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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

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 19, 2018
byTabitha Marketing
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.

June 12, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Lincoln’s Gateway Sertoma Club and Tabitha joined forces and welcomed golfers to play for the 16th annual golf event to raise money for Tabitha Meals on Wheels. Read more.

June 8, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Giving to worthwhile charities and nonprofits can sometimes put a kink in your shopping budget. Check out these programs that allow you give money to Tabitha while you shop, both locally and online.

June 5, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Home injuries such as falls or accidents are a leading cause of death for Americans. Follow these tips to keep your home safe.

June 4, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Keeping medications straight can be tricky. To help manage your own medicine cabinet and prevent future medical issues, keep track of existing medications by developing a system. Read more.

May 17, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Proving you’re never too old for a senior prom, GracePointe by Tabitha Assisted Living & Memory Care Suites hosted its annual spring dinner and dance with a ‘Rolling Into the Fifties’ theme. Read more.

May 9, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha in Crete—The Gardens Assisted Living community was honored with the Best Programming Award by the Nebraska Assisted Living Association at its recent annual spring Convention in Kearney, Neb.

May 8, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading Senior Care provider, congratulates Tabitha TEAMember of the Year, Stacy Clark. Clark is a continuum navigator in Tabitha’s central and western regions, which includes the cities of Grand Island and York, NE. Read more.

May 4, 2018
byTabitha Marketing

After bilateral knee replacement surgery, Bruce seamlessly transitioned from hospital to home thanks to Tabitha’s continuum of services. Read more about his short-term rehabilitation therapy experience here.

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.