Senior Health in Lincoln – June 2023

Aging is an inevitable aspect of life, as are the unexpected twists and turns that come along with it. With age comes higher risk for chronic health problems as well as for infectious diseases. To maintain good health, excellent preventative care and treatment is essential. But, for seniors and their families, health is about much more than simply living longer. By maintaining good mental, physical and emotional health, seniors can live life to the fullest and enjoy activities such as picnics, board games and outdoor walks. Socialization with friends, family and the community is a great way for seniors to avoid isolation and live as happily as possible. As such, seniors and family members of those in need of care seek out only the best.

Check out some of the best home care and senior living options in Lincoln, all of which are ready to help you and your loved ones enjoy life as much as possible. As they like to say, they are just one phone call away.

Striving for Excellent Home Care

Home care is a great option for seniors who want independence but need additional care and support. Home health care offers seniors greater independence, relief for family caregivers and the safety, comfort and convenience of living at home. Because seniors can receive personalized care at home, avoidable trips to the hospital can be prevented and family members can worry less about their loved ones.

Instead of appointing a family member as a caregiver for a loved one, consider hiring home care. With home care, licensed and trained professionals care for your loved one. They take on the responsibility of helping with day-to-day activities and chores, providing transportation to doctor’s appointments and assisting with meals. The goal of home health is to make life as easy and enjoyable as possible for seniors and their families.

When discussing senior health, it is always best to be proactive. According to Worry Free Home Care, seniors can engage in physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, manage chronic conditions, stay mentally stimulated and practice good hygiene to prevent or delay health challenges.

However, everyone knows that health isn’t entirely within our control. Luckily, Worry Free Home Care offers a wide variety of services to help seniors manage their health. Worry Free Home Care strives to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. They understand the importance of senior health and well-being, which is why they provide personalized care plans that address each client’s unique needs and preferences. Their caregivers are trained to assist with activities of daily living, medication management and mobility support among other services to ensure that seniors can live comfortably and safely at home.

Worry Free Home Care also understands the importance of communication and collaboration with healthcare providers, family members and other caregivers involved. They work closely with clients and their families to ensure that all aspects of their health and well-being are addressed, providing ongoing communication to keep everyone informed and involved in the care process.

“As the founder and owner of Worry Free Home Care, I believe in the power of compassionate caregiving,” said Founder Racheal Odoy. “Our caregivers are not just professionals; they are dedicated individuals who strive to create a positive difference in the lives of seniors through exceptional home care services. Service above self is our guiding principle.”

When discussing the healthcare wishes of a senior loved one, Worry Free Home Care suggests choosing the right time and place. By selecting a quiet, private setting and a time when your loved one is relaxed and not distracted, you can create a comfortable environment for them to share their thoughts and feelings. Approaching the conversation with empathy and respect, actively listening to your loved one and being prepared with information and resources can help you address concerns and develop a plan to meet their healthcare needs in the future.

With several new breakthroughs in senior health research, such as advancements in telemedicine, innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, improved mobility aids, wearable devices for health monitoring and digital health platforms, there is potential for seniors to greatly benefit from the ability to maintain their health, manage chronic conditions and age in a place with greater independence and quality of life.

Telemedicine has become a popular way for seniors to receive medical care remotely, allowing for virtual consultations with healthcare providers and remote monitoring of vital signs. Digital health platforms help seniors manage their health by providing access to educational resources, medication reminders and tools for tracking health metrics. Additionally, researchers have made significant strides in developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, including medications that target the underlying causes of the disease and gene therapies that aim to prevent or slow its progression.

Wearable devices, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, can monitor a senior’s heart rate, blood pressure, activity level and other health metrics, providing valuable data that can help identify potential health issues. Improved mobility aids, such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs, have become more advanced in recent years, with features such as adjustable seats and backrests, lightweight materials and improved shock absorption.

By utilizing advancements and breakthroughs in senior health research, Worry Free Home Care is able to provide excellent home care and help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes.

Keep Your Independence

Also aiming to help seniors keep their independence, AmanaCare is a family-owned, faith-based company with a mission to serve seniors and disabled adults all throughout Nebraska. On the surface, they provide non-medical assistance in the comfort of their clients’ homes. But, their services go beyond just that of ordinary caregiving. AmanaCare focuses on fostering the relationship between their clients and their caregivers to produce the best experience possible. They offer transportation to social events and doctor’s appointments as well as needed services and activities at home. They believe that there is a difference between living at home and thriving at home, and strive to help seniors live their best lives.

