Our History

Hillcrest HealthCare started in 1960 as “Hillcrest Medical Nursing Institute,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit, board-run organization dedicated to providing for the long-term medical care of Knox County older adults. Today, Hillcrest is still a non-profit, board-run organization.

Hillcrest operates independently from any government agency.
Although Hillcrest leases the land on which the buildings stand from Knox County government, Hillcrest HealthCare is operationally and financially independent of county government.  Hillcrest is solely responsible for providing care, staffing, facility maintenance, and capital improvements at each of our four facilities in Knox County.

Hillcrest is responsible for its own budget.
Our budget depends on donations from individuals and corporations, and a fee-for-service model.  Over 90 percent of Hillcrest’s funding comes from Medicaid.  Hillcrest does not currently receive support from any trusts and is not affiliated with any religious organization.

Our need for additional funding is more urgent than ever.
In 2004, Hillcrest launched The Hillcrest-Beverly Foundation to raise funds in order to enhance the care of residents through services and programs not underwritten by Medicaid.  The Foundation is also a 501(c)(3) organization.
While Medicaid covers provision of basic services, Hillcrest’s senior residents need more than basic care.  The Hillcrest-Beverly Foundation steps in to bridge the gap between basic care and quality care, with funding for new medical beds, scholarships, special need projects, and new equipment.