Welcoming New Leadership at The Meadows in Norfolk, Nebraska
(NORFOLK, Nebraska) – Nye Health Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Blake Miller as the new Executive Director of The Meadows, a senior living community in Norfolk, Nebraska. Miller will officially begin his new role on November 9, 2026.
Miller brings five years of experience in long-term care, including leadership roles at two Nebraska senior care communities. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk, a position he held for the past two years. Previously, he served as Executive Director at Colonial Manor in Randolph, Nebraska.
Throughout his career, Miller has focused on building strong teams, fostering positive workplace cultures, and developing meaningful relationships with residents, families, and team members.
“We are excited to welcome Blake to The Meadows and the Nye Health Services family,” said Kristin Harris, President of Nye Health Services. “Blake brings valuable leadership experience and a genuine passion for creating an environment where team members feel supported, and residents feel valued. His commitment to building relationships and cultivating a positive workplace culture aligns closely with our vision that People Live Happy Here and People Work Happy Here. We look forward to the leadership and fresh perspective he will bring to The Meadows.”
As Executive Director, Miller will oversee daily operations at The Meadows, working alongside the community’s leadership team to support quality care, resident satisfaction, team member engagement, and continued service excellence.
“I am honored to join The Meadows and become part of the Nye Health Services family,” said Miller. “I believe the foundation of great senior living is a strong team that genuinely enjoys coming to work and takes pride in the care and experiences they provide. I’m looking forward to building relationships with our residents, families, and team members while continuing to make The Meadows a place people are proud to call home.”
Miller succeeds Christy Lee, who served as Executive Director of The Meadows for five years. Lee remains a valued member of the Nye Health Services team in her new role as Director of Customer Experience and Team Experience.
“We are grateful for Christy’s dedication and leadership at The Meadows over the past five years,” added Harris. “Her continued contributions to Nye Health Services, combined with Blake’s leadership, position us well as we continue to strengthen the experiences of our residents, families, and team members.”
Strong leadership plays an important role in creating positive experiences for residents, families, and team members. Organizations such as the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge Nebraska provide resources and support for advancing quality care and leadership in senior living communities.
The Meadows, a Nye Health Services community located in Norfolk, Nebraska, offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite stays, and outpatient therapy services. With multiple levels of senior living and care available under one roof, The Meadows provides personalized services, engaging experiences, and a welcoming environment where residents can thrive.
Nye Health Services is a Nebraska-based senior living and healthcare organization dedicated to celebrating life through exceptional service, personalized care, and innovative leadership. With communities across Nebraska, Nye Health Services offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and home health care. Guided by its vision, “People Live Happy Here. People Work Happy Here,” Nye Health Services is committed to creating meaningful experiences for residents, patients, families, and team members.
A commitment to exceptional care earns Gateway Vista the highest overall rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Gateway Vista, a Nye Health Services community in Lincoln, Nebraska, is proud to announce that it has earned a Five-Star Overall Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its October 2026 nursing home ratings. This achievement represents the highest overall rating available through CMS’s Five-Star Quality Rating System and reflects Gateway Vista’s commitment to providing quality care and a supportive environment for residents.
How Does CMS Determine Nursing Home Ratings?
CMS evaluates nursing homes in three key areas that contribute to the facility’s overall rating.
Health Inspections: State health inspectors evaluate nursing homes to determine whether they meet federal health and safety requirements. These inspections examine important aspects of resident care, safety, and facility operations. CMS considers findings from routine inspections, complaint investigations, and other relevant inspections when determining this rating.
Quality Measures: Quality Measures help evaluate how well nursing homes are meeting certain healthcare needs of their residents and patients. These measures examine important aspects of care, such as falls resulting in major injuries, hospitalizations, changes in mobility, and other health-related outcomes. CMS evaluates measures for both short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term nursing home residents.
Staffing: CMS evaluates nursing staffing levels and staff turnover to help families understand the nursing resources available to care for residents. This includes information about registered nurses, licensed nursing staff, and nursing assistants, along with staffing hours relative to residents’ care needs.
