The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also bring extra challenges for families caring for aging loved ones. Between cold weather, icy sidewalks and busy schedules, it’s easy for safety and well-being to take a backseat. Fortunately, Lincoln offers a wide variety of resources to help seniors and families enjoy the season while staying healthy and connected.
Being home for the holidays and around family you may not have seen in a while offers a valuable chance to truly notice how your loved ones are doing. Sometimes the changes are subtle: a lapse in memory, slower or unsteady movement, or shifts in mood or behavior. Other times they’re more obvious, like a home that’s harder for them to manage or routines that seem overwhelming. The holiday season can make these things more apparent, serving as an eye-opening reminder that they may benefit from extra support, whether that’s more frequent check-ins, in-home services or even beginning conversations about senior community options. Observing these changes early allows families to plan ahead and address needs before challenges escalate, helping loved ones maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
It’s also important to remember that the holidays can be an especially lonely time for older adults who may not have visitors or nearby family. A simple phone call, a shared meal or stopping by a local nursing home or assisted living community can bring meaningful companionship. Even small acts like helping with holiday decorations, sharing stories from the past or inviting them to join family activities can create a sense of belonging. Small gestures of connection go a long way, sometimes offering comfort, sometimes sparking joy and often reminding someone that they’re not forgotten. By taking these moments to reach out, families can make the season brighter and more inclusive, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
In-home care provider’s offer personalized support, helping with daily routines, meal preparation and companionship. For those in retirement or senior living communities, the holidays can be full of festive events, social activities and opportunities to stay engaged with friends and neighbors. Physical therapy and rehabilitation services are also essential, helping older adults maintain mobility, prevent falls and move confidently even in winter conditions.
Accessibility services add another layer of safety. Simple adjustments like grab bars, ramps and stair lifts make homes more secure, while local pharmacies ensure medications are filled, provide health advice and support overall wellness. Together, these services give families peace of mind and help older adults maintain independence during a busy season.
The holidays are also about connection and joy, not just safety. Many Lincoln organizations focus on creating meaningful experiences with holiday celebrations, community gatherings and seasonal traditions that help seniors stay included and reduce feelings of isolation. These efforts allow families to enjoy the season together, knowing their loved ones are cared for and engaged.
From practical support to social connection, Lincoln’s care providers, therapists, accessibility specialists and pharmacies all work to make the season safer and more enjoyable. With these resources in place, families can focus on what truly matters: sharing time, creating memories and celebrating the holidays with loved ones.
Here’s a look at a few local businesses making the holidays a little brighter for older adults and their families.
As a Senior Home Specialist, Alicia Chrastil (NebraskaRealty.com/Agents/Alicia-Chrastil) is passionate about helping seniors and their families through the process of buying, selling or downsizing homes. She is committed to guiding seniors thorough every step with personalized support.
Alicia has founded multiple resources to help seniors. The first is Nebraska Savvy Seniors, a resource hub that helps with empowerment, downsizing, and includes a podcast. She also founded Savvy Aging, and it’s the first Nebraska chapter of called National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC).
Alicia’s goal is that these programs and resources will encourage and inspire them to live their best lives well into their later years. As a 55+ Home Coach with Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty, Alicia knows that with her expertise, she can help make the holidays easier for both seniors and their loved ones.
At The Waterford Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s & Memory Care Communities (TheWaterford.net), the holidays are about more than décor and events—they’re about creating warmth, connection and joyful experiences that make every resident feel at home. Here’s how The Waterford celebrates the season while supporting families in recognizing when a senior community may be the right next step.
Residents enjoy festive and meaningful holiday experiences that promote joy, connection and creativity. Activities include everything from decorating and baking to musical performances and family gatherings that celebrate the season together. Creating a cheerful atmosphere is important, so festive crafts, decorating parties and themed socials are offered as well as caroling and hosting family-inclusive events and outings.
If families are wondering whether their loved one could benefit from a senior living community, they should watch for changes in daily routines, safety issues or signs of increased isolation. It’s also important to notice declining self-care, confusion or signs of caregiver burnout.
During the holidays, Sumner Place (SumnerPlaceCare.com) offers a variety of activities that bring everyone together and spread seasonal cheer. Residents enjoy baking and decorating sugar cookies, sipping hot cocoa, listening to music and reminiscing with traditional holiday songs. Visiting musicians and school chorus groups are always a favorite, filling the halls with festive sounds and smiles. Other activities such as decorating the tree and making ornaments help to reflect the Christmas holiday season. Sumner Place also offers a variety of religious services as the holiday season approaches, and residents and family members are encouraged to join.
Their maintenance team does a great job of putting up lights around the building even on the outside. If residents want, Sumner Place also has door signs and loves when families help decorate their rooms for the changing seasons.
Recognizing when a loved one may need skilled nursing care can be difficult. Healthcare professionals often use the term “failure to thrive” to describe situations where an individual may be struggling to care for themselves. Many families do everything they can to provide support, but caring for a loved one around the clock can be overwhelming, especially when balancing other responsibilities.
At Sumner Place, the holiday season is made special with a full calendar of events and thoughtful touches. The culinary staff and registered dietitian design seasonal menus featuring classic holiday foods like warm spiral ham, mashed potatoes and apple cider. The building is beautifully decorated to create a cozy, festive atmosphere that feels just like home.
As the temperatures continue to drop and Lincoln begins to prepare for snow and ice, it’s important to think about our loved ones who might be at risk of a fall. Winter conditions can make even simple tasks like stepping outside to check the mail more hazardous for older adults or anyone with mobility challenges. Prairie View Industries (PVI) manufactures durable mobility ramps that can help improve accessibility all year, but especially in the colder months. Their ramps feature a slip-resistant, grooved aluminum surface; the high-traction design helps reduce the chance