Sugar Creek Rest was once again named "One of America's Top Nursing Homes" in 2006 by the Consumer's Research Council of America. This marks the third year in a row that such an honor has come to the facility even as the census expanded during the course of 2006.

Meadow Lake Manor, Sugar Creek's stand alone personal care facility, and Armstrong Retirement Village also saw a rise in census and activity throughout the year.

This year marks Sugar Creek Rest's 34th year since the original nursing unit was built on converted farm land. The facility has witnessed many expansions, renovations and changes in those years, but this year the facility's changes were mostly made to continue to improve on the level of care.

Sugar Creek Rest unveiled a new initiative for all incoming residents starting in December 2006. The staff maintained Welcome and Support Program was presented to all new residents to assist with issues that may arise and to guarantee maximum comfort during their stay at Sugar Creek. This unique program partners individual staff members with one resident in a "buddy-system" format that ensures the needs of each resident is met and attended to by their welcome liaison.

The program has gotten exceptional feedback during post-residency surveying.

The rehab and therapy department also began using different technologies to treat patients during 2006. Sugar Creek Rest added short-wave diathermy, ultrasound and electro-stimulation to better treat wounds and manage the pain of residents. The therapies are provided by Accelerated Care Plus and are the only rehab technologies of their type within 50 miles of Sugar Creek Rest.

The therapies are unique to the area and it is hoped that they will offer residents a faster recovery and a shorter stay in the nursing unit.