What Does a Five-Star CMS Rating Mean?
When choosing a nursing home or rehabilitation center for yourself or a loved one, understanding the quality of care a community provides is an important part of the decision. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal government agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs and establishes quality and safety standards for participating healthcare providers. To help individuals and families compare nursing homes, CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System. This system evaluates Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes using a combination of health inspection results, nursing staffing information, and measures of resident care. Much like a five-star rating system you may be familiar with, nursing homes receive a rating from one to five stars. However, unlike online customer reviews, CMS ratings are based on inspections and healthcare performance data.
A Five-Star Overall Quality Rating is the highest rating a nursing home can receive through this system.
Why do CMS Ratings Matter?
CMS ratings provide families with an independent, standardized way to compare nursing homes and better understand their performance in important areas of care. While a Five-Star Rating is a valuable indicator of quality, families should also consider their loved one’s individual needs, visit communities, meet team members, and ask questions when making care decisions. For Gateway Vista, earning a Five-Star Overall Quality Rating in October 2026 is a meaningful recognition of the community’s performance and ongoing commitment to providing quality skilled nursing care. Families can learn more about the rating system and compare nursing homes through Medicare’s Care Compare website.
Recognized for Quality Care
CMS evaluates nursing homes nationwide using a Five-Star Quality Rating System designed to help individuals and families make informed decisions about skilled nursing care. In the October 2026 report, Gateway Vista received the following ratings:
The Five-Star Overall Rating is especially meaningful because it provides families with a comprehensive snapshot of a nursing home’s performance across multiple areas of care. Gateway Vista’s Five-Star Quality Measures rating also reflects strong performance on clinical measures used by CMS to evaluate resident care outcomes.
A Reflection of Our Dedicated Team
Behind every quality rating are the team members who make a difference in residents’ lives each day. From nursing and rehabilitation to dining, activities, and support services, Gateway Vista’s team members share a commitment to creating a community where residents receive compassionate, individualized care. “Our team members are the heart of Gateway Vista,” said Tonya Noack, Executive Director of Gateway Vista. “This recognition reflects their hard work, compassion, and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to those we serve. We are incredibly proud of this achievement.”
Experience the Gateway Vista Difference
At Gateway Vista, quality care is more than a rating. It’s a commitment to the residents, patients, and families who place their trust in our team. As part of the Nye Health Services family, Gateway Vista offers a continuum of senior living and healthcare services designed to meet individuals’ changing needs while promoting independence, comfort, and quality of life. Our services include:
Short-Term Skilled Rehabilitation: Personalized nursing care and rehabilitation services to help individuals recover and regain independence following an illness, injury, or hospitalization.
Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care: Around-the-clock nursing care and individualized support for those with ongoing healthcare needs.
Outpatient Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy services designed to help individuals improve mobility, rebuild strength, and maintain independence.
Assisted Living: Personalized assistance with daily activities while encouraging independence, meaningful connections, and an active lifestyle.
Independent Living Apartments: Comfortable, maintenance-free living for older adults seeking an independent lifestyle with opportunities for social engagement and community connection.
Whether you’re recovering from a hospital stay, exploring senior living options, or seeking ongoing nursing care, Gateway Vista provides a variety of services to support you or your loved one through different stages of life.
Fremont, NE – Nye Health Services announces that Kristin Harris, RN, BSN, has been named President of the family-owned senior healthcare organization, effective September 30, 2026. Harris, who most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience within Nye Health Services to the role.
Nye Health Services’ strategy is to build on the organization’s success, strengthen support for its campuses and services, and align capacity for future growth.
“As Nye continues to grow, we have to make sure our leadership structure is positioned for that growth,” said Russ Peterson, Founder and CEO of Nye Health Services. “Kristin understands this organization from nearly every level, and there is no one more committed to our mission, values, and the people we serve. I have complete confidence in Kristin’s leadership, and in the direction we are heading.”