“Every person is unique and their approach to wellness will depend on their personal health status, preferences and lifestyle. AmanaCare works to tailor your care specifically to your needs and preferences,” stated Founder Kathleen Horsley.

AmanaCare’s Care 360 model is a best practice approach to senior wellness. AmanaCare assists with everything, from planning to execution of excellent senior health. The Care 360 model includes:

Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help seniors maintain their strength and balance, promote heart health, boost mood and manage chronic illnesses. At AmanaCare, we look to engage seniors in movement activities such as walking or stretching. AmanaCare can also provide transportation for those wanting to engage in swimming, tai chi or yoga classes outside of the home.

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains as well as adequate hydration is crucial for seniors. AmanaCare caregivers can assist in meal preparation and ensuring seniors stay hydrated.

Regular Check-ups: Regular health check-ups and preventive screenings are critical for early detection and management of potential health issues. AmanaCare can help schedule and transport seniors to appointments.

Mental Wellness: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Social interaction, mental stimulation and hobbies can help maintain cognitive function and mental wellbeing. Let AmanaCare staff assist with hobbies, mentally stimulating games and social interaction.

Medication Management: Many seniors have medication routines. Managing these effectively is important to ensure they’re taking the correct medications at the right times and to avoid harmful drug interactions. AmanaCare can provide medication reminders.

Fall Prevention: Falls can cause serious injuries among seniors. Fall prevention strategies can include regular vision and hearing checks, maintaining a clutter-free home, maintaining good lighting in the home and exercises to improve balance and strength. AmanaCare can assist with home maintenance and other activities to prevent falls.

Collaborative Caregiving

Caring Friends in Home Care strives to help assist with daily needs. Their caregivers encourage participation and engagement as much as possible, something they call collaborative caregiving. Caring Friends’ goal is to help keep their clients physically and mentally active, as well as to build relationships. By focusing on collaborative caregiving, they elevate the quality of clients and their families’ lives.

They believe in-home care is more than just completing tasks on a list. They offer personalized care that helps clients enjoy their time and improve their quality of life. Caring Friends benefits clients by taking walks together during visits, attending exercise programs at local senior centers and engaging with games and puzzles. Engaging and stimulating indoor games and puzzles help seniors stay motivated and mentally active. Board games and puzzles require handling pieces, which helps keep hands nimble as well as stimulate the mind. Additionally, Caring Friends in Home Care assists with the preparation of healthy meals, medication reminders, and the management of doctor’s appointments and activities schedules. Caring Friends in Home Care serves its clients wherever they call home, providing services from housekeeping, bathing, dressing, laundry, meal preparation and transportation to appointments with no minimum number of hours required.

“Caring Friends can assist in designing individualized plans of care and services that meet the individual’s needs,” shared Virginia Cole, COO. “If those needs change and require medical services or services beyond our scope, we have community organizations that we can partner with to ensure a continuum of care. If the individual or their family makes the decision that it is time to relocate to a different setting for care, Caring Friends will follow the individual in their new setting to assist in making the transition more comfortable.”

Caring Friends in Home Care reassures clients by ensuring that they work with staff that is dedicated to their satisfaction. Known for dependability, Caring Friends assigns caring staff that is qualified, compassionate and a compatible match based upon personal needs and desires. With Caring Friends in Home Care, you or your loved one will have the necessary assistance needed at home to maintain a safe, independent and enjoyable lifestyle.

With over 20 years of experience within the healthcare field, Caring Friends in Home Care strives to go above and beyond. Your care will be directed by you and your own individualized choices.

You Are Not Alone

Visiting Angels, an exceptional home care service provider, offers comprehensive home care that is customized for seniors based on their individual needs and preferences. No two older adults have the exact same care needs. In order to address the wide range of health and wellness concerns facing seniors, they provide personalized assistance. If your family member’s needs change during the course of their care, their services can be adjusted.

By choosing Visiting Angels for all your home care needs, you will be met with a personalized approach to home care services. They treat each client with the utmost respect when establishing a unique, comprehensive care plan.

