Oct 9, 2020
Bringing up the idea that it may be time to consider assisted living to your parents may not be easy for you and your family. However, we’ve provided a list of ways to approach these conversations that can help make them more meaningful and productive.
Research Senior Care Options
In order to focus your research on locations that will best meet your parents’ needs, think about their current health and level of independence in order to determine whether assisted or independent living is most appropriate. Assisted living communities provide more consistent care and access to staff, while independent living simply eliminates the responsibilities of homeownership and will more closely resemble your parents’ current lifestyle. In addition, many communities offer specialized healthcare services, such as:
- physical therapy and rehabilitation
- memory care
- medication administration
- personal care assistance
- other specialized services that are tailored to meet individual needs
Involve Your Parent(s)
Involving your parents in your decision-making process shows them that their happiness during retirement is important to you. Be sure to ask them for their perspective and take their input to heart regarding:
- how they feel about their health
- what type of care they need
- which community they prefer
- what they would like to do with their home
- what to do if they or their spouse experience sudden, serious health issues
Use Positive Phrasing and Tone
Using the right terminology can go a long way toward helping your parents develop a positive outlook on leaving their current home. “Assisted living facility” and similar phrasing can be off-putting, and Nye’s retirement communities prioritize creating a happy place for your parents to spend their senior years that is filled with amenities, fun things to do, and meaningful relationships with others in the community.
Although this discussion can be challenging for many families, using a respectable tone and setting up your conversation for two-way dialogue that respects your parents’ thoughts can help you peacefully and productively talk through the delicate decisions you need to make.
Consider Finances
Finances are a common concern among families considering assisted living options, but there are many ways to make assisted living more affordable. Begin by talking with your parents about their financial situation and what they have saved for retirement, as well as with one of our Senior Living Advisors to learn more about the costs of each retirement option you are considering.
Involve Your Siblings and Loved Ones
Although you may feel tempted to make a decision yourself, it is usually best to involve your siblings and loved ones in the decision-making process. This approach helps to assure your parents that the people they care about want what’s best for them and are working together to find the best assisted living option available. Presenting unity and moral support throughout the process can make a significant difference in easing the transition to senior living for your parents.
Explore and Tour Communities
Visiting the communities you are interested in is a must before making a final decision. If possible, tour communities with your parents and siblings in order to be sure that everyone is on the same page. Remember to focus on communities that offer a variety of options for specialized care that your parents may need, as well as the necessary amenities. You should also consider the travel distance from where the community is relative to family and friends in the area for future get-togethers and special events.
Involve Your Parent’s Doctor
Although you won’t automatically have access to your parents’ health information because of HIPAA laws, which protect patients’ confidentiality, a parent can recommend that you and your siblings have access to this information in order to help them make decisions. Discussing your parents’ health and any concerns you may have with their doctor and asking for his or her recommendations is an important step in making an informed decision regarding assisted living.
At Nye Health Services, our retirement communities provide amenities and services that will give your parents a safe and enjoyable place to spend their senior years. While we know that conversations about assisted living are rarely easy, we hope that taking advantage of these suggestions will make your family’s discussions less difficult.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about how choosing one of our retirement communities can be the perfect match for your family or to schedule a tour of any of our locations!
Sep 28, 2020
If you’ve found yourself becoming frustrated with the challenges of maintaining your home lately then senior independent living may be an attractive option that can make your life a little easier. This type of senior living situation was designed while keeping the needs of older adults in mind and allowing them to live as independently as they want.
Senior Independent Living Bridges the Gap Between Private Home Ownership and Assisted Living
What Is Independent Living?
Senior independent living is a type of housing arrangement that was designed for adults over age 55 who do not yet require the extra services of assisted living such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLS) but are interested in a simpler living situation than their current homes.
At Nye Health Services, we offer private senior independent living residences in Fremont, Lincoln, and Norfolk, NE in layouts that eliminate many of the challenges you may struggle with while living at home, such as yard work, meal preparation, and other types of maintenance.
Benefits of Independent Living
Living at a Nye Health Services independent living facility in Nebraska allows you to be as independent as you want by bridging the gap between living in your current home and moving into an assisted living community. You can continue to live your current lifestyle in a private living space with a few perks to make your life easier, such as having a bit of extra help available whenever you need it and eliminating the burden of owning your own home.
