Key Moments in Swiss Village History
1963: Bequest of $10,000 from Eli A. Habegger plants idea for Swiss Village.
1966-1967: Groundbreaking for East Residential, Administration Building, and Healthcare.
1968: First Residents move into East Wing on May 27.
1976: Assisted Residential Care added to services.
1979:
Congregate Independent Apartments added.
1985:
Healthcare expansion doubles the number of nursing beds.
1991:
Program for Alzheimer's & related diseases opens.
1997:
Swiss Village's North Campus Opens with Duplexes.
2001:
Edelweiss Place expands the number of healthcare beds to 134.
Kinder Haus opens for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Intergenerational programming added, providing valued quality of life opportunities for the residents and children.
2004:
Formalized wellness program becomes a reality with fantastic response from the residents.
Today: Currently, the North Campus continues to be developed, building additional Duplex Homes for incoming residents.
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Those driving west of Berne on Route 218 in early 1966 could hardly imagine what we now know to be Swiss Village. What used to be a flat field for crops drew no special attention from travelers. This changed dramatically during that summer when work began on what later emerged as a multi-story retirement complex. Beautiful in design and attractively inviting, it would become home for hundreds of people.
The threshold into a new style of retirement living for senior adults in the community was crossed on May 27, 1968. On that special day, Swiss Village opened its doors and welcomed the first residents. It was a memorable day, culminating great effort and visionary planning. The foundation was laid for the momentum that has led to the growth and achievements of the subsequent years. Ever since those defining early years, retirement living and senior care has taken on new meaning for the people in the surrounding area.
Through the years, Swiss Village has become synonymous with quality in service and facilities. The variety of living arrangements available makes it possible “to maintain a lifestyle compatible with one’s independence and choice.” Wants and needs are matched with concern and compassionate services. The result is a community that provides opportunities for an active and engaged lifestyle that also delivers security, comfort and peace of mind for those approaching the senior years of life.
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