“Home care services provide an array of help in many categories,” Owner Natalie Leon shared. “They can aid in simple housekeeping, like cleaning, dusting and doing the laundry. Hygiene and grooming are fundamentals that should be kept up with for a person’s health and dignity. A home care service provider can assist in this regard, which can boost a patient’s morale.”

One of the many benefits of home care services from Visiting Angels is your loved one’s ability to receive assistance on their schedule. From a watchful eye overnight to a helping hand during the day, they are there when your loved one needs them. Their services are available at all times, including weekends, holidays, short-term, long-term and aroundthe-clock. Visiting Angels has caregivers that can help with hygiene assistance, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands and much more.

Visiting Angels encourages seniors to consider home care because it is allows them to maintain their lifestyle and continue their routines in the comfort of their homes. Visiting Angels offers loving and experienced caregivers for home care as an alternative to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Many seniors have a network of friends and family, and most importantly, a routine that actually helps them thrive and be happy. Retaining this standard of living is a crucial part of their continued health, and studies have shown that seniors do well remaining in their homes.

For those providing care for their loved ones, Visiting Angels wants to remind you that you are not alone. For most people, caregiving is not a profession. Caring for your family while working a normal job can be taxing, stressful and develop resentment towards family members. To avoid negativity, start by having an open and honest discussion with your loved one and other family members. This first step is essential when you are trying to decide if introducing home care services is the right option. Active communication among all family members is the building block to a strong support system for an older parent and all family members involved.

Initiate the Conversation

According to ProMedica Hospice, who provides specialized care that focuses on supporting you and your loved ones during an advanced illness, initiating a conversation about healthcare wishes for the future can be sensitive but crucial. Below are some steps to help adults approach this conversation respectfully and effectively:

Choose the Right Time and Place: Select a comfortable and relaxed setting where all parties can focus and have privacy.

Express Concern and Love: Begin by expressing your love and concern for your elderly parents. Let them know that you want to ensure their well-being and honor their wishes.

Use Open-Ended Questions: Start the conversation with open-ended questions that encourage your parents to share their thoughts.

Active Listening: Allow them to express themselves. Show empathy and understanding by actively listening to their concerns, fears and desires.

Respect Autonomy and Independence: Recognize that they have the right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. Assure them that you are there to support their choices.

Discuss Future Scenarios: Explore hypothetical situations to prompt reflection and decision-making. Discuss topics such as living arrangements, end-of-life care, advanced directives and medical interventions.

Follow-Up and Revisit: Remember that this conversation is ongoing. Revisit the topic periodically to address any changes in health or preferences. Regular communication and updating of healthcare wishes are essential.

ProMedica Hospice knows that every individual and family dynamic is unique, so they advise you to adapt these steps to suit your specific situation. The key is to approach the conversation with empathy, respect and a genuine desire to understand and support your loved one’s wishes.

No one wants quality of life to diminish, and hospice care enables seniors to live each day to the fullest as comfortably and dignified as possible. ProMedica Hospice services integrate holistic principles with palliative disease management, expert pain and symptom control, family education and psycho-spiritual support for end-of-life care. They believe in the power of the individual, the importance of relationships and the value of respect and dignity at every stage of life.

“You don’t have to give up hope to get hospice,” Hospice Administrator Kass Mounce shared. “Many patients and the loved ones who care for them say they wish hospice care had started sooner. When you need care, we’re ready to provide it; any day of the year, any time of the day, we can initiate hospice care for you or your loved one. Treatments that provide our patients with comfort and relief can continue, uninterrupted, even after we’ve started providing hospice care. Wherever you are in your health care journey, we’re there to meet you.”

Your Local Pharmacy Pros

When it comes to prolonging seniors’ ability to remain healthy and in their own homes, one of the most crucial pieces of the puzzle is comprehensive medication management. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy offers unique free services that help keep seniors healthy, home and out of the hospital.

As a locally-owned company that provides a wide array of services in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy provides individualized patient care that increases safety and prolongs clients’ independence at home. They strive daily to differentiate themselves from big-box chain stores and pharmacies. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy truly is a concierge pharmacy. Their customer service and attention to detail far exceed that of retail pharmacies.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy was created to fill a need in the community for a pharmacy that did more than just count pills and slap labels. With goals to provide individualized patient care that increases safety and prolongs patients’ independence, avoid the use of multiple drugs to treat a single condition, increase communication among healthcare professionals, reduce medication errors and hospitalizations with the use of adherence packaging and provide a “small town” level of customer service, they provide the highest level of care for their patients. There are no automated systems or punching in prescription numbers – just great personal care.