Extra Services
Although continuing to live a mostly independent life for as long as you are able to is the main goal of many of our residents, we also offer a variety of extra services to eliminate many of the challenges of everyday living. Our team covers any repairs you may need, as well as every aspect of interior and exterior maintenance. We are also here to assist you with laundry, housekeeping, medication administration, and transportation if you need a little extra help.
Private Living
Continuing to live in a private living space is important to our residents, but we also offer a variety of social activities to help you build friendships with the other members of our community. Each of our campuses offer unique amenities that make it easy to safely spend time with other people, such as our coffee shop, ice cream shop, fitness facilities, small social distancing group exercise classes as well as social and recreational programs.
Peace of Mind
Your health and safety are top priorities at Nye’s independent living communities. Each resident is equipped with an emergency call system that connects you to our nursing team at any time of day or night, and our secure building is staffed 24/7. We also offer transportation services to appointments and have certain types of in-home care available onsite if you need it.
Key Benefits Takeaway:
- Residents can live their life privately and independently, without any of the burdens of home ownership
- Independent living allows for the choice to receive as much or as little care desired
- Each participating Nye community offers a wide variety of onsite amenities, activities and recreational programs
- Every resident is equipped with an emergency call system that instantly connects with onsite nursing staff
Cost of Independent Living
The average cost of independent living varies depending on the state you live in, the amenities your residence offers, and the level of care you need.
It is important to look beyond the sticker price to make sure that the independent living community you are interested in offers everything you need, as a low-cost option may not reflect the level of care that may be required.
Choosing independent living also means that many of the other expenses you are already paying for are covered, such as maintenance, meals, and medical care, which can make the residence you choose more affordable.
If you’re interested in choosing a new place to live that eliminates many of the challenges of your current home without sacrificing your lifestyle, look no further than Nye Health Services’s senior independent living options. Our caring staff members are always available to support you as much or as little as you want, and we offer the perfect combination of privacy and community activities.
Read our FAQs to learn more about whether independent living may be right for you or contact us today to speak with our team about what makes Nye Health Services the best choice for independent living and assisted living facilities in Nebraska and nearby states!
Key Costs Takeaway:
- The cost of senior independent living depends on the state, amenities and level of care needed
- Focus on the care that is needed first, then see what options fit within your budget
- Nye community expenses are even more affordable when you consider the coverage of items that you’re already paying for such as meals, maintenance and medical care
- Contact a Nye independent living representative to see what housing options are available in your area
Nye Health Services Independent Living in Nebraska
Senior independent living is a type of housing arrangement that was designed for adults over age 55 that do not yet require the extra services of assisted living but are interested in a simpler living situation than their current homes. It bridges the gap between private home ownership and assisted living, providing a balance of independence and support.
At Nye Health Services, we offer private independent living residences in a variety of layouts that eliminate many of the challenges that you may be struggling with in your current home, such as yard work and other types of maintenance. Our communities provide a safe and supportive environment where seniors can thrive.
Choosing Nye’s independent living residence allows you to be as independent as you want while enjoying a range of benefits and services. Here are some key advantages:
Services and Amenities:
Our independent living communities offer a range of services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle. From dining options in our elegant dining room to fitness classes tailored for active adults, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to socialize, stay active, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Active Adult Lifestyle:
Independent living promotes an active adult lifestyle with various recreational programs and social activities. You can engage in hobbies, join clubs, and make new friends within the vibrant senior living community.
Home Maintenance:
Say goodbye to the burdens of home maintenance. Our dedicated team takes care of repairs, interior and exterior maintenance, housekeeping, and even laundry, so you can focus on enjoying your retirement without worrying about the upkeep of your living space.
Memory Care and Long-Term Care:
While independent living is suitable for those who don’t require extensive assistance, Nye Health Services also offers specialized memory care and long-term care options for individuals who may need additional support in the future. This ensures that as your needs change, you can transition seamlessly within our continuum of care.
Independent Living Cost
The cost of independent living varies depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the level of care provided. It is important to consider the overall value and services offered by a community rather than solely focusing on the price. A lower-cost option may not provide the level of care and support you require.
