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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

September 17, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Older adults are especially susceptible to complications from the flu. Protect yourself this season by knowing how to prevent your susceptibility with these tips.

September 14, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Aging adults can find balanced strength in mind, body and spirit with these tips.

August 24, 2018
byTabitha Marketing
August 22, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

For seniors who live on their own, independence can be threatened when faced with health challenges. Advances in home health care technology such as VoiceCare and telemonitoring can help.

August 20, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

According to many researchers, continuous learning has a limitless positive effects for all adults, especially as we get older. Read more about the benefits of learning something new.

August 16, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Mindfulness, or being in the present moment, has a variety of positive health benefits. Read more about how to manage stress and make mindfulness part of your healthy aging journey.

July 25, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

One thing is certain – we all want certain memories, experiences and dreams to be remembered for generations to come. One way to build a legacy is to write an ethical will. Learn more.

July 24, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

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

July 23, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

As the medicine cabinet fills up, keeping it all straight can be tricky, but vitally important for overall health. Consult your doctor or pharmacist when starting a new medication. Be sure to ask these questions.

July 22, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

To someone with a terminal illness, every day matters. Knowledgeable, experienced leadership is essential, and Tabitha Hospice utilizes Dr. Kevin Reichmuth as medical director and local expert.

July 17, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha The Club—Adult Day Services proudly partners with Be Well MD and introduces an innovative program that offers an on-site medical clinic for clients. Learn more about The Club.

July 10, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Chris Wismer, Tabitha Hospice Administrator, was recently appointed as the community engagement chair of the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association (NHPCA). Wismer was one of the Nebraskans present at the recent Management and Leadership Conference and Advocacy Intensive in Washington D.C.

June 29, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Nine-year-old Braxton Anderson, of Calloway, Neb., recently made a $3 donation. Those 12 quarters and a request for others to follow his lead has turned into almost $12,000 and counting for the longstanding Tabitha Meals on Wheels program. Read more.

June 19, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Falls may be common, but they don’t have to be a normal part of aging. With just a few simple changes, you can decrease your risk for falls and injury.

June 18, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Before you enjoy the rays this summer, consider the risk. Skin cancers are the most common forms of cancer in the U.S. Decrease your risk, and enjoy the sun by understanding how to protect your skin.