“We have a patient care coordinator who will come to your home and gather all of your medications. Then, the pharmacist will conduct a medication review to ensure the medications do not interact poorly with each other,” said Owner Shannon Hammerschmidt. “We will contact any of the doctors involved with your care and convey any concerns to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. We will put the medications into packaging that is extremely easy to use, and we will deliver the medications right to your door. When you are taking the right medications at the right time, it will help eliminate unnecessary trips to the hospital and keep you home safe and sound.”

Integrating Healthy Living with Senior Living Communities

Senior living doesn’t have to be thought of negatively. Though many who live in senior living are there because they can no longer live at home, there are benefits to living in retirement communities.

First and foremost, senior living communities encourage a low maintenance lifestyle that many find extremely enjoyable. There are fewer chores, meaning that seniors have less hassle and more time to do the things that they enjoy. The safety and comfort of seniors is a priority.

Second, retirement homes are social hubs. There are always people to talk to and play games with. Whether interacting with other seniors or the staff, you are bound to have fun.

Additionally, senior living offers personal care options and promotes healthy living, ultimately enhancing quality of life. The staff at senior living communities practices hands-on assistance with daily activities, so you never have to worry about getting something done the right way.

Regardless of what you or a loved one are looking to get out of senior living, you can rest assured that the senior living communities in Lincoln are great places for seniors to live their life to the fullest. Since seniors are near and dear to the heart of Lincoln, their safety, health and happiness is always prioritized.

Retirement living is something that is much more enjoyable when done before it is truly ‘needed’ for health concerns. Living in a community can be a fun and enriching experience, especially at Legacy Retirement Communities where activity and healthy nutrition are prioritized in a holistic approach that adds years to your life.

“We understand that being ‘well’ is much more than staying active and eating healthy foods. We strive to integrate all aspects of healthy living into our residents’ lives: physical activity, social interaction, mental stimulation and growth, avenues for continued learning and volunteer opportunities that allow our residents to use their unique skills and abilities,” stated Director of Wellness Katie Johnson. Due to the vast array of programs we offer, our residents are able to choose what ‘being well’ looks like for them.”

At Legacy Retirement Communities, seniors are encouraged to get moving, eat healthy, sleep well, regularly visit a doctor and take care of their mental health. As we age, it is increasingly important to exercise frequently, strive for a well-balanced diet, sleep enough to remain healthy and alert, partake in regular screenings and check-ups with doctors and manage aspects of mental health such as social isolation, stress and depression.

With the help of technology and innovation, it is becoming easier to provide our senior population with the care they need and deserve. Remote monitoring has become a popular way for families or caregivers to keep an eye on seniors without having to be in the same room. This monitoring allows seniors to stay independent longer, giving families the peace of mind that they’ll be alerted right away if an incident occurs. Telehealth has also been a game changer. Telehealth, or virtual care, allows seniors to get medical attention in the comfort of their homes. This type of healthcare includes video consultations with doctors, telemedicine appointments and virtual physical therapy sessions. Robotic tools have also become important to senior health since they can be used to perform a variety of tasks, from housekeeping to medication management to companionship.

Approaching a family member about retirement living can be a tough undertaking. It’s important to remind your loved ones that you are exploring this route because you love them and want to see them living the best life they can. When it comes to retirement living, it’s an opportunity to live a more active, social and healthy lifestyle than possible at home. As you look into retirement communities, engage with the residents who live there and see what their story was on making the change. This can help reassure loved ones as well as yourself.

Meeting Your Needs

The Waterford Communities, comprised of three different senior living communities, is yet another great option available in Lincoln. The Williamsburg and College View locations are both assisted living communities, while there is also Wilderness Hills Memory Care available for seniors. Each home provides a high staff-to-resident ratio, daily home-cooked meals, regular housekeeping and security among other features to give you peace of mind.

Though small in comparison to some other senior-living communities in the area, The Waterford Communities is prized for its size, as residents appreciate the smaller community that many believe makes it feel more like home than a facility. Seniors are less likely to feel overwhelmed and often adapt to the change easier.

