Minnaert glad she’s at Hillcrest

 Looking back to when she began to lose her strength, Martha “Mert” Minnaert remembers it was her son who recommended she receive some temporary assistance from the staff at Hillcrest Home in rural Geneseo.  

“My son knew I was growing weaker and my diabetes was causing me problems also,” said Mert.  “We agreed that I needed some help with my eating and diet and I couldn’t stay in my home in this condition,” she added.

 In describing her weakened state the 81-year-old explains.  “The care here means a lot to me and my son Michael, and not having to run her back and forth to the doctor can also make a difference as it can get very expensive.”  She was glad when he suggested she come to Hillcrest for some care and to regain her strength.  “Eating my meals in the cafeteria has helped me eat better and healthy again and I have learned to select only the foods I am allowed with my diabetes,” she said.   

Minnaert has been monitored very closely by the physical therapists at Hillcrest.  Upon her arrival, she was reported weak and unsteady, but now she has her balance back and can even go up and down stairs again.  Physical therapy assistant, Jason Burton, has seen many changes in Mert over the last few weeks.  “She is now able to walk about 500 feet or more a day,” said Burton.  He is delighted that she has exceeded her goals and their expectations so quickly.  “Mert has come a long way in a short amount of time and is getting close to her previous level,” states Burton. 

Each day, Minnaert goes to physical therapy where she has learned new exercises that she will be able to follow when she returns home very soon.  “They really get your blood flowing,” she adds.  The physical therapists teach the residents about safety in the home and how to organize rooms throughout the house, especially the kitchen area.  “We hope to equip them with the ability to recognize possible problem areas such as throw rugs and the placement of items in the kitchen cabinets,” said Burton. 

 He also explains that many times they will do a home evaluation prior to a resident returning home and residents may call anytime for pointers.  “We want them to be prepared and remain independent and able to function with limited assistance,” he added.  “Residents are encouraged to walk to meals, walk the hallways and remain as functional as possible.”

Minnaert feels grateful for all the support and care that has been bestowed upon her during her stay at Hillcrest.  “I have received a lot of help from the staff in the cafeteria in selecting the right foods and everybody here has been great and so nice.  They will do anything for you, even if it isn’t their job and everyone knows you by your name and makes you feel at home,” she commented.  “They treat you like a friend and are always pleasant and nice.” 

At Hillcrest she was able to reach her goals so quickly and is now able to return home after only six short weeks of residency.  Minnaert is a believer in Hillcrest and would not hesitate to return to the facility if she needed assistance again. 

 Minnaert is looking forward to returning home to work in her flower gardens.  “I know everyone will be expecting me to have beautiful flowers once again this year and I don’t want to let anyone down,” she said.  She also plans to start walking at night with her son again.  “The walking makes you feel solid and altogether,” said Minnaert.

It’s all about keeping time at Hillcrest Home

No matter if it’s the dietary staff in the kitchen or the resident kitchen band rehearsing, they’re all in sync at Hillcrest home.  Each day the meals are prepared to perfection and no one misses a beat in time.  When the call goes out over the intercom that ‘dinner is served’, workers are in position ready to dish up some great food. 

Even yet today in our busy world, the kitchen remains the heart of the family.  This is also true for the dietary team.  Showing our loved ones that we care deeply for them by the healthy foods we serve each day, is the same motivation shared by this workforce.   

According to Donya Price, assistant head cook, serving the three meals per day buffet style has offered more food options and better choices for the residents.  “Each resident has a card on file here and we are able to assist them with foods they may have especially if they are diabetic or have specialized dietary needs,” said Price.  “The residents receive help through the line, but are encouraged to make their own meal choices.”

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and includes larger servings and several desserts.  Residents may select from two or three salads, two entries, two vegetables, and fresh fruit and there is always jello available as well as daily soups or sandwiches. 

The menus are printed every six months and are on a four-week rotation with seasonal items included.  “There’s always something good cooking in our kitchen,” adds Linda Jagers, dietary manager.  Jagers is in charge of scheduling the 11 dietary staff members and working with the care plans.

“Almost everything here is homemade,” stated Jagers.  “We serve up some of the best homemade noodles, soup, pies and bread thanks to Barb Wolf.” 

As head cook at the home, Wolf enjoys the convenience of the new walk-in freezer.  Both Price and Wolf agree that the walk-in coolers have allowed for better organization and convenience in the kitchen area.  They also like the fact that they no longer have to set-up carts for the old building.  “With the other building gone, the aides are now available to help out here,” said Price.

There is over 51 years of experience when you combine the total years of service from Price, Jagers and Wolf.  That is a lot of cooking experience and residents at Hillcrest are extremely grateful for their effort.  They also like the fact that the administrator, Mary Bergren, finds time to cook for them from time to time.  She loves to help with the breakfast buffet line and is always eager to serve up some of her popular Belgian waffles.

For residents not able to go through the line, a cart is prepared for them and nurses aides assist with the meal.  “We will prepare the food to best meet the needs of the resident,” said Price.  “That means pureeing or processing the food with a grinder if a resident has a problem swallowing.”  Residents are also often treated with Mary’s delicious ice cream root beer floats or her specialty cream puffs.


Following any meal, the dining room area can quickly be transformed into a gathering place for almost any program including rehearsal for the newly formed Hillcrest Home kitchen band.  “We are excited about reviving the band last fall and have been practicing once a week this spring,” stated Rebecca Gradert, assistant activity director.

"Music is a universal language,” added Gradert.  “It brings out the best in many of our residents.”  She explains that the residents are excited about performing at the upcoming July 7, ice cream social fund raiser event to be held in Geneseo Park at 7:00 p.m.  The Hillcrest Home band members will make their debut that evening followed by the Maple City Band at 8:00 p.m.

The kitchen band consists of 9 members including Verna Jones, Doris Tieken, Mary Lou Chrisop, Darlene Nelson, Everett Miller, Hugh Hall, Joyce Briggs, Evelyn Hutchinson and Irene VanDusen.  “Even though some of the members of the band have walkers, short-term memory loss and varying degrees of cognitive levels, they all can keep time,” said Gradert.  According to her, “just singing old hymns or favorite music from the past, can allow them to cross all lines.” 

Although many of these people have some music background, all the residents at the home are encouraged to participate in any music program offered including the kitchen band.