Tabitha

January 2008

Lincoln, NE--Tabitha Health Care Services announces the first phase of expansion plans on its Lincoln Campus that will add and improve services, create new jobs and enhance the campus and facilities located at 48th and Randolph Streets. The $31-million expansion project includes assisted living and memory care, a south entrance addition, Green Houses®, a free-standing house providing Hospice care and LifeQuest rehabilitation program expansion with private room conversions. Work is slated to begin in the Spring of 2009.

“Tabitha’s legacy for 122 years has been to pioneer approaches to improve the quality of life for Elders. This expansion of services and facilities will offer new choices in older adult health care,” said Keith Fickenscher, President & CEO.

This expansion phase is the result of client and family feedback, a needs assessment, market analysis and site analysis. Tabitha’s expansion will provide a full array of housing and support services to enhance independence, health and living for Elders as well as continue to create superior environments to match Tabitha’s exceptional care. The five projects are:

1.Assisted Living & Memory Care Facility. 15 units (20,000 sq. ft.) of assisted living apartments and 48 units (40,000 sq. ft.) of memory care living apartments both with studio and double-occupancy options.

• Located on the southwest corner of campus
• Safe, worry-free living in spacious, maintenance-free residences
• 24-hour personal assistance
• Onsite health professionals
• Specialized memory-care programming
• Close proximity to Tabitha Health Care Services
• Expected completion date: May 2011

2.South Entrance Addition. Three-story redesign of Tabitha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s south face which will include 18,000 sq. ft. of new construction and a 4,000 sq. ft. remodel of existing space.

• Admission and consultation spaces designed for privacy, comfort and customer care
• Reception and waiting areas expanded
• Expected completion date: July 2010

3. Green Houses®. Three additional Green Houses. Each House has accommodations for 12 Elders.

• Medicare and Medicaid Certified
• Green House environments produce superior clinical and social outcomes and greater family and staff satisfaction as demonstrated over the past two years in Tabitha’s first Green House (second in the nation; first in Nebraska).
• Tabitha is a pilot project and training site for the National Green House Project Replication Initiative
• Expected completion date: April 2011

4.Expansion of Hospice Care with the Construction of a 12-bed Skilled Nursing Facility. Accommodations for 12 Hospice clients.

• Medicare and Medicaid Certified
• Environment, programming and amenities are designed to enhance end-of-life care for clients, families and caregivers
• Outdoor spaces designed for tranquility and comfort
• Tabitha is recognized by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization as the “Longest Serving Medicare Certified Hospice Agency in Nebraska”
• Expected completion date: May 2011

5. LifeQuest Rehabilitation Expansion & Private Room Conversion. Convert 19 semi-private rooms to private rooms.

• Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Certified
• Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
• Expected completion date: 2011

On June 26, 2008, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson announced that the Appropriations Committee adopted a bill granting $800,000 in funding for costs associated with the creation of two additional Green House Project homes. Additional funding will be made available through financing, available reserve funds, operating funds and a capital fund raising campaign.

Over 1,800 Nebraskans rely on Tabitha services daily in 29 counties to maintain their independence, dignity and health. Over 1,000 employees compassionately serve these needs using Tabitha’s network of Elder health, housing and support services. As a pioneer and innovator in health care, Tabitha was the first to bring hospice, meals on wheels and home health care to Lincoln. Tabitha operates Nebraska’s first Green House and the nation’s second.

Tabitha is the premier provider of Elder health care services promoting the dignity, independence and health of older adults in 29 counties in southeast Nebraska. Tabitha offers rehabilitation, home care, hospice, meals on wheels, intergenerational care and Elder living options including independent living, Green House®, skilled nursing and long-term care. Founded in 1886, Tabitha is a not-for-profit 501 ( c )3 organization.

Comments about the Green House Project at Tabitha:

In 2007, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry visited the Green House Project at Tabitha and marveled at how this new model “rethinks long-term care to save money and improve care.”

“You know, there just isn’t time to be lonely here.”
– Helen “Mike” Holmes, Green House Elder

“Living here now is an answer to an unspoken prayer. In this new world, I am snug and comfortable. I walk independently with a walker having assistance with bathing and dressing. The dark days of last year seem so long ago, as my health has improved.”
– Zoe Holland, daughter of Mary Valentine,Green House Project at Tabitha Resident

“You walk into this wonderful home, you may see one or two Elders watching TV, or visiting with a friend or relative. You many find an Elder having a cup of coffee or sitting on the front porch or in back on the patio enjoying the garden thanks to the Shahbazim (caregivers).”
–Jim Archer, Green House Project at Tabitha Sage

“One of my most memorable moments was when an Elder introduced me to her friends as ‘her dear friend, James’.”
–James Williams, Green House Project at Tabitha Shahbaz (Caregiver)