Facility History

History of SMP Health – Maryhill

On May 1st, 1964 SMP Health – Maryhill opened its doors as “Hillcrest Manor.”  It was built by a group of local businessmen who acted as the Board of Directors for the facility which began as a retirement home.

On January 1st, 1974, the government developed two types of licensing for care homes for the elderly.  At that time, Hillcrest Manor became licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility.  As the federal government began to develop regulations further, the Board of Directors decided to sell Hillcrest Manor. On January 1st, 1977 they sold Hillcrest Manor to Vincent and Helen Crary who operated Hillcrest with the goal of making it homelike and welcoming for the residents.  When the Crarys decided to retire, they sold Hillcrest Manor to Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society (LHHS). The change in ownership occurred on January 1, 1984.  LHHS were innovators and leaders in the care of the aged and developed a philosophy of care that emphasized resident choice and control in their care.  In 1991, Hillcrest added more round the clock nursing care and therapy services to become licensed as a skilled nursing facility. This made it possible for people to stay here when their care needs became greater, allowing them to be in their home community throughout their life.  Several years later, Lutheran Hospital Homes merged with another health organization and became Lutheran Health Systems.  They merged again in the year 2000 and became Banner Health System.

On April 1, 2002 Hillcrest Manor was purchased by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation Health System.  A name change was not in the plans, but the original name had been registered by another organization which required the name to change.  Hillcrest Manor then became known as Maryhill Manor, keeping part of our history with the “hill” from “Hillcrest” and bringing in the new ownership from Sisters of Maryhill of the Presentation with “Mary.”  The Sisters look upon Maryhill Manor as a mission and emphasize a welcoming spirit to all who come to us for care.  Their values state a clear respect for each individual throughout their life.  We are privileged to continue living out the mission of the Sisters by treating residents with respect and dignity as we provide physical, psychological, and spiritual care.