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!
Oct 28, 2021
Nye Legacy and Nye Pointe are excited to welcome Patrick Fairbanks as their new executive director. Patrick joins the Nye Health Services team with over 34 years of experience in senior health care administration throughout Nebraska. Patrick shared, “I am thrilled to join the Nye Legacy and Nye Pointe team as the new executive director. I am passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and supporting our team members as they provide exceptional service to the seniors we serve!”
Kristin Harris, VP of Operations, shares, “We are excited to welcome Patrick to the Nye Legacy and Nye Pointe team! Patrick’s life commitment to providing quality care paired with his depth of leadership experience in senior health care administration is going to allow him to successfully lead our team that strives for excellence in care.”
Patrick has lived in Nebraska all his life. When he’s not working, he enjoys hunting and spending time with his wife, three children, and six grandchildren.
Nye Legacy and Nye Pointe provide traditional skilled care, short stay rehab, and outpatient therapy services to seniors in Fremont, Nebraska, and the surrounding communities. For more information on Nye Legacy and Nye Pointe’s services, call Jessica Lewis, Clinical Liaison, at 402-721-9300. To learn more about Nye Health Services, visit us online at www.nyehealthservices.com.
Jul 8, 2021
Nye Pointe, a Nye Health Services campus, has been recognized as a 2021 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).
The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which spotlights providers across the nation that have demonstrated dedication to improving the quality of care for residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care.
“The Nye Pointe team is dedicated to providing the very best care to our residents, and I’m thrilled to see them honored through the receipt of the Silver Award,” said Kirk Sweeny, executive director at Nye Pointe.
The standards of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program help organizations achieve superior performance to improve the quality of life and care of long-term care residents and staff. At the Silver level, members develop and demonstrate effective approaches that help improve organizational performance and health care outcomes.
“Reaching the Silver Award level successfully while also compassionately and heroically protecting and caring for residents during a pandemic is remarkable,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Tammy Kelly. “I applaud the resiliency and dedication of Nye Pointe for continuing their quality improvement journey and for this outstanding achievement.”
As a Silver Award recipient, Nye Pointe can now advance in further developing comprehensive approaches that meet the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award criteria.
The awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 72nd Convention & Expo in National Harbor, Maryland right outside Washington, DC which will be held from October 10-13, 2021.
Nye Pointe’s campus offers skilled long-term care, short term rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy services. Nye Pointe is one of three Nye Health campuses in Fremont. Nye Square offers independent living, assisted living, and outpatient therapy services while Nye Legacy offers skilled long-term care, short term rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy services. For more information on Nye Pointe’s skilled nursing services, call Debi Filter RN, Director of Clinical Transitions at (402) 720-6565. To learn more about Nye Health Services and each of their local campuses visit us online at www.nyehealthservices.com.
May 20, 2021
Nye Health Services is celebrating Faye Etherington’s 45th anniversary working at Nye Pointe.
“Having a team member serve the company for 45 years is truly a milestone,” said Nye Health Services, Founder and CEO Russ Peterson. “Faye is an exceptional employee. She truly exemplifies compassion for residents and the values of Nye.”
Forty-five years ago, with the encouragement of her friends who worked at Nye Pointe, Faye applied to be a Certified Nursing Assistant. Faye got the job and has been part of the Nye family ever since.
Faye has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Aid throughout her career. Faye shared, “Over the past 45 years, the relationships I have with the residents and my team members are what keeps me coming back each day. Everyone is so kind. We are a family. I am always eager to jump in and help my team wherever I am needed, except the kitchen,” she added with a laugh.
Lynette Winter, who has worked with Faye for 39 years, said, “Faye takes time with the residents to build genuine relationships. When a resident is sad or lonely, you will find Faye in their room talking to them and doing special things to make them smile. During COVID, when residents weren’t with their families, she would brighten their day by spending extra time with them. She’s an incredibly caring person.”
Kirk Sweeny, Executive Director at Nye Pointe, added, “Faye’s dedication over the years has been amazing – she is such an important part of our team. When I walk into the building, she often is the first to say hello with the warmest smile. We are honored to have Faye part of our Nye Health Services family and thank her for her years of commitment to serving the residents at Nye Pointe.”
About Nye Health Services
Nye Health Services offers five campus locations in Eastern Nebraska, structured to meet the needs of their residents. Services offered include, outpatient therapy, independent living, assisted living, short-stay rehab, traditional skilled nursing, memory care, and home health care. A family-owned company with a rich history of connecting with the people they serve, Nye Health Services is passionate about providing award-winning care to each resident. Call 402.753.1400 to schedule an appointment to tour one of our campuses in Fremont, Lincoln, or Norfolk or visit NyeHealthServices.com for more information.
Dec 3, 2020
As the challenges surrounding COVID-19 continue to impact the ways that health care services are delivered across the country, many members of high-risk populations are searching for new ways to increase social distancing and avoid leaving home. At Nye Health Services, we offer a variety of Home Health Services that allow you to replace many in-office appointments with personalized services in the comfort and safety of your own home.
What Is Home Health Care?
During a year when you may be reluctant to attend medical appointments at a physical location, especially if you are still living in your own home or in an independent or assisted living community, we are offering more options for handling various types of medical services at home than ever.
With our unique Home Health Care program, our fully-licensed and Medicare-certified nursing and therapy staff members are equipped to meet a variety of needs within the comfort and safety of your own home. Our home health care staff can assist with recuperation, rehabilitation, and education to help you regain your health and independence in a safe way.
Some of the most common types of services that can be provided at home include:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Administration of prescription medications
- Medical testing
- Health monitoring
- Caring for wounds
Home Health Care is especially common after an injury or hospitalization, but it can also be a long term solution for those who are facing the progression of a chronic condition. Another important aspect to Home Health Care is providing education on how to manage new illnesses and how to take steps towards the prevention of further health complications.
How Can Home Health Care Improve My Quality of Life?
Choosing Home Health Care has a variety of benefits for both your physical and mental health. First and foremost, it is one of the most customizable types of health care available. With the flexibility to receive as much or as little care as you need, you can meet both short-term and ongoing care needs at your convenience.
Home Health Care is also a helpful option that can help lower the amount of times that you need to leave home during a time when it is less safe to do so than normal. Elderly and other high-risk populations are especially vulnerable to concerns related to COVID-19, and moving as many appointments to your home as it helps to increase social distancing and minimize the number of people you come in contact with.
This can also relieve stress for your family members, who may worry about the increased risk of attending in-person appointments outside your home.
Home Health Care Coverage
Like any unfamiliar type of health care service, it is important to understand how your specific health insurance company handles Home Health Care before scheduling an appointment. Fortunately, many Home Health Care appointments can be subsidized by most insurance companies and other public or private options to make your health care more affordable.
Some of the additional options that may be available to you if you have limited funds include Medicaid, veterans benefits, or a reverse mortgage. There are many possible sources of funding for Home Health Care, and speaking with one of our community representatives is the best way to get more details about the public and private companies that we most often work with.
At Nye Health Services, we prioritize helping you get the care you need without sacrificing safety during a time when you may prefer to avoid leaving home. Our Home Health Care services make a variety of at-home treatment options available for residents throughout Nebraska. Contact us today to learn more about how the convenience of choosing Home Health Care can benefit you!
