Blue Valley Lutheran Homes History

Blue Valley Lutheran Homes History

In 1948, Lutheran Brotherhoods of the south-central Nebraska area joined together with the area American Lutheran Church congregations to sponsor the organization of Blue Valley Lutheran Homes Society, Inc.� Rev. O.F. Reeg and Hebron's Grace Lutheran Church members saw the need for a Christian care facility in the area.� The former McFarland Hospital was purchased for $17,500 and was used as a nursing home, beginning January 1, 1949. Several rules were adopted regarding the operation of the Home, but two stood out:

� All people needing the care Blue Valley Lutheran Homes provided would be served regardless of denominational affiliation;

� An emphasis on cleanliness and kindness was required of staff members.

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After more than 60 years, Blue Valley Lutheran Homes Society is still continuing to uphold its mission and now serves six counties and more than 150 residents. It is also the second largest employer in Thayer County.

History Timeline:

1950: Luther Hall, the former Hebron College Administration Building, was purchased as a place for future expansion of the nursing home.

1955: The former Luther Hall was rededicated to serve, with loving care, those who were feeble, lonely, and infirm.

1971: A new 80-bed nursing home facility was dedicated.

1974: The 25^th anniversary of the first Blue Valley Lutheran Homes building, a 20-bed addition to the nursing home was added.

1991: Blue Valley Care Home was dedicated.

1998: as it celebrated its 50^th anniversary, BVLH expanded its continuum of care to include assisted living, and it opened Blue Valley Riverside Apartments, a 16-room facility.

1999: The Foundation for Blue Valley Lutheran Homes began to help raise funds for BVLH.

2001: The nine-room Northview Apartments opened when the nursing home converted its 1974 addition to assisted living apartments.

2004: Fellow ELCA serving arm Tabitha Health Care Services assumed day-to-day management responsibilities under the direction of the BVLH Board of Directors.

2006: BVLH opened The Gardens, a� 14-bed memory support unit devoted to providing direct care to persons suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia is located in the south wing of the Care Home.

2008: BVLH's 60^th anniversary, groundbreaking took place for the expansion of Riverside Apartments.

2009: Courtyard Terrace, a 41-apartment assisted living facility, is a state-of-the-art building offering upscale senior living opportunities for those in the Thayer County area is dedicated.