Nye Health Services strives to provide affordable independent living options that include many expenses you are already paying for, such as maintenance, meals, and medical care. By consolidating these costs, we offer a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for seniors seeking a comfortable and hassle-free lifestyle.
Sep 17, 2020
Whether you’re looking for somewhere that can give a parent the 24 hour care they need, or considering a wonderful retirement community yourself, you’re likely searching for ways you can make future senior care options more affordable. At Nye Health Services, we are here to help. Once you consider the costs of home ownership, meals, health care and transportation, you might be surprised at how affordable our communities really are.
Whether you’re ready to move into an assisted living community or are interested in a bit of extra help while continuing to live in your home, we will work with you to help you find funds from a variety of sources. Here are some answers to the most common questions we receive about paying for various types of senior care, as well as tips for making your senior years more affordable!
How Much Does Senior Care Cost?
The average cost of senior care can vary significantly depending on where you live and the level of care that you need. In 2017, the national median cost of living in an assisted living community was approximately $45.000 per year, but many states have a much higher or lower average.
If you require a higher level of care, you can expect an average cost of $4,290 per month for in-home care and $8,517 for residential skilled nursing services. Again, these national averages vary depending on the state you live in. Although approximately 90 percent of senior care is covered through private pay, you have a variety of options for making your senior years more affordable.
Private Options for Making Senior Care More Affordable
Many seniors have a variety of types of insurance and other private funding available that can be applied to assisted living or in-home care.
Life Insurance
Your life insurance policy can help you cover the cost of senior care in a couple of ways. Although you won’t receive the full face value of your policy to put toward senior care, cashing it in is one of your first options for finding money to fund your senior care. You can also convert your policy into a deferred annuity, which allows money from your policy to be paid directly to your assisted living community or in-home care provider each month.
Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance
LTC insurance policies generally have benefits that range from $50-300 per day. These funds can be used to supplement other sources to offset your total cost of senior care.
Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage allows you to obtain cash from the partial value of your home. This can be a particularly attractive option if you would benefit from in-home care services but aren’t quite ready to move into an assisted living community, as it does not require you to sell your home before receiving benefits.
This type of loan is usually not taxed, but you will need to pay interest on it. You should also be aware that the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the only type of reverse mortgage that is federally insured and that choosing this option means that leaving your home to your children usually will not be possible.
Bridge Loans
A bridge loan gives you the option of quickly moving into a senior living community even if you aren’t able to sell your home or other assets immediately. Although each bank handles bridge loans differently, you will generally need to make a down payment in order to obtain benefits up front. You (or your family members) will then make monthly payments as needed until your assets sell, at which time you will pay the full lump sum.
Public Options for Making Senior Care More Affordable
Although public options usually do not provide as much money to work with as private choices, the following sources may be available to you if private funding options do not meet your needs.
Veterans’ Benefits
Many wartime veterans and their spouses qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit, which is a monthly payment in addition to your pension that can be applied to senior care.
Medicare
You won’t be able to use Medicare funds to cover the cost of moving into an assisted living community, but they can be applied to up to 100 days of temporary care following an illness or injury.
It’s important to note that Medicare will not cover assisted or traditional long-term skilled nursing care, but it can be applied to a short-term skilled rehabilitation stay when qualifications are met. For more information, you may visit the official Medicare & Medicaid services website.
Medicaid
Medicaid funds can be applied to senior care in some states. Although it is unlikely to be your best option, it is worth looking into if you have no significant assets or income to use.
How Can I Learn More About the Best Options for Me?
At Nye Health Services, we are here to help make your transition to senior living as smooth as possible. We are a top choice among seniors throughout Nebraska and surrounding states, and we work closely with each individual to create a senior care plan that best meets their unique needs. Contact us today to talk with one of our senior care experts about how we can make your future assisted living options more affordable or to learn more about our campuses!
Aug 4, 2020
Stress can wreak havoc on your body and mind. If you’ve found yourself wondering if stress might be causing your random aches and pains or unusually high anxiety that makes living your life more difficult lately, you’re not alone. Excessive stress can have both physical and psychological effects on your body that can contribute to more serious health problems over time, which means it’s important to take steps to manage stress now. Here are several simple changes you can make to your life today that can lower your stress and boost your happiness, as well as indicators that it might be time to work with a professional.
