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8 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Senior Living Community in Nebraska

8 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Senior Living Community in Nebraska

When it’s time to move to a senior living community, there are many things to consider. From location and amenities to price and care options, it’s important to do your research to find a community that suits you or your loved one. Here are eight questions to ask when touring/choosing a senior living community in Nebraska to help you make the best decision.

8 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Senior Living Community in Nebraska

1. What type of community is this?

There are several types of senior living communities, from independent living communities and assisted living communities to memory care and nursing homes. Knowing what levels of care are offered at each community you visit is important.

2. What services are available?

One of the first things you’ll want to find out is what services are included in your senior living community. Most communities will include basic services such as meals and housekeeping, but some may also offer additional amenities like transportation or on-site medical care.

It’s important to find out what’s included so you can make sure the community you choose is the right fit for your needs.

3. What is the cost?

Of course, the cost is always an important consideration when making any major purchase. The same is true when choosing a senior living community. Make sure you can afford the monthly fees and still have money left over for other things.

Be sure to ask about the cost of different apartments or homes, as well as the monthly fees for amenities and services.

4. What type of housing units are available?

Most senior living communities offer a variety of housing units, from apartments and condos to duplexes and single-family homes. Find out what types of units are available and which units fit your lifestyle and budget the best.

5. What amenities are offered?

Amenities can vary greatly from one community to another. It’s important to find out what’s included. Some communities may offer a fitness center, swimming pool, or golf course while others may have a library, computer lab, or theater room.

6. Is transportation provided?

If transportation is not provided by the senior living community, be sure to inquire about public transportation options in the area. If public transportation is not an option, find out if there are any local taxi or Uber services available. 

7. How often is housekeeping provided?

Housekeeping services may be offered daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the community you choose. Be sure to ask about frequency and cost so you can plan accordingly.  

8. What is the Community’s Reputation?

When searching for a senior living community, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from current and former residents. Talk to your friends and family members who may have experience with different senior living communities in your area. These first-hand accounts can give you valuable insights that you might not otherwise have access to.

You can also check out online resources such as Caring.com for reviews and ratings of different senior living communities in Nebraska near you.

Choosing a senior living community is a big decision. However, by doing your research and asking the right questions, we know you will find a place that’s perfect for you or your loved one. These questions provide a great starting point for your search. Our admissions team at Nye Health Services is always happy to answer any additional questions you may have about our senior living communities in Fremont, Norfolk, and Lincoln, NE.

Nye Health Services | Award-Winning Assisted Living Facilities

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 an assisted living community, explore one of our three 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 life to the fullest!

Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about the senior services we offer or schedule a tour at any of our senior living communities in Fremont (Nye LegacyNye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and LincolnNebraska (Gateway Vista)!

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Assisted Living

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Assisted Living

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, enjoy delicious food, and spend time with loved ones. If you are a resident of an assisted living community, or if you have a loved one who is, you may be wondering how to celebrate Thanksgiving. Rest assured, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and make it memorable whether you live close to family or far apart. Here are some tips on how to celebrate and make the most out of Thanksgiving in assisted living.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Assisted Living

Create a Festive Space

Get into the holiday spirit by hanging up some of your favorite fall and Thanksgiving-themed decorations. From garlands and wreaths to tablecloths and centerpieces, a little holiday cheer can go a long way. Try to incorporate items from past Thanksgiving that remind you of your favorite holiday memories.  

Enjoy a Special Thanksgiving Meal

Just because you’re not cooking a turkey doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast. If your family lives close by, make plans to join them for a special meal or talk to staff members/activities directors about hosting a potluck on campus with your family members in one of the gathering rooms.

Utilizing a gathering room on campus may depend on the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate, so please check with the campus directly to confirm availability and the current COVID-19 protocols. Learn more about our current COVID-19 policies and visitation guidelines here.

If your family lives far away, talk to the team members about joining your friends and team members for a meal on campus. 

Enjoy Community Events

Many assisted living facilities will host special Thanksgiving events and themed activities leading up to and on the holiday. This is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your assisted living community.

Nye Health Services team members are passionate about celebrating special events to ensure residents feel at home even if they are far away. Talk to the team members and check the activity calendar to ensure you know what special events are going on this holiday season.

Reminisce about past holiday memories

Holidays are the perfect time to revisit favorite memories. Old photos are a great way to remember happy Thanksgiving holiday memories. Bring old photos of your favorite memories if you are visiting a loved one. You’ll be surprised how remembering happy times can help spark conversation, even for loved ones suffering from dementia.

