Hillcrest Care Center to celebrate 40th anniversary

LAUREL  — Blanche and Arnold Sauser started working toward their goal of establishing a nursing home in Laurel in 1962.

A facility for 16 residents was built onto their home on the west hill of Laurel and was called the Sauser Home.

The grand opening was held on Nov. 1, 1963.

In 1970, the Sauser Home expanded into a 21-bed facility.

Blanche Sauser operated the home with assistance from her daughter, Marcia and her husband Eldon Haisch.

The need to update and expand the facility was realized by Blanche, her family, local pharmacist, Dave Felber, and the City of Laurel.

The City of Laurel unanimously voted on Dec. 6, 1977 to build a new 50-bed nursing home.

The $585,000 bond issue was passed and this amount purchased a site, all construction, grading and landscaping, furnishings, working capital and the first year’s interest payment on bonds.

A board of seven members was appointed, and Witt and Junkette of Des Moines, Iowa were obtained as contractors.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in early 1978 and construction began.

On Oct. 29, 1978 a dedication and open house was held. Hillcrest Care Center was opened on Nov. 1, 1978, staff and 22 residents moved into the facility.

Sharon Jones, medication aide, and Joann Rathgeber, LPN, were employed at the Sauser Home and remain employed at Hillcrest Care Center and Assisted Living today.

Vee Lage, medical records coordinator, has also been employed at Hillcrest since opening day.

Hillcrest Care Center was licensed as a skilled nursing facility in 1998.

The opportunity to expand again came with the conversion of 10 nursing facility beds into assisted living beds in 2001.

The attached assisted living was licensed for 16 beds. Change came again in 2012 when a therapy room was remodeled and a Medicare suite was established.

Today, Hillcrest Care Center is licensed for 36 skilled beds.

Dr. Dave Felber was medical director for Hillcrest Care Center for many years and was very supportive in the vision of a new nursing home in the 1970s.

Dr. Felber provided guidance through all of the changes that helped provide quality nursing care to the residents.

The Hillcrest Board of Trustees is a six member board appointed by the City Council of Laurel. They provide oversight and independent review of the functions of the facility. Hillcrest’s board of directors includes Milissa Lackas, Annette Pritchard, Pastor Jeff Warner, Jean Dickey, Bev Dahlquist, and Craig Gutz.

Hillcrest Care Center prepares Meals on Wheels for the residents of the community when needed and meals are delivered by volunteers from the local churches. The Hillcrest Auxiliary has been supportive of the facility throughout the years with many fundraisers and helping purchase needed equipment that benefits the residents. The Auxiliary has also hosted many activities for the residents. The local Ministerial Association provides weekly worship services with pastors or lay people leading the service. Local church groups, neighborhood clubs, community organizations and individuals assist with activities and provide entertainment for the residents. These volunteers are greatly appreciated for all their time and dedication.

Providence Therapy Clinic in Laurel and Wayne provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy to the residents. Jan Harrison, WOCRN, provides consultation and services for wounds, stomas, and continence. The Laurel and Wayne medical clinic physicians provide medical care to our residents. Dr. Sam Recob is the Medical Director overseeing the policies and procedures of resident care.

Hospice services are offered by Providence Hospice of Wayne, Aseracare Hospice of Norfolk, and Avera Hospice of Yankton. Mark Patefield, Registered Pharmacist, is the consulting pharmacist who reviews all resident medications monthly for diagnosis and appropriate use. Renee Kauth, RD, provides dietary consultation monthly to ensure residents are receiving proper nutritional care.

Many employees of Hillcrest have been people of the Laurel community and surrounding communities. Many students of Wayne State College have worked at Hillcrest and have gone on to pursue medical degrees as nurses, physician assistants, therapists or medical doctors.

The staff of Hillcrest makes up several departments dedicated to ensuring the safety, comfort, and happiness of our residents: nursing, dietary, business, social services, activities, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance. Residents at Hillcrest are treated to a beautiful home, delicious food, engaging activities, daily spiritual opportunities, and a caring and attentive staff.

Hillcrest is planning a 40th birthday party on Oct.  28.

Everyone is invited to come, eat birthday cake and celebrate with the residents and workers of the facility.