Harris has spent more than two decades serving Nye Health Services in clinical, campus, and executive leadership positions. A registered nurse and licensed nursing home and assisted living administrator, Harris began her Nye career in nursing before serving as Director of Nursing and Executive Director at Nye Square and later Executive Director at Nye Legacy.
In 2018, Harris joined Nye’s Home Office leadership team as Vice President of Operations. She was named Chief Operating Officer in 2022, where she has helped lead Nye’s campuses, services, and Home Office teams while advancing organizational strategy and operational performance.
“I’ve had the privilege of providing leadership in various capacities for Nye for more than 20 years, and am incredibly honored to step into the role of President,” Harris said. “We have an exceptional group of leaders and Team Members who care deeply about the people we serve. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead of us—to strengthen the support we provide to our campuses, continue developing our people, grow our services and bring the Nye experience to even more individuals and families.”
As President, Harris will focus on company leadership, strategic growth, and the overall success of Nye Health Services. The transition provides greater focus on Nye’s long-term strategic priorities while maintaining a strong commitment to the success of its campuses and service lines.
Peterson will continue serving as Founder and Chief Executive Officer, with an increased focus on growth opportunities and long-term organizational development.
The transition comes as Nye Health Services continues to pursue an ambitious long-term growth strategy centered on expanding the number of people it serves through exceptional services. While the organization looks toward new opportunities, its leaders say growth will remain grounded in the culture and purpose that have guided Nye since its founding in 1989.
“Nye has always been a family-owned and family-oriented company built around people,” Peterson said. “Our residents, families, and Team Members deserve to be known, valued, and treated with dignity. ‘Celebrate Life’ is our heartbeat. We do not simply manage aging—we create moments of meaning. We do not just provide care—we elevate dignity. We do not just house residents—we create belonging. The soul of Nye Health Services is not found in our buildings or services—it is found in the way people experience life within them.”
The leadership transition does not change leadership at Nye’s campuses or service lines.
“Our future is about growing our impact while protecting what has made Nye special,” Harris said. “As we grow, our commitment to our residents, families, Team Members and communities will remain at the center of every decision we make.”
About Nye Health Services
Founded in 1989, Nye Health Services is a family-owned senior healthcare organization serving communities across Nebraska. Nye provides a continuum of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, respite care, outpatient therapy, and home health care. Guided by the vision “People Live Happy Here” and “People Work Happy Here”, Nye Health Services is committed to creating helpful and delightful experiences for the residents, patients, families, and Team Members it serves.
Living with lymphedema often requires consistent daily care rather than occasional attention. Symptoms such as chronic leg swelling and fluid buildup may require ongoing management to help residents remain comfortable and mobile. Compression garments, skin care, regular movement, and monitoring for changes can all become part of an established routine.
For older adults moving into assisted living, those routines do not simply disappear. Instead, the transition creates an opportunity to determine which parts of lymphedema management a resident can continue handling independently and where assistance from caregivers may be helpful.
At Nye Health Services, assisted living caregivers can help residents manage lymphedema as part of their daily care while supporting as much independence as possible. Understanding what that support can look like can help residents and families prepare for the transition to assisted living.
Maintaining a Lymphedema Routine After Moving to Assisted Living
Many older adults have managed lymphedema for months or years before moving into assisted living. They may already know when to put on compression garments, how to care for their skin, which activities help them stay mobile, and what changes they need to watch for.
Moving introduces a new daily rhythm. Meal times change. Activities are scheduled differently. Residents become familiar with a new living space and new caregivers.
During that transition, maintaining an established lymphedema routine is important.
Depending on the resident’s individual care plan, caregivers may help with:
Applying and removing compression garments
Maintaining recommended skin care routines
Encouraging regular movement and activity
Monitoring for noticeable changes in swelling or skin condition
Supporting mobility throughout the day
Helping residents maintain established daily care routines
The amount of assistance will vary from one resident to another. Someone who has independently managed lymphedema for years may need very little help, while another resident may benefit from more hands-on support.
