Jan 28, 2022
The choice between assisted living and a nursing home can be a difficult one to make. While many people believe the two are synonymous, each type of senior living community offers different types of services. In this article, we compare the services, costs, and features of assisted living vs a nursing home to help you decide the best level of care for you or your loved one.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
Assisted Living (AL)
Assisted living communities are places where seniors are able to receive custodial care. Custodial care is where there is around-the-clock care to assist in daily living activities such as:
- bathing
- dressing
- walking
- getting in and out of bed
- using the bathroom
- preparing food
- medication management
Assisted living residents are able to receive proper care and help with these everyday activities and more. It is common to find the “5 Communities” of care within Assisted living facilities including: assisted living, rehabilitation, residential living, skilled nursing, and memory care.
What medical services do assisted living communities offer?
In assisted living communities, residents are generally in good health. However, there are different levels of medical attention available to them depending on their individual needs. Staff members are able to administer medication to residents as well as provide transportation to residents to and from their doctor appointments.
Living Space at Assisted Living Facilities
Most assisted living facilities offer apartment-style living with bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Depending on each resident’s situation, they may live in a unit individually or share it with a spouse or friend. Housekeeping services are available on all at of our campuses for an extra fee, as are laundry and meal preparation services. Common dining rooms offer meals to residents at set times throughout the day.
This senior living option also offers a variety of entertainment and fun activities for the residents to participate in. Activities might include physical exercise, art and creativity projects, games, and socializing.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
Nursing homes offer similar services to those of AL facilities, however, to a different degree. A skilled nursing care facility is a community in which residents have rooms instead of apartments. Although residents may not need custodial care, arrangements can be made. Nursing homes have a number of common areas in which residents are able to socialize together.
Many nursing home facilities also have gardens for residents to enjoy. For residents who need rehabilitative care such as speech and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy, services are made available to them.
What medical services do nursing homes offer?
Nursing homes also referred to as skilled nursing facilities offer around-the-clock medical care, especially where chronic illness is a concern. While some residents might only require a short stay after a hospital stay, other residents choose to live in nursing homes long-term, sometimes permanently.
Residents in nursing homes require more comprehensive care to meet their daily needs. Nurses receive proper training to help them to bathe, get dressed, use the restroom, and change their linens. Dieticians ensure all residents are receiving proper nutrition. If residents need assistance with eating, certified nursing assistants are on hand to provide this service.
Living Space at Nursing Homes
Depending on the nursing home and resident’s preference, they may share a room and bathroom or have their own individual room and bathroom. Most nursing homes offer a common dining room where residents may share meals with friends and family. Nursing homes also offer lounge areas for reading, and common rooms offering a variety of activities.
Activities in nursing homes include games that are mentally stimulating or relate to occupational therapy, art classes, and even cooking classes. Physical therapists are available to work with patients individually to help them gain strength, prevent falls, and improve overall mobility.
Does insurance cover the costs of a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Some Medicaid programs do pay for nursing homes or assisted living facilities. However, it is required in some States that Medicaid beneficiaries spend their personal funds before Medicaid starts paying for services. Most of the time families use their private funds to pay for assisted living communities by using their combined savings, retirement accounts, and pension pay-outs. It is not uncommon for family members to make contributions towards the costs of their elderly family member’s expenses.
Financial Planning
Long-term insurance policies are available to invest in, to help cover the costs of assisted living or nursing home facilities. Before investing in a policy, be sure to read the provisions of the policy carefully to make sure that you are covered and taken care of when the time comes.
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities in Nebraska
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
Jan 14, 2022
Assisted living is senior housing with the added benefit of services. Residents can receive help with daily living activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing. They can also receive coordination of services by outside healthcare providers as well as medication management. These services and more give seniors the freedom to be as independent as they want to be with the comfort of knowing that a professional nursing team is available 24/7. In addition to these services, facilities provide transportation, exercise activities, social events, delicious meals, and more.
What is Assisted Living?