Common Effects of Stress
Stress can have a variety of physical and mental effects on your body, mood, and behavior. Although you’re probably able to manage your day-to-day activities fairly well while experiencing one or two of these symptoms of stress in your life, letting them pile up over time can have a destructive impact on your ability to complete tasks and enjoy the things you love.
Effects of Stress on Your Body
- Headache, muscle, or chest pain
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Sleep problems
Effects of Stress on Your Mood
- Anxiety, restlessness, or feeling overwhelmed
- Lack of motivation or difficulty focusing
- Feeling irritable, angry, sad, or depressed
Effects of Stress on Your Behavior
- Overeating or undereating
- Angry outbursts
- Drug, alcohol, or tobacco use
- Avoiding exercise or social activities
Tips for Managing Your Stress
Fortunately, most physical and mental effects of stress in your life can be managed by making minor changes to your lifestyle. Taking care of your body, minimizing negative aspects of your life, and devoting more time to the people and activities you love can make your life a bit happier and more enjoyable.
Caring for your body and mind is a simple and effective way to boost your happiness and lower stress. Regular physical activity can be an excellent stress reliever, and walking, water aerobics, and yoga are examples of low-impact exercise that get your body moving without being too hard on your joints. The relaxation techniques that accompany yoga provide extra calming benefits, and meditation and massages can also help you block out some of the stressors in your life.
Reading a good book, listening to your favorite music, or picking up another new hobby can give your mind something to focus on other than whatever is stressing you out. It can also be a good idea to avoid watching the news any more than you have to. The majority of news is negative these days, and letting yourself become too consumed in things you can’t control instead of only learning what you need to know can increase your stress level and have a negative impact on your mental health. Instead, choose to enjoy positive movies, TV shows, and other media that makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Spending time with family and friends and doing your best to keep a sense of humor can help you focus on the positive things in your life. If you’re still working, taking some time off if you’re able to can temporarily eliminate one of the major stressors in your life and give you more time to enjoy the things you love.
When to Get Help
Although stress can usually be managed at home, there are certain situations in which seeking help from a professional is likely to benefit your life. If you experience persistent chest, jaw, or back pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or extreme anxiety that affects your sleep, it can be a good idea to talk to your doctor or meet with a therapist to get more advanced care. No one should have to live with so much stress that you are never happy or can’t be productive, and working with a professional can help you get your life back.
At Nye Health Services, we care about helping you manage stress so that you can continue to be the best version of yourself well into your senior years. We are committed to helping you stay independent and keep doing the things you love for as long as possible. Contact us today for more ways we can help you live your life with less stress.
Jul 21, 2020
Finding the assisted living facility that is right for you is more complicated than choosing the lowest-cost option available. At Nye Health Services, we do more than simply provide a safe place to live. Our communities provide plenty of opportunities to socialize, and our caring staff is always available for anything you need help with.
Choosing an assisted living option is a great way to ensure that seniors’ unique needs are met. Feel free to schedule a tour at any of our locations to get acquainted with our team, learn more about the benefits of assisted living, and see why our residents choose us.
Why Assisted Living is Still a Great Option
What Is Assisted Living?
At Nye Health Services, our assisted living campuses are designed to provide a supportive environment for older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while maintaining their independence. Our communities offer a range of services and amenities to ensure that residents can continue enjoying their favorite activities and hobbies.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living offers numerous benefits for seniors and their family members. Assisted living communities provide a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care and support. Family members can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are well taken care of and have access to assistance with daily living activities.
Maintain Your Independence in a Safe Environment
At Nye Health Services, residents can maintain their independence while receiving the necessary support they need. Our communities encourage residents to stay connected with family and friends, participate in engaging activities such as book clubs, and enjoy the common areas and dining rooms where socialization is fostered.
Our Amenities
Nye Health Services assisted living communities offer meal preparation, cleaning, and other tasks for you so that you can enjoy a maintenance-free life. Your health and safety are our top priority which is why our professional care support team is available on-call 24/7.