Support Can Change as a Resident’s Abilities Change
Lymphedema management can become more difficult even when the condition itself has not significantly changed.
Compression garments are a good example. Putting them on properly can require hand strength, flexibility, balance, and the ability to comfortably reach the affected area.
A resident who once handled that task independently may begin having difficulty because of arthritis, reduced mobility, fatigue, or recovery from an illness or hospitalization.
Changes that can affect someone’s ability to manage lymphedema include:
Reduced hand strength or dexterity
Difficulty bending or reaching
Changes in balance
Increased fatigue
Reduced mobility
Changes in memory or daily routines
Assisted living allows support to adapt as those abilities change.
The goal is not to take over tasks a resident can safely complete. It is to provide assistance where it is needed so that changes in physical ability do not unnecessarily interrupt an established care routine.
Everyday Care Can Help Identify Changes Earlier
Lymphedema does not always change dramatically overnight. Swelling and fluid buildup can change gradually, and sometimes the first signs that something is different appear during ordinary parts of the day. For residents managing swollen legs, those changes may first become noticeable when shoes fit more tightly, compression garments become harder to apply, or walking becomes uncomfortable.
Caregivers who assist residents regularly are in a position to notice these changes as part of everyday care.
Changes worth paying attention to include:
Increased or unusual swelling
Compression garments fitting differently
Shoes, watches, or clothing becoming tighter
New redness or irritation
Changes in skin condition
Increased discomfort or heaviness
Reduced participation in normal activities
These observations do not necessarily mean the resident’s lymphedema has worsened. They can, however, provide useful information that should be communicated to the appropriate healthcare professional when necessary.
Regular interaction is particularly valuable because gradual changes can be difficult to recognize when they happen slowly over several weeks.
Movement Can Become Part of Everyday Community Life
Regular movement is often an important part of a lymphedema management plan, based on recommendations from the resident’s healthcare providers. For residents experiencing chronic leg swelling or fluid buildup, incorporating appropriate movement into the day may be one part of their established care routine.
In assisted living, staying active does not always require a separate workout routine. Movement can happen naturally throughout the day.
Depending on a resident’s abilities and care recommendations, that might include:
Walking to meals
Participating in community activities
Attending appropriate exercise programs
Spending time outdoors
Walking through common areas
Staying involved in hobbies and social activities
This is one advantage of looking at lymphedema management as part of everyday living rather than treating it as a separate task.
Residents should follow the activity recommendations provided by their healthcare team, particularly when mobility limitations or other health conditions are present.
Skin Care Deserves Consistent Attention
Lymphedema can make careful skin care especially important.
Dryness, cracking, cuts, or other breaks in the skin can create opportunities for infection. Maintaining the skin care routine recommended by a resident’s healthcare provider is therefore an important part of ongoing management.
For residents who need assistance, caregivers can help make those routines more manageable and watch for visible changes during everyday care.
Some changes should receive prompt medical attention, including:
Redness or warmth
Rapidly increasing swelling
New or worsening pain
Fever or chills
Open wounds
Drainage from the affected area
People with lymphedema have an increased risk of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that requires medical treatment. New redness, warmth, pain, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms should not simply be treated as a normal fluctuation in swelling.
Communication Helps Keep Lymphedema Care Consistent
Managing lymphedema may involve several people, including the resident, family members, assisted living caregivers, physicians, and therapy professionals.
Clear communication helps everyone understand what is normal for the resident and what represents a meaningful change.
When moving into assisted living, families can help by providing information about:
The resident’s established lymphedema routine
Current compression garments and instructions for their use
Skin care recommendations
Normal levels and locations of swelling
Mobility or activity recommendations
Physicians and therapy professionals involved in care
Symptoms the resident’s healthcare provider has advised them to watch for
This information gives caregivers a clearer picture of the resident’s normal routine from the beginning.
Communication becomes equally important as needs change. If caregivers notice that a resident is having greater difficulty with compression garments, mobility, skin care, or another part of the routine, those observations can help families and healthcare providers determine whether additional evaluation or changes to the care plan are appropriate.
