A tradition of excellence isn’t gained overnight. The staff members and community partners of Lutheran Hillside Village can attest to the commitment needed to grow a 50-year legacy. First known as The Lutheran Home, it was established in 1960 with the participation of local churches, who recognized the need independent seniors had for housing within the area. In 1978, a long-term care center was added, and in the 1990s, duplexes for active seniors were built.
In 2002, the Lutheran Home became Lutheran Hillside Village, a state-of-the-art continuing care retirement community covering 37 acres along Galena Road in Peoria, Illinois. The “continuing care” concept means that Lutheran Hillside Village’s complete set of living settings and services have been designed to meet the needs of older adults in the event it becomes necessary to move through levels of care.
This major expansion to Lutheran Hillside Village added independent living apartments, patio homes, assisted living, memory care assisted living neighborhoods, and a 40,000 square foot community center, featuring casual and fine dining, a library, and chapel. As the years have progressed, so have the needs and desires of older adults, and with it, Lutheran Hillside Village’s inclusion of many new and life-enhancing amenities.
Realizing the benefits of joining with other senior living communities to form a network of expertise, Lutheran Hillside Village joined Lutheran Senior Services in 2007. With a Christian mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest, both found common ground when it came to providing continuing care, and the commitment to furthering an already-noted legacy.
Where Tradition Meets Today
Charles Seeber has been a part of Lutheran Hillside Village for a long time, even before he became a resident. As a member of one of the 25 churches that built Lutheran Hillside Village over 50 years ago, Charles has seen the impact it’s made on the community of Peoria from the beginning.
“There are a lot of people who are in need of independent living and care, and Lutheran Hillside Village is the best place to receive that,” said Charles. “I believe in their mission, which is why I was a part of Lutheran Hillside Village long before I thought about moving in.”
Charles and his wife, Miriam, did eventually move, in January of 2015. “With all of the contacts that we’ve had throughout the years, there was no question as to where we would go.” Charles and Miriam are equally proud to be a part of the continuing legacy of Lutheran Hillside Village, and to be a part of the newest chapter.
Forging Forward
Lutheran Hillside Village celebrated a groundbreaking on June 30 that ushered in a series of updates in direct response to the ever-evolving needs of older adults. The $15 million renewal of Lutheran Hillside Village, over the next two years, will include various phases of development from demolition, to construction, to renovation. The end result will be new households featuring private rooms for REACH Short Stay Rehabilitation, new apartments for assisted living, and a renovated care center featuring private rooms for long-term care.
“History is all about honoring those who come before us. Vision is about those who will come after us. Today is about both of those things,” said John Kotovsky, Lutheran Senior Services President and CEO, at the groundbreaking. “As we look to the future and the groundbreaking that’s occurring today, it all fits perfectly into our Christian mission.”
“The smiles and care can be felt from all the employees who work at Lutheran Hillside Village,” said Illinois State Senator Darin Lahood, who was in attendance at the groundbreaking. “You have something special here, and it’s because of the staff, and because of the spiritual foundation.” The continued support of the city of Peoria, the state of Illinois, and current and future residents was felt throughout the service, as many spoke on the legacy and service Lutheran Hillside Village brings. As the landscape changes, there is one thing that will never change: the mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest, as Lutheran Hillside Village strives to serve others as Christ would serve them.
Wade Cies, Care Center Administrator, feels equally proud to be a part of the renewal. “This gives us the opportunity to meet a need for the Peoria and surrounding area,” said Wade. “At the groundbreaking, I had a sense for how much this renewal was impacting our community. Having such a large involvement from local hospitals, elected officials, current residents, and future residents spoke volumes for the ripple that will be created from this renewal.”
Even while the rain poured over the summer months, construction has continued to move at a brisk pace. “The progress has been faster than what we even expected,” said Wade. “Already, we have a roof on the building, and every day I come in, there are new walls. Progress is being made, and everyone has been very impressed at how fast we’re moving forward. We’re all excited for the future of Lutheran Hillside Village, and what it will mean to the continued reputation of excellence for our community.”
The three phases of construction are underway with the first phase, completion of REACH short stay rehabilitation, aimed to be ready for occupancy by Fall of 2016, and all phases to be completed by end of 2017.
To learn more about Lutheran Hillside Village and the options available to best fit your needs, call 309-692-4600.