Be Our Guest: Hillcrest Firethorn Opens

Hillcrest Firethorn (hillcrestfirethorn.com), a post-acute rehab center, has opened its doors and is serving guests in Lancaster County. A grand opening event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by officials of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, was held on November 9. Hillcrest Firethorn is part of Nebraska’s largest post-acute care provider, Hillcrest Health Services, with nearly 30 years of experience enhancing the lives of aging adults.

Hillcrest Firethorn’s nursing and therapy teams are focused on helping guests recover from a surgery, injury or illness and return to their previous level of independence as soon as possible

“At Hillcrest Firethorn, we have our own team of therapists, not a contracted third-party therapy company, who provide physical, occupational and speech therapy,” said Joe Kezar, Administrator of Hillcrest Firethorn. “Our large therapy gym features HUR strength training equipment, which is specially designed for aging adults by utilizing air resistance for greater safety.”

Hillcrest Firethorn is exclusively dedicated to short-term post-acute care, and most guests receive services for 7 to 20 days before returning home, based on diagnosis and physician orders. “We’re partnering with hospitals to ensure smooth transitions that result in better recovery and less re-hospitalizations,” said Dr. Tony Hatcher, Chief Medical Officer of Hillcrest Health Services. “We even offer 13 specialty guest rooms with piped-in oxygen, so we are able to accommodate higher acuity guests.” Dr. Hatcher, who recently joined Hillcrest Health Services as its first Chief Medical Officer, is serving as the Medical Director for Hillcrest Firethorn. He has more than 20 years of experience with CHI Health.

In addition to nursing, therapy and social work services, guests benefit from Hillcrest’s unique approach to culinary services. Led by an executive chef, Hillcrest Firethorn is the only rehab center in the area that offers made-to-order dining with a robust menu. Selections vary from steaks and seafood, to sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizza. Guests may dine in the Stonebridge Restaurant or have their meal delivered to their private suite.

Hillcrest Firethorn is located at 8601 Firethorn Lane in Lincoln. For more information or to learn about pre-planning your stay following an elective surgery, visit hillcrestfirethorn.com.