Signs That It’s Time for Assisted Living
When taking care of a parent or loved one becomes difficult and more than you can handle, it may be time for you to start assessing if signs indicate it’s time to move to assisted living. Some of these signs include:
- Falls that happen more frequently
- Difficulties managing chronic health problems
- Forgetting to take medicine
- Poor eating and hygiene habits
- Inability to safely complete activities of daily living
How to Select an Assisted Living Community
Choosing an assisted living community for you, your parents or your loved one can feel overwhelming. Oftentimes, this decision is made during a health crisis. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared with the important information you need to make the best decision possible. Things to consider include:
Location
Finding an assisted living campus close to home can help your loved one stay connected to their community and church. In fact, this can also make it easier for family and friends to visit.
Services
Assisted living communities offer services and amenities such as dining services, housekeeping, exercise and wellness programs, and medication management. Be sure to ask about other programs they invest in that make living at the community unique.
Transitions to Higher Care
It’s important to think about what kind of care you or your family member needs now. However, it is also important to consider what additional assistance they will need down the road. Consider the following:
- What additional types of care and services does the campus provide?
- Will you or your family member need a higher level of care in the future? If so, is that available in the community or close by?
Cost
One of the most important factors when choosing an assisted living facility is cost. Therefore, try to avoid falling in love with a campus that isn’t affordable. The cost of assisted living can vary significantly depending on the amenities the facility provides, as well as the level of care you or your loved one needs. Although the initial cost may make you pause, remember it is often all-inclusive. Most all-inclusive senior living communities provide housing, transportation, meals, activities, medical care, and other expenses.
Culture
You want to walk onto the campus and feel like you are at home. Home is where all staff and residents are smiling and celebrating life!
Nye Health Services is proud to provide some of the best assisted living services and amenities to seniors in Nebraska. Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about the assisted living amenities we offer or schedule a tour of any of our senior living communities in Fremont, Norfolk, and Lincoln, Nebraska!
Additional Information: Housing Resources (Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging)
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
Dec 31, 2021
The New Year is an excellent time for everyone, including older adults, to set goals and create a healthier, happier lifestyle. The following New Year’s resolutions can help older adults get healthier in 2022 and ‘Live Happy’ for many more years to come.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults
1. Eat Healthy & Drink More Water
Studies show that as we age and slow down, we need less food. However, we must make healthier decisions about what we eat. Opt for a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. By skipping out on all processed food, especially sugar, and opting for healthy food choices instead, you will live longer and feel better. It’s always a good time to start making smart food decisions. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well!
2. Learn Something New
It is beneficial for people of all ages to challenge their brains and give their brain a workout by learning new things. Research shows that when older adults learn a new skill, it strengthens the connections between different parts of their brain and helps ward off dementia. This could be something as simple as reading a new book, taking a class in something that interests you, making a new friend, or finishing a degree.
3. Get Active Every Day
While you don’t have to do any intense lifting workouts, it is beneficial for older adults to take time each day to get active. Whether it’s walking, stretching, tai chi, or a yoga or pilates exercise class, engaging in 10-15 minutes of physical activity a day can improve your health. In fact, exercise can make you feel happier, increase your sleep quality, give you more energy, improve your brain health and decrease your risk for heart disease, enhance productivity, and help you live longer. Exercise classes are also a great way for seniors to meet new people.
Nye Health Services campuses offer a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including programs for the mind, body, and spirit. No matter your interest, we have something to keep everyone active!
4. Stay Social
Socialization and staying connected are vital for older adults and are often linked to better cognition, overall health, and a lower risk of depression. Take time out of each day to have a conversation with a neighbor, friend, or family member. Even if you live far apart, try scheduling regular phone calls or video chats to keep in touch.
5. Plan Ahead
Having conversations about estate planning, wills, as well as long-term care plans can be uncomfortable. However, these conversations can be tremendously beneficial down the road. Set aside time this year to make sure your will and other estate planning documents are in order. Also, make sure your family understands your wishes if they need to assist you in making healthcare decisions in the future. Discussing these things in advance ensures that your desires are communicated and understood by those who will help you make those decisions when the time comes.
New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The dawn of a new year brings with it a chance for transformation and growth, and these New Year’s resolutions offer a roadmap for older adults to kick bad habits and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Embracing a diet rich in healthy foods, engaging in continuous learning, staying active, fostering social connections, and planning for the future are pathways to a happier and healthier life. Here’s to a year of thriving, embracing change, and living life to its fullest potential!
