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Tabitha History

Tabitha historic photo

Tabitha has a rich history in Nebraska, from its roots as an orphanage to innovation in home health, hospice and senior living, to today being an industry leader in Senior Care services. Below is a timeline of Tabitha through the years.

  • 1886
    1886

    Tabitha is founded as an orphanage by Rev. Henry Heiner.

  • 1890
    1890

    "Old Main" is constructed as residence to house orphaned children, homeless adults and elderly.

  • 1907

    Tabitha expands into Lutheran hospital and school of nursing.

  • 1909

    Service begins for tuberculosis patients.

  • 1926
    1926

    Nazareth Building (boys’ dormitory) is built.

  • 1937
    1937

    Bethel Building (girls’ dormitory) is built.

  • 1946
    1946

    Construction begins on today’s Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center south wing.

  • 1960

    Original role as an orphanage ends; records transferred to Lutheran Family Services in Omaha. Adults in long-term care remained.

  • Home health care services begin.
    Tabitha Home Health becomes Medicare-certified.

  • Tabitha Meals on Wheels service begins.

  • 1971

    Tabitha adds a new skilled nursing unit.

  • Tabitha Village Senior Living Apartments are built.

  • 1974

    Offices established in Friend and Seward. Home care services begin in Saline County.

  • Tabitha Hospice (then Hospice of Tabitha) begins, first hospice service in Lincoln.
    Hamilton County office (Aurora) opens.

  • Tabitha Rehabilitation Services begin.

  • Creation of Tabitha Foundation

  • 1982

    Hospice services become Medicare-certified.
    Private-duty home care services established as Special Care Services.

  • Hospice services expand into Seward and York counties.

  • 1993
    1993

    Maseman Unit for inpatient hospice care is dedicated in honor of Martha A. Maseman, RN, who pioneered Tabitha’s home health care, hospice and Tabitha Meals on Wheels services.

    Johnsen Family Wing opens.

  • 1995

    Augustine Rehabilitation Unit opens.

  • 1996

    Offices open in Grand Island and York.

    Tabitha Bryan Special Care becomes Home Care Specialties of Tabitha, Inc.

  • Nursing home renamed Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

    Office opens in Nebraska City.

  • Kimmel Solarium for Alzheimer’s care opens.

  • Garden Lane Adult Day Services begin at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

  • Tabitha is selected as one of four model sites for national Green House Project® (now Tabitha Residences).

  • 2004
    2004

    Tabitha Hospice is formally recognized as the founding hospice in Nebraska at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s national conference in Washington, D.C.

    LifeQuest Rehabilitation Center opens.

  • 2006
    2006

    Tabitha opens Nebraska's first Green House® home (now Tabitha Residence—Martin House) for long-term care.

    Tabitha Nursing Center at Crete opens.

  • Tabitha introduces Honeywell HomMed® Telehealth.

  • 2010

    Tabitha adds Garden Square Assisted Living of Crete (now Tabitha in Crete—The Gardens Assisted Living) to its continuum of health care services.

    Tabitha opens its second Green House home (now Tabitha Residence—Good House).

  • 2011
    2011

    Tabitha opens four new living communities—two additional Green House homes (now Tabitha Residences—Elizabeth House and Martha House), GracePointe Assisted Living & Memory Care Suites and Journey House SNF, Lincoln's only free-standing, Medicare-certified hospice community.

    Club 4 Fitness and Rehabilitation Gyms open.

News Feed

April 21, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

There’s no cure for memory loss, but some studies show that lifestyle changes may help keep your memory sharp. Consider increasing or adding the following foods for a brain-healthy diet.

April 20, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Adults who engage in exercise decrease their risk for and even lessen the symptoms of heart disease, osteoporosis and other illnesses. Consider small, simple ways you can stay active with this health tip.

April 12, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Less REM sleep tied to increased risk of dementia, plus five ways to increase your sleep quality to combat the risks.

April 5, 2018
byTabitha Marketing
April 4, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha's Health Tip this month includes information about recovery therapies and rehabilitation. Read more about how therapists work together to help clients bounce back.

April 3, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha hosted a select group of retired Lincoln pastors, missionaries and their wives at the annual Amazing Grays Luncheon March 16 at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

March 19, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha in Crete Resident Assistant Britany Kalkwarf was honored with Leading Age Nebraska’s 2017 Excellence in Care and Service Award. Read more.

March 16, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading Senior Care provider, offers grief groups and hospice volunteer training throughout the month of April in Lincoln, York, Grand Island, and Nebraska City, NE. Learn more.

March 7, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha recognized a select group of donors and volunteers who give extraordinarily in the pursuit of outstanding, compassionate care for Nebraska Seniors. Organizations and individuals were honored during Tabitha’s annual Into the Blue luncheon March 7 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. Read more.

February 22, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha prepares for "March for Meals" month-long fundraiser and the Tabitha 10K and 2-Mile Run April 7, 2018, to benefit Tabitha Meals on Wheels. Read more.

February 19, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

As we age, our bodies go through a number of changes. In this health tip, we will discuss changes in sleep and in your skin, and what you can do to manage these changes as they occur.

January 25, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha honors the 10-year anniversary of Dr. Heather Fago, medical director of Tabitha Hospice. Dr. Fago works with clients, their families and physicians to develop customized care plans and provide ongoing review of the hospice program in Tabitha’s central and west regions.

January 22, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha is proud to partner with the Lincoln Track Club to present the Tabitha 10K and 2-Mile Run/Walk on Sat., April 7, 2018. Making manageable changes in your lifestyle can have a big impact on your health, so start your year off right by setting a goal to sign up and participate in Tabitha’s Walk/Run!

January 12, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha is pleased to welcome Alan Uden as chief financial officer. Read more.

January 10, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha Meals on Wheels has been honored with a generous donation of a 2018 Subaru Outback from Subaru of America in partnership with Meals on Wheels America. Read more.