Hillcrest Health Services offers the region’s largest continuum of health services for aging adults, including independent and assisted living, in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and private duty home care, palliative care, telehealth services, and hospice care. Hillcrest currently serves nearly 1,000 aging adults daily across eight counties in Nebraska and Iowa. Sarah Conaway is the Marketing Director for Hillcrest Country Estates.
Tell me a little about your business. – Hillcrest Country Estates is part of the Hillcrest Health Services family and is a continuing care retirement community at 60th St. and Highway 370 in Papillion. We offer independent living in custom built villas and health care in innovative nursing cottages. We are currently building the Grand Lodge which will open in December with 102 independent living, 30 assisted living, and 30 memory support apartments. The Lodge amenities will include an indoor heated saltwater pool and fitness center, cinema, performing arts center, fine arts studio, bistro, pub, formal dining room, library, club room, and much more! Apartments are being reserved now with a refundable $500 deposit.
How did you get started in the business? – I watched my mother go through 10 years of caregiving for her parents and the stress that it put on her life. Since then I had wondered what other options were out there that would be more proactive and less reactive in planning for long term care. When I saw the job posting for a marketing counselor at a retirement community it immediately caught my eye. I’ve never looked back! It’s truly the best feeling going to work every day knowing that you’re helping to provide seniors with options to enhance their lives.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Being promoted a few years ago into a leadership role and having to manage those who had recently been my peers.
Tell me a little about your family. – My husband Daniel and I recently celebrated our 4 year anniversary and have been friends since middle school. We have an almost two year old daughter, Alexis, who keeps us on our toes!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Almost ten years ago I became very ill and almost didn’t make it. That experience completely changed my life. I thank God every day for life and truly believe each and every day is a gift. That experience humbled me and made me much more tolerant, empathetic, and kind.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy scrapbooking, stamping, crocheting, sewing – anything crafty!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love cars and used to work in a service department. People come to me for advice when their cars are making funny noises.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I love to bake just about anything. Snickerdoodles and banana bread are my two most famous specialties!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’d love to be a motivational speaker and travel the world encouraging people with chronic illnesses.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Wheatfield’s. Grandma’s chocolate cake is to die for!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at sconaway@hillcresthealth.com or visit our website at www.hillcresthealth.com.