“Prior to move-in at one of their communities, our care team will assess your current health and review your medical history to see how we can best meet your needs,” explained Executive Director Dan Klein Jr. “The care team will discuss your preferences as well as your normal routines to develop a care plan that’s tailored to you. We regularly update this plan to meet your evolving needs.”

Williamsburg Campus is the community’s largest and most traditional community. College View is nestled in the middle of a neighborhood, giving it an extra homelike feel. Wilderness Hills Memory Care is a specialized community, with rooms solely dedicated to memory care. At Wilderness Hills Memory Care, they provide the optimal environment for loved ones who require additional attention and specialized care. They believe that everyone should have a place that feels like home close to home.

The Waterford Communities offer an alert system that includes a pendant or bracelet in case of an emergency. When managing health, they support a family’s right to choose their loved one’s health specialist, whether it’s the primary care physician or the physical therapist. Residents may keep their current physicians or The Waterford’s team can help them find physicians near the community.

On their website, thewaterford.net, The Waterford Communities has a resource hub with materials and articles to help you choose the best option for your loved ones when exploring assisted-living options. Resources include a simple care-level quiz to help point you towards the needs required for your particular situation and a senior-care glossary to help you understand the lingo you might encounter regarding senior health. While finding the right assisted-living community can be overwhelming, The Waterford Communities wants you to know that you are not alone and that they are here to help.

Skilled Nursing

While most retirement and senior living communities are equipped to accommodate the vast majority of seniors, there are some that require additional care. Designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Sumner Place is a skilled nursing facility that offers rehabilitation, long-term care, respite care and memory support services. In their Memory Care household, Sumner Place focuses on the strengths of each memory-care resident by using their historical personal interests as a method of minimizing the difficulties associated with dementia-related symptoms, which could be as simple as giving a former painter a paintbrush. Additionally, they use “Buddies Forever,” which is a comprehensive dementia program that employs techniques and skills such as getting down below eye level, using simple statements and endorphin boosts to create a foundation for person-centered care.

Their goal is create a comfortable, safe environment for seniors dealing with unsettling conditions. According to Sumner Place Admissions and Public Relations coordinator Megan Herter, “At Sumner Place, we specialize in individualized programs designed to reduce feelings of confusion, fear, and agitation, and offer meaningful, enjoyable activities that stimulate the mind and body.”

Services at Sumner Place include their restorative program, therapy programs, full time dietician, daily spiritual services, morning rounds by their medical director, social outings in the community and their Dream Weaver partnership. In addition to serving seniors with more active lifestyles, Sumner Place also offers 24/7 medical surveillance, which includes medication management, out-of-character response interventions, safety awareness, fall preventions, proper hygiene and healthy nutrition.

Sumner Place, nestled in a cozy neighborhood, has a great culture and home-like environment that sets them apart from other senior living communities. They strive to create a living environment that radiates love, dignity and safety, while encouraging personal independence with personalized care. All operating decisions are made locally to assure that Sumner Place remains responsive to the needs of their residents and the community.

More than Housing

When looking for independent senior-living options that include opportunities for engagement, check out the Lincoln Housing Authority. As we age, so does our desire for independence. They pride themselves on providing “more than housing,” going above and beyond to make their seniors happy.

Burke Plaza, Crossroads House and Mahoney Manor house more than 270 seniors. Residents have access to a wide variety of social and personal support services through the Resident Services and Congregate Housing Services programs. Any and everything they need is at their disposal.

The foundation for the Resident Services Program is the Resident Services Specialist at each building. Their job is to provide general support to residents and offer a range of activities and programs to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. Activities range between potluck meals and garage sales to shopping trips and movie nights. They also plan and educate the tenants on the building’s emergency and urgent-response systems. Services of two full-time social workers who share time between all buildings are combined with the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP). These social workers are able to work with individuals who need additional supportive services such as case management, personal care, house-keeping assistance and transportation. The CHSP also serves hot meals six days a week in the dining rooms at Burke Plaza and Mahoney Manor.

With great home care and senior living options available in Lincoln, we can continue to live life to the fullest long after our ability to do everything ourselves fades. Be sure to reach out to the businesses in Lincoln prioritizing senior health to learn more about what they have to offer you and your loved ones.