History

This is a partial time line of some of Handmaker’s historical highlights. As you can see, Handmaker has seen expansions and re-inventions, always trying to match the services and programs offered to match the times and needs.
  • 1963
    1961

    Handmaker Jewish Nursing Home for the Aged opened a 40-bed skilled nursing facility.

  • 1966
    1966

    Addition of Anna Grossman Pavilion, bringing total number of skilled nursing beds to 90.

  • 1968
    1964

    Construction of Besserman Manor, consisting of 12 apartments designed for independent living with professional assistance available as

    needed.

  • 1971
    1971

    Harry W. Golding Pavilion, a 20-bed unit specifically designed for extremely disoriented persons is added.

  • 1986
    1986

    Leo and Mildred Rich Pavilion dedicated, bringing bed compliment to 161. Facility offers respite care in addition to skilled nursing

    care.

  • 1987
    1987

    Adult Day Health/Elm Senior Center opens, providing a location for a portion of the Adult Day Care and Health Services program and the

    location for the Socialization-Nutrition Program.

  • 1993
    1993

    The Jacob C. Fruchthendler Jewish Community Hospice opens and accepts its first patient.

  • 1994
    1994

    The Leroy D. Kendis Child Care Center opens in February to offer intergenerational child care services to Handmaker, Tucson Medical

    Center employees and the community at large.

  • 2000
    2000

    Groundbreaking for the William and Sylvia L. Rubin Campus for Senior Living takes place.

  • 2008
    2008

    Handmaker begins a period of concentrating on core competencies and fiscal prudence.

  • 2009
    2009

    Handmaker assisted living receives a perfect inspection from the Dept. of Health Services.

  • 2011
    Adventure_bus

    Handmaker launches a new program for early dementia sufferers, the Adventure Bus program.

President’s Gallery