Additional Information: The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60 – National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
Dec 1, 2021
Christmas is in the air at Nye Health Services, and although some of your favorite traditions might be a little different this holiday season, the fun of choosing meaningful gifts will never change. Deciding on the perfect gift for your senior loved one isn’t always easy, but the vast amount of personalized options available online with rush shipping options means that it’s never too late to create something they will always treasure. Here are some of our favorite holiday gift ideas for seniors in 2022.
6 Thoughtful Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors
1. Explore Your Family History With an Ancestry DNA Test Kit
An Ancestry DNA test kit is a great gift idea for senior citizens as it allows them the opportunity to learn all kinds of exciting information about their family history. By submitting a DNA sample, they can access a plethora of details about where ancestors came from and even connect with lost family members they haven’t spoken to in decades or have never even met.
From immigration and military records to family health history information that can provide clues about their possible genetic health risks, Ancestry can help fill in the gaps that your family has always wondered about.
2. Design a Cozy Blanket With a Personal Family Touch
Nothing makes a chilly winter night cozier like a soft blanket. Designing a custom blanket covered with your favorite family photos gives your elderly family member in a nursing home the chance to wrap up in special memories.
Collage lets you upload as many pictures as you want in various patterns to create a one-of-a-kind collage that captures your favorite images of family members, pets, and other timeless moments.
You can choose from fleece, Sherpa, and woven blankets in a variety of sizes to further customize your gift.
3. Use Shutterfly to Create Custom Photo Gifts
Shutterfly is another popular resource for creating custom gifts that showcase your loved one’s favorite photos. Shutterfly has one of the widest selections of photo gifts available, from mugs and puzzles to calendars and fully customizable photo books.
Chances are, you’ll be able to find several options for designing the perfect gift that will bring a smile to your loved one’s face, no matter what you want to put a photo (or a dozen photos!) on.
4. Fill a Digital Picture Frame With Your Favorite Family Photos
If you can’t narrow your favorite photos down, filling a memory card with hundreds or even thousands of digital pictures for a digital photo frame lets you create a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Digital picture frames are a practical gift for senior citizens as the images continually rotate through the photo library, keeping your favorite memories in one place.
5. Get a Shoutout From Their Favorite Celebrity With Cameo
Sometimes the best gifts are personal connections instead of things. Cameo gives you the unique opportunity to order custom video shoutouts from thousands of musicians, movie and tv show actors/actresses, athletes, and other influential celebrities.
Cameo’s vast catalog of members means that at least one of your person’s favorite celebrities is likely available to provide a personal message for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events.
6. Gift a Facebook Portal to Stay in Touch with Family and Friends
Although several video chatting platforms have popped up over the years, holding a smartphone or similar device up for an extended time and seeing a small screen clearly can be challenging for some seniors.
Unlike FaceTime, Facebook Portal is a hands-free device with a large screen, wide-angle camera, and other features. All of these features make it easier and more convenient for older adults to use. Facebook Portal comes in four models, one of which can even be connected to a television.
By gifting a Facebook Portal device, it will be easier than ever for your senior family member to stay in touch with children, grandchildren, and other friends and family members this year, even if they live far away.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Seniors
At Nye Health Services, we know that finding creative and meaningful ways to stay connected to your loved one in a senior living community is more important than ever this year. Even if you cannot spend Christmas with your loved ones in person, choosing a personalized gift that captures some of their favorite memories can help your family feel a bit closer together.
Find out more about how we’re working to make this Christmas special for the members of our community or our other services that make us a top choice for Nebraska residents throughout the rest of the year!
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest!
Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about our outpatient therapy services or schedule a tour at any of our senior living communities in Fremont (Nye Legacy, Nye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista)!
Nov 8, 2021
If you or a family member are considering moving into an assisted living community, you may be feeling a bit intimidated by the high monthly cost of many potential locations. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover assisted living costs, but you have several options for financing your new home. We are always here to discuss what your best plan may be, and we look forward to welcoming you to one of our communities!
Medicaid
Many people can cover at least some of their assisted living costs using Medicaid, although the amount of coverage that may be available varies from state to state. In Nebraska, the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver provides assisted living coverage as one of several benefits.
To qualify for this waiver, residents of Nebraska must be at least 65 years old unless they have a disability that prevents independent living and meet income and asset limits and have a medically qualified need.
