Our History
If you do something well for 50 years, you have a right to crow a bit.
Since its founding in 1964, Hillcrest has seen lots of changes to retirement trends, resident care, and regulations! Through it all, the commitment to exceptional individual care and the needs of the community has never wavered. That reminds us of an interesting story...
Since its founding in 1964, Hillcrest has seen lots of changes to retirement trends, resident care, and regulations! Through it all, the commitment to exceptional individual care and the needs of the community has never wavered. That reminds us of an interesting story...
How Hillcrest Got Its Name
In 1964, a new 'retirement home' was built in Sumner. It had the latest equipment and furnishings. What it didn't have was a name! So, they asked the community for suggestions.
Over 100 entries came in and they narrowed it down to the top five. Before Hillcrest Home was chosen, they considered 'The Manor,' 'Sunset Haven,' 'Meadow View,' and 'Sunny Hill' (submitted by Mildred Hill). Florence Rader submitted 'Hillcrest Home' and received a $10 gift – which she immediately endorsed back to Hillcrest so others could benefit. Eventually, Mrs. Rader became a resident of the place she helped name.
Over 100 entries came in and they narrowed it down to the top five. Before Hillcrest Home was chosen, they considered 'The Manor,' 'Sunset Haven,' 'Meadow View,' and 'Sunny Hill' (submitted by Mildred Hill). Florence Rader submitted 'Hillcrest Home' and received a $10 gift – which she immediately endorsed back to Hillcrest so others could benefit. Eventually, Mrs. Rader became a resident of the place she helped name.
In 2016, the name Hillcrest Living was adopted. The name better reflects our approach – living an active and fulfilling life – and encompasses all of our living situations; Skilled Care, Independent Living, and Assisted Living! A new name means a fresh new logo and signage, too. No matter what you call us, we are still the standard for care in Sumner.
A Hillcrest Timeline
Hillcrest Home was opened in 1965 as a 20-bed intermediate care facility. In 1966, an additional 26 beds were added. In 1968, the retirement apartment area was added.
The largest addition was opened in 1975 when an additional 40 beds were added, making the total of 86 intermediate care beds and 10 independent living apartments. In 1985 a chapel activity room was added to the facility. In 1989, four private rooms were added so that 2 double rooms could be used to make a break room for the employees. In 1990 a laundry was added so all the linens could be laundered within the facility.
In 1993 the new administrative offices, activity room, therapy room, consultant’s office and director of nursing office were added. The food supervisor’s office was enlarged at that time. In 2000 the mid-west wing was completed which offered more space to care for people. A connecting link between east and west wings was also added to assist with efficiency of moving about in the building. The facility became dually licensed as a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in addition to ICF license on November 1, 2003. On April 8, 2011, Hillcrest Home was licensed as a CCRC (continuing care retirement community).
In 2016, Hillcrest is added on a 16 bed assisted living, developing the philosophy of “Hillcrest Living”, and has made 80% of the rooms in the nursing-skilled care section private.