Celebrate Virtually

If you live far away from your loved one in assisted living, talk to them ahead of time about their plans. If they’re planning on attending any community events or having a mini-feast with other residents, let them know that you’re happy for them but will miss them. Just knowing that you’re thinking of them will help them feel connected to you and make the holiday special.

Schedule a video call

Technology has made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away. If you can’t be there in person, schedule a video call with your loved one on Thanksgiving day. You can catch up, chat about your plans for the day, and even share a meal together (virtually).

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the wonderful things in our lives. From our families and friends to our homes and communities, there’s so much to be thankful for.

Nye Health Services | Award-Winning Assisted Living Facilities

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 an assisted living community, explore one of our three 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 life to the fullest!

Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about the assisted living amenities we offer or schedule a tour at any of our senior living communities in Fremont (Nye LegacyNye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and LincolnNebraska (Gateway Vista)!

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience more aches and pains. We may find it harder to get up from a chair or walk around the block. These are all natural side effects of aging. However, just because they’re common doesn’t mean we have to resign to living with them. Physical therapy can help seniors maintain their quality of life by keeping them mobile and pain-free.

There are many different types of physical therapy exercises that can be tailored to each individual’s needs. A physical therapist will work with you to design a plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your goals.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Here are the top five benefits physical therapy services can provide seniors:

Increased Strength and Endurance

As people age, they often lose muscle mass and bone density. This can lead to reduced strength and endurance, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. Physical therapy can help seniors build muscle strength and improve their endurance so they don’t have to worry about becoming overly fatigued during activities like walking or shopping.

In addition, physical therapy can also help seniors improve their cardiovascular health. This is important because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adults over the age of 65. By improving their cardiovascular health, seniors can reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

Improved Balance and Coordination

Reduced muscle mass and bone density can also lead to reduced balance and coordination. This can make it difficult for seniors to stay steady on their feet and maintain their balance when walking or standing. Physical therapy can help improve balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles that support the joints and helping patients practice tasks requiring coordination.

Increased Flexibility

Improved balance and coordination can also lead to increased flexibility. This is important because it can help seniors reduce their risk of falling. Physical therapy can help increase strength and flexibility by stretching the muscles and joints. In addition, physical therapy can also help improve range of motion, which is important for maintaining independence long term as people age.

Decreased Pain

Physical therapy also helps seniors manage pain. Seniors may experience pain due to conditions like arthritis, which is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Physical therapy can help decrease pain by using techniques like heat, cold, massage, and electrical stimulation. In addition, physical therapy can also help improve joint function, which can reduce pain in affected areas.

Improved Mobility

Finally, physical therapy can also help improve mobility. This is important because it allows seniors to remain independent as they age. Physical therapy does this by strengthening the muscles that support the joints and helping patients practice moving differently. In addition, physical therapy can also help reduce stiffness in the joints, which makes it easier to move around.

If you’re looking for ways to stay physically fit, healthy and independent as you age, look no further than physical therapy. Physical Therapy will help you improve your strength and balance, and regain your mobility.

At Nye Health Services, our outpatient therapy program is a top choice among patients throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas that want to maintain independence and recover from a mild to moderate injury.

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 LegacyNye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista)!

How to Compare Assisted Living Options

How to Compare Assisted Living Options

When it comes time to find an assisted living community, it’s important to take the time to compare all of your options. The decision-making process can be complicated with so many different communities, senior care levels available, and amenities. Here is a checklist of items to compare when considering different assisted living communities to help you make the best decision for yourself or your family members.

How to Compare Assisted Living Options

Quality of Care

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an assisted living facility is the quality of care and type of services provided.

First, find out if the assisted living facility is licensed and certified by the state and how it ensures the quality of care it provides its residents. You can find licensed and certified assisted living communities in Nebraska here.

Second, some facilities offer only essential services, such as help with bathing, dressing, and hygiene. Other assisted living facilities will provide more comprehensive care, including medication management, transportation, and rehabilitation services. It’s essential to evaluate your or your loved one’s needs and find a facility that provides the essential services they need. When touring each assisted living facility, you can get a feel for the quality of care and services.

Cost

It is important to consider cost when choosing an assisted living community. Make sure to clearly understand all monthly fees and charges associated with each community you’re considering. Be aware that not all assisted living facilities provide the same options for the same price.

The little things add up, so inquire if you have to pay extra for special diets, utilities, cable and internet, laundry, housekeeping, transportation to doctor’s appointments, church services, or shopping.

In addition to the monthly rent amount, find out if and when that charge be increased and by how much.

  • Does the rent go up if the resident’s level of care changes?
  • What are the charges if both you and your spouse live there and the two of you require different levels of care?
  • If costs do increase, does the facility offer financial help for those who might no longer be able to pay?