Residents can meet income requirements through a couple of options, depending on their unique circumstances.
- Categorical need, which requires that Nebraska residents have an annual income below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Medical need, which requires that residents must have less than approximately $400 left per month after paying medical expenses, regardless of their total income.
Applicants for the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver should also have less than $4,000 in countable assets, regardless of which type of need they apply for.
Veterans’ Benefits
Veterans are also eligible to receive financial assistance for assisted living through the VA and other sources. The VA offers a wide variety of long-term care services in several settings to meet the needs of as many veterans as possible, including assisted living communities, nursing homes, and private homes. These benefits allow veterans to receive assistance with daily tasks, physical therapy, and other types of extra help even if they are still able to live in their own homes, as well as 24-hour support when living in an assisted living community.
Any veterans that are currently signed up to receive healthcare through their VA are eligible to receive these services as long as the VA considers the services to be necessary for your unique situation and the services and space in a qualifying assisted living community are currently available in your area. The VA typically pays for a portion of the overall cost of living in an assisted living facility and any other services you may receive, but it rarely provides full coverage, and you may need to go through Medicaid or your private insurance company to cover some services.
Private Long-Term Care Insurance
You may also use long-term care private insurance to finance assisted living, which can be particularly helpful if you do not qualify for either of the above options. Although private insurance companies can vary significantly as far as how they handle assisted living and how much coverage they provide, most long-term care insurance policies are often your best option for covering up to 100 percent of the funds you need to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living community.
Before making any decisions, be sure to read your policy carefully to learn more about the coverage you may be eligible for and any monthly premiums you will need to pay, as well as get answers to any other questions you may still have from your provider. You may also be able to meet with an advocate or case manager through your insurance provider, who can help you better understand the benefits and limitations of your insurance and how to best benefit from using it.
At Nye Health Services, we care about making assisted living an affordable option for senior residents of Nebraska and surrounding areas. You have several options for finding the funds you need and moving into a welcoming community that meets your needs. Contact us today to speak with us about evaluating your best options for financing assisted living or to schedule a tour of any of our communities that interest you!
Aug 5, 2021
Often when we hear the word nutrition, we think about the foods we eat. An essential part of nutrition is adequate hydration. Good hydration is critical for health and well-being, especially for seniors. The body is made up of approximately 60% water. The amount of water one should consume daily depends on multiple factors such as age, diagnosis, activity level, and medications, to name a few.
Seniors are among the most at risk for dehydration. Because of the potentially significant health consequences of dehydration to seniors, it’s important to recognize the causes and symptoms of dehydration as well as know how you can stay properly hydrated.
The top six benefits of good hydration for seniors:
- Increases energy and brain function: Even mild dehydration can result in changes in mood, concentration, headaches, memory, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Joint lubrication: The cartilage, located in joints and the spine’s disks, is made up of approximately 80% water. Lack of adequate hydration can lead to increased joint pain and muscle cramps.
- Water makes minerals and nutrients accessible: Minerals and nutrients dissolve in water, making it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
- Kidney Function: Insufficient water intake can lead to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other kidney problems.
- Heart Health: Dehydration results in decreased blood volume, resulting in the heart working harder and faster to ensure the body has adequate oxygen.
- Digestive Health: Insufficient water intake can lead to digestive problems such as constipation and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
What You Can Do
If you find that you frequently forget to drink or occasionally experience mild signs of dehydration like dry mouth, decreased urination, or fatigue, try following these tips to help you stay well hydrated:
- Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water or other non-caffeinated liquids.
- Make it a habit when you leave home to fill a portable cup of water or take a water bottle with you.
- Take sips of water or other non-caffeinated beverages between bites at meals, such as juice or milk.
- Add liquids throughout your daily routine.
- Drink a full glass of water when taking medications.
- Don’t stop or reduce liquid consumption due to urinary control – consult your physician.
- Incorporate foods into your daily meals and snacks that are high in water content, such as melons (watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe), strawberries, pineapple, peaches, oranges, cucumbers, broccoli, bell peppers, celery, zucchini, and lettuce.
Senior Health and Wellness at Nye Health Services
At Nye Health Services, wellness is key in our approach to helping seniors thrive. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer to help you and your loved one live happy!