Cost of Assisted Living
The cost of assisted living can vary significantly depending on your state, the amenities that are offered, and the level of care you need. Some campuses are better equipped to handle certain medical conditions than others, and it’s important to prioritize choosing one that best meets your needs.
Although the initial cost of assisted living may make you hesitate, remember that factoring in housing, transportation, meals, activities, medical care, and other expenses that you are already paying for makes assisted living a more affordable option.
At Nye Health Services, we are proud to offer some of the best-assisted living campuses in Nebraska and Wyoming. We provide safe, comfortable, and happy places to live during your senior years. Read through our FAQ page for answers to some of the most common questions our prospective residents ask, then contact us to learn more about the amenities we offer or to schedule a tour of any of our locations!
Jun 23, 2020
Outpatient therapy is an alternative to hospitalization or other residential treatment for many seniors with certain types of injuries or other medical incidents. If your injury is mild to moderate and doesn’t significantly impair your daily routine, Nye Health Services’s outpatient therapy program may be an excellent choice for healing your injury and regaining your flexibility and mobility while living at home. The cost, convenience, and other advantages of our outpatient therapy program make us a favorite among patients across Nebraska!
Advantages of Choosing Outpatient Therapy
Being injured doesn’t have to mean being stuck in the hospital. There are several outpatient therapy advantages that make attending regular physical therapy appointments and going home at the end of the day an attractive option for many seniors!
Recover in the Familiarity of Your Home
Outpatient therapy allows you to recover from the comfort of your own home. Enjoying your own bed, familiar food, favorite activities, and other comforts of home can improve your mood and outlook on your health throughout your recovery process, as can being surrounded by your family, friends, and pets. If you need a little extra assistance adapting your lifestyle to fit your needs, especially during the first week after your injury, our home care services can help you regain your independence at home.
Outpatient Therapy is a Cost-Effective Option
Hospital stays can come with a hefty price tag. Spending just three days in the hospital can cost around $30,000, and most mild to moderate injuries do not require the round-the-clock care of long term hospitalization. Outpatient therapy is a much more affordable alternative that can help you recover without breaking the bank. Even patients with good health insurance can save thousands of dollars by choosing outpatient therapy.
Maintain Your Progress
Once you’ve started to make progress, be sure to keep putting in the effort so that you don’t lose it! Continue following your physical therapist’s recommendations even after you start to feel better in order to keep building muscle and decrease your risk of future injuries.
Physical therapy serves a variety of purposes. It is designed to help you manage pain while improving your strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. Muscles that are not used frequently after an injury can atrophy, or lose strength and flexibility, which can make managing at home more difficult even after your injury has healed.
Your individual physical therapy treatment plan will vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. Attending physical therapy and doing recommended at-home exercises regularly help your injury heal and keep your body strong and functioning properly so that you can continue enjoying the things you love.
What Should I Know Before Starting Outpatient Therapy?
We are always here to answer any questions you have before starting outpatient therapy! We create individualized treatment plans for each of our patients, and we accept a variety of types of insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket outpatient therapy cost.
Obtain Your Doctor’s Permission
We require the approval of each patient’s physician before starting physical therapy. However, all you’ll need to do is contact Nye Health Services, and we’ll assist you in coordinating this. You’re always welcome to visit our therapy gym and meet with our rehabilitation team members before committing to treatment, and we’ll work with you to set up a therapy plan that meets your needs.
Medicare Federal Coverage
Outpatient therapy is an excellent option for patients that use Medicare. Medicare Part B covers a wide variety of types of outpatient therapy, such as physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy. As of 2020, up to $2,080 will be covered before your healthcare provider indicates that your physical therapy is medically necessary. At that time, 80 percent of your treatment will be covered.
Medicaid State Coverage
Medicaid coverage varies more than Medicare coverage, but most patients that use Medicaid will find that physical therapy is partially or fully covered. Keep in mind that your specific coverage depends on the state you live in and the rehabilitation provider you select.
At Nye Health Services, we prioritize helping seniors choose the best type of treatment available after an injury. Our outpatient therapy program is a top choice among patients throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas that want to maintain the independence of living at home while recovering from a mild to moderate injury. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient therapy services or to schedule an appointment!