All of these questions will help you make the best decision for your budget.

Amenities

Another factor to consider is the amenities they offer, from on-site amenities like fitness centers to off-site excursions and activities. Be sure to ask if the facility has a recreation director. The recreation director’s job is to provide activities for the residents and review the facility’s current activity schedule to get an idea of what’s offered and whether or not it fits your needs. Ensure the community you choose has amenities that are important to you, like a chapel, crafts, or exercise classes.

Medical Care

Medical care and options can vary widely depending on the facility. Ask if you are permitted to choose your own doctor, therapist, or pharmacy. Who would be responsible for giving you your medications? Who decides if a resident needs a higher level of care or must be transferred to a different facility?

Moving into an assisted living community is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take the time to research and visit potential communities, so you can be sure that you’re making the best decision for your or your loved one’s needs.

Nye Health Services | Award-Winning Assisted Living Facilities

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 an assisted living community, explore one of our three 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 life to the fullest!

Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about the assisted living amenities we offer or schedule a tour at any of our senior living communities in Fremont (Nye LegacyNye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista)!

COVID-19 Updates from Nye Health Services Chief Operating Officer, Kristin Harris

COVID-19 Updates from Nye Health Services Chief Operating Officer, Kristin Harris

Nye Health Services Residents, Family Members, and Team Members COVID-19 Updates

I am excited to reach out to you for the first time since the announcement of my new position as the Chief Operating Officer and share the new updates that have occurred with COVID-19 updates, management, and guidelines, creating a much less restrictive environment.

The first exciting change is from “active screening” to “passive screening.” We have been completing active screening, meaning you physically have to complete the screening process when you enter the campus. We will now be transitioning to passive screening, meaning you will complete a personal self-screen prior to entering the campus ensuring that you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms and have not been exposed to anyone with Covid-19. We will no longer require anyone to complete screening at the kiosk moving forward! We will have signs posted at the campus entrances to provide everyone with education on the passive screening steps.

Mask

The second exciting change is for flexibility of wearing a mask based on the CDC report of county covid transmission levels. When we are in a “high or red” county, or during an outbreak status, all visitors and team members must wear a mask. When we are in a low or moderate county, visitors and team members do not need to wear masks, with the exception of unvaccinated team members, based on the additional Covid-19 mitigating approach.

Family members may choose to unmask, regardless of county covid transmission levels, when in a private room with their loved one. We will post signs on our entrance doors when masks are required. Currently, all of our campuses are in a red or high county, so masks are still required in common areas. We are anxiously awaiting the celebration for when we are in a low or moderate covid transmission level, and we can see everyone’s smiles!

Visitors are no longer restricted from using our community spaces with their loved ones. We are so excited about this change. We value an environment with laughter, celebrations, and spending time with our Nye family members.

Today we celebrate with you! We realize the Covid restrictions on visitation have been difficult, to say the least. We are so thankful for the understanding and support we have received from our residents, family members, and team members. Reflecting back to the beginning of the pandemic, when introductions to new great-grandchildren occurred through the window of their family member, to now reopening our doors with a new spirit of hope and positivity that there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Kristin Harris

Chief Operating Officer

Nye Health Services Announces Leadership Changes

Nye Health Services Announces Leadership Changes

Nye Health Services is excited to announce changes to its leadership team responsibilities. Effective September 1, 2022, Ron Gross has transitioned from President of Nye Health Services to the Nye Culture Officer role.

Nye Health Services Announces Leadership Changes

“We made this change because people are our most important asset and focusing on them is key to our continued success,” states Russ Peterson, CEO of Nye Health Services. “Ron’s talents align so strongly in the three areas he will be focused on: leadership development, culture integration, and hospitality-based service.”

With Mr. Gross’ transition to Culture Officer, the operations of Nye Health Services will be under the leadership of Kristin Harris. Mrs. Harris will move from her current position of Vice President of Operations to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective immediately.

“Kristin has been a passionate and focused leader for our company and our campuses,” shared Mr. Peterson. “Mrs. Harris is a talented executive devoted to serving our residents and their families. She will provide continued strong leadership for our teams.”

What We Do

Nye Health Services provides a complete continuum of healthcare services for older adults seeking independent and assisted living, state-of-the-art rehabilitation, or traditional skilled care with campuses in Fremont, NE (Nye Square, Nye Legacy, and Nye Pointe), Lincoln, NE (Gateway Vista), and Norfolk, NE (The Meadows).

Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities

We are 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 us to learn more about what sets Nye apart. Schedule a tour of a community near you today!

For additional information about Nye Health Services, visit us online at www.nyehealthservices.com.