Maintaining Independence While Managing Lymphedema
Managing lymphedema in assisted living should not mean turning every part of the resident’s day into a medical routine.
The objective is to incorporate the necessary care into everyday life while helping residents remain as independent and engaged as possible.
A resident may continue managing certain aspects of care independently while receiving assistance with tasks that have become more difficult. That balance can change over time as mobility, strength, or other health needs evolve.
For families considering assisted living, discussing lymphedema and the resident’s current routine before moving can help establish expectations and identify the level of support needed from the beginning.
What should families bring when someone with lymphedema moves into assisted living?
Bring current healthcare information, a medication list, compression garments, skin care products used as part of the resident’s routine, provider contact information, and any written instructions related to lymphedema management. It is also helpful to explain what the resident normally handles independently and where assistance is already needed.
What if a compression garment suddenly becomes too tight?
A noticeable change in fit can sometimes indicate increased swelling or another change that deserves attention. Rather than simply switching garments or discontinuing compression, the resident’s healthcare provider should be consulted about significant or unexpected changes.
Can someone with lymphedema still participate in assisted living activities?
Often, yes. Lymphedema does not automatically prevent participation in social, recreational, or physical activities. Appropriate activity depends on the resident’s overall health, mobility, and recommendations from their healthcare providers.
Does moving into assisted living mean residents lose control of their lymphedema routine?
No. Assisted living support can be based on what each resident actually needs. Residents who can safely manage portions of their routine may continue doing so, while caregivers provide assistance with tasks that have become difficult.
What should families ask an assisted living community about lymphedema?
Ask how caregivers can support the resident’s established routine, what assistance is available with compression garments and skin care, how changes are documented and communicated, and how the community coordinates with outside physicians or therapy professionals when additional care is needed.
Nye Health Services | Award-Winning Senior Living Facilities & Services
Nye Health Services was established in 1989 on the philosophy that older adults deserve services that recognize the individual and are tailored to their unique needs. As a company, we do not aspire to be the largest; instead, we aim to uphold our mission by providing award-winning health services that make our residents feel genuinely cared for and connected while realizing life’s joy.
If you are searching for a senior living community or in need of assisted living, explore one of our locations in Fremont (Nye Square), Norfolk (The Meadows), Louisville (Nye Summit), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista). Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, with numerous amenities to help you live life to the fullest!
FREMONT, NE — Nye Square, part of Nye Health Services, is pleased to announce the launch of its new SPEAK OUT!® Class, a specialized speech therapy program designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions in maintaining and improving their communication and swallowing abilities. The program is led through Nye Therapy & Wellness, which provides a dedicated speech-language pathologist at each campus to ensure consistent, person-centered care across the continuum of services. At Nye Square, the SPEAK OUT!® program is facilitated by Jessica Gillen, a licensed SPEAK OUT!® Provider with Nye Therapy & Wellness. Under her clinical guidance, participants engage in structured voice and speech exercises designed to strengthen communication skills and improve quality of life.
Developed by the Parkinson Voice Project, the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program combines education, individualized speech therapy, SPEAK OUT!® group classes, daily home practice, and ongoing follow-up care. The goal is to help individuals with Parkinson’s and related disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing function for life.
“Up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of losing their ability to speak. In addition, swallowing complications account for 70% of the mortality rate in this patient population. Our vision at Parkinson Voice Project is to make quality speech therapy accessible to people with Parkinson’s worldwide,” said Samantha Elandary, Parkinson Voice Project’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
In addition to the SPEAK OUT!® Class, Nye Square also hosts a monthly Parkinson’s Support Group, offering a welcoming environment for individuals and families to share experiences, resources, and encouragement. “This program is about restoring confidence in communication,” said Gillen. “Speech is essential to connection, independence, and dignity, and SPEAK OUT!® gives participants the tools to maintain those abilities long-term.”
