice nurse, I have provided care to nursing home residents and interact with the staffs and administrators of many central Iowa nursing facilities. I can say most assuredly that Hillcrest is one of the cleanest, friendliest, well-run facilities that I have seen.
The Hillcrest staff is seasoned with many long-term, hometown employees. The administrator, Junever Heying, is a registered nurse who has been at the helm of this ship for many years. Junever grew up in rural Sumner and understands the culture of Sumner and the surrounding communities. She has a keen ability to direct her staff in meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of her residents and their families. To have an administrator with this many years in one location is almost unheard of in the nursing home industry in Iowa and is proof of dedication and a job well done!
-Barb Milnes Holt, Ames, Iowa
Family member has 3 reasons he likes Hillcrest
I would recommend Hillcrest to anybody for a lot of reasons. First off, the staff that works there. I am so impressed with how well they care for people. From the CNAs to the RNs and Junever. It is not just a job for them. Second, the care that they provide. The third thing is the cleanliness of the place. I have been to other facilities and they all have that odor but I have never smelled that at Hillcrest. You just can’t find a better place and I know the new assisted living will be just as good.
-Jack Schult
Resident loves it
I love it here! The care is just so good! -Gertrude Dettmering
Physical therapist endorses Hillcrest
The thing I appreciate the most about Hillcrest is that they provide compassionate, resident-centered care as if each individual were one of their own family members. In today’s ever changing medical field, driven by the bottom line, Hillcrest maintains their residents’ comfort and well being as the most important factor. I am honored to provide physical therapy services for such a great facility, helping each individual smoothly adapt to their new home or rehabilitate them to return to their community.
-Brooke Toohey, PT, DPT,
Taylor Physical Therapy
Coach, kids, and residents appreciate the interaction
When I was asked to bring the kids out a few years ago I was more than happy to. A lot of the students have never been to Hillcrest and it is good for them to see the smiles on the resident’s faces while we are doing our cheers. It is a good life lesson for the kids to see and appreciate our elders and they gain more respect for them. It has definitely been worthwhile. It is hard to tell who gets more from the experience the kid or the residents.
Both seem to really enjoy it; it is a great tradition, and has been a very beneficial part of our Homecoming experience. -Brad Mohs, Football Coach Sumner Fredericksburg High School
Local teacher likes reading program
Hillcrest provides an awesome opportunity for my students to connect the old with the young. For several years, I have been bringing a handful of elementary students to Hillcrest to read to the residents. With the help of Sherry, the Activity Director, each student is placed with a resident for a two-year period. Meeting once a month, the student spends time with their new friend reading and making connections. A special bond is often times formed which makes the experience much more than just reading a chapter in a book. Thank you Hillcrest for this beautiful opportunity. -Kelly Duhrkopf
Volunteer now brings her great-granddaughter!
I started going to Hillcrest in 2000 when my Aunt and my mother were there. I was so impressed with the facility because of its cleanliness, wonderful nursing care and all the activities they have. I started volunteering that year also and have continued ever since. I now bring my 2 ½ year old great-granddaughter to Friday morning music fun time. She loves it and so do the residents. If you are looking for something to do in your free time, Hillcrest is a wonderful place to start volunteering.
-Carol Greenfield