A 40-Year History of Innovation

Susan Whipple purchased Cedar Crest Nursing Centre in 1990 taking over a family business in which she had literally grown up - having worked in almost every department along the way. She understood first hand Cedar Crest’s solid reputation for quality health care and innovation. Intended to bridge the gap between a hospital and a traditional nursing home, Cedar Crest first opened its doors in 1970 as a state-of-the-art extended care facility. However, that intention wasn’t fully realized until many years later when Susan took over the helm of Cedar Crest as CEO and owner.

“Cedar Crest was ahead of its time,” says Susan. “It was envisioned as a transitional care facility where a person would receive short-term care and then return home. The public wasn’t ready for that concept in the 70s.” In fact, when Susan took on the facility in 1990, most residents made Cedar Crest their long-term home. Today, the 156-bed Cedar Crest is the largest privately held and operated subacute and rehabilitation facility in the area. Each year, more than 1,000 people are cared for and then discharged back into the community.

An Evolution of Services
Susan’s pioneering spirit and expert vision is supported by the professional expertise of the Cedar Crest staff. This strength has ensured the company’s continued growth over the years. In 1992, a special care unit named Generations was opened to provide specific services and care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or memory-impairment. Then in 1995, Cedar Crest began to focus on Rehabilitation services. With shortened hospital stays due to stringent managed care, Cedar Crest now had the opportunity to finally transform into the facility that was originally intended. Each year, Cedar Crest has continued to evolve adding state-of-art equipment, training, technology, and services. Today, Cedar Crest has reinforced its position as a regional leader in nursing and rehabilitation services with the start of Cedar Home Health. Providing an unparalleled continuity of care for the discharged Cedar Crest patient, all Cedar Home Health clientele will benefit from a 40-year history of clinical expertise.