The SPEAK OUT!® Class is free and open to the community, reinforcing Nye Health Services’ commitment to accessible, high-quality care and community engagement. For more information about the weekly SPEAK OUT!® Class in Fremont, please call 402-753-6130.
About Nye Health Services Nye Health Services provides compassionate, person-centered care that enhances the health and well-being of older adults across Nebraska. Guided by our mission to celebrate life through exceptional service and innovative leadership in personalized care, we support individuals and families at every stage of aging with dignity, respect, and innovation. We offer a full continuum of services—including Assisted Living, Independent Living, Short-Term Skilled Care, Long-Term Care, Respite Care, Outpatient Therapy, and Memory Care—designed to promote independence, safety, and quality of life. Across six welcoming, home-like campuses in Nebraska, including Fremont, Norfolk, Louisville, and Lincoln, we are committed to helping residents feel comfortable, supported, and truly at home.
About Parkinson Voice Project
Parkinson Voice Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization solely dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s and related disorders REGAIN and RETAIN their speech and swallowing. The organization provides SPEAK OUT! Booklets, online SPEAK OUT! Home Practice Sessions, and a weekly Parkinson’s Sing-Along to complement the speech therapy they will receive at Nye Square. The organization is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, and has trained over 11,500 SLPs and 16,600 students in more than 50 countries. For information, visit www.ParkinsonVoiceProject.org.
Fremont, NE – Nye Health Services is pleased to announce an exciting update to the nursing leadership structure at Nye Legacy. Following a thoughtful interview process with highly qualified internal candidates, the organization has made the decision to welcome two individuals into Director of Nursing roles, creating a Co-Director of Nursing leadership model. Under this structure, Loreann Gallatin, RN will serve as the Traditional Director of Nursing, while Rachel Engdahl, RN will serve as the Rehab Director of Nursing. Loreann most recently served as the Director of Clinical Education at Nye Legacy, and Rachel previously served as the Director of Nursing at Nye Square. Both bring extensive nursing leadership experience and a shared commitment to providing high-quality care. Together, they will collaborate closely to support residents, families, and staff through strong communication and clinical excellence.
“This new leadership structure allows us to leverage the strengths of two experienced leaders while continuing to provide exceptional care to our residents,” said Brooke Belina, Executive Director of Nye Legacy. “Loreann and Rachel both have deep knowledge of our organization and a genuine passion for serving others. Their collaboration will strengthen our nursing team and help ensure our residents continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.”
As part of this transition, Sarah Wiese has moved from her role as Director of Nursing into the position of Rehab Clinical Coordinator. In this role, Sarah will focus on supporting rehabilitation services and clinical coordination for residents. Nye Legacy is grateful for Sarah’s leadership and dedication and appreciates the support she has provided throughout this transition.
In addition to strong nursing leadership, Nye Legacy provides a comprehensive care model that includes a full-time, in-house medical provider. Taylor Harding, Nurse Practitioner, is on-site Monday through Friday and available on-call during weekends, allowing residents to receive consistent and timely medical care. Taylor visits residents multiple times throughout the week—and sometimes daily for those with complex medical needs—ensuring a high level of personalized care and accessibility that is uncommon in many long-term care settings.
By combining innovative leadership, dedicated clinical teams, and on-site medical care, Nye Legacy continues to prioritize the health, comfort, and well-being of every resident.
About Nye Legacy
Nye Legacy is part of Nye Health Services, a trusted provider of senior living and healthcare services in Nebraska. Nye Legacy offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and personalized care designed to support residents’ health, independence, and quality of life.
Kathy Kirby has been an occupational therapist with Nye Health Services for more than 25 years, providing care across our Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Independent Living, outpatient, and home health settings. Today, she focuses on bringing wellness initiatives to our campuses to enhance the quality of life for residents. Kathy is especially passionate about working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and leads our Parkinson’s Support Group.
Miller brings five years of experience in long-term care, including leadership roles at two Nebraska senior care communities. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk, a position he held for the past two years. Previously, he served as Executive Director at Colonial Manor in Randolph, Nebraska.
