Hillcrest Home is a longstanding institution dedicated to providing comprehensive care that extends beyond the realm of medical treatment. Its staff focuses on addressing the full spectrum of resident needs, including recreational, spiritual, personal, and social aspects. This commitment to holistic well-being is rooted in a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. Originally established in the heart of Munson Township, the home began as the Henry County Poor Farm, designed to offer shelter and support to the poor and homeless of Henry County. The facility became a sanctuary for individuals with nowhere else to turn, including many new immigrants seeking a new start in America, as well as those who were ill and needed attentive care.
As the population grew, so did the facility’s needs, and in 1871, a new building was constructed for $50,000—a significant sum at the time. This structure, subsequently known as the Henry County Infirmary, was widely regarded as the best building for its cost in the state of Illinois. Over time, the infirmary acquired a total of 320 acres of farmland. Residents who were able participated in the upkeep of the facility by raising crops, caring for livestock, and maintaining gardens, contributing to a self-sustaining environment that fostered both work and community.
A tragic fire in July 1912 destroyed the original infirmary while workers tried to smoke out chimney swallows. However, this setback led to a swift resurgence, and by September of the same year, plans were underway for a new fireproof structure at a cost of $110,000. The design was implemented to house men and women on separate sides, with a central section set aside for the warden and matron who ran the facility. Changes in social welfare policies during the early 1940s altered the landscape of resident admissions, prompting the transformation of the Poor Farm into a Convalescent Home, which was renamed the Henry County Convalescent Home. In 1957, the facility’s farm operations were leased out, marking another transition in its operations.
By 1970, the home was given the name Hillcrest Home, marking a new era of service. The following year saw the first major addition to the original building, expanding its footprint and forming the first half of a square. This square was completed in 1976 along with a lower level, modernizing the facility and improving resident amenities. Hillcrest became Medicare certified in 1998, updating its standards to better serve its community. After years of service, the original building was eventually closed due to the high cost of needed renovations and residents were relocated to the annex square. In 2009, the old structure was demolished, and the space was transformed into a landscaped yard that further enhanced the residence’s atmosphere.
A significant renovation project in 2012 brought further improvements, adding a new front entrance complete with a brick canopy, expanding the dining space, and creating a pleasant patio area on the southeast side of the dining room. Today, Hillcrest Home remains under the ownership and operation of the people of Henry County. Its everyday management is handled by a licensed nursing home administrator, with the oversight and guidance of the Health and Human Services Committee, whose three to four board members meet monthly to review the activities and finances of the home. Through its many transformations and adaptations, Hillcrest Home has remained steadfast in its mission to serve those in need in Henry County, embodying a spirit of community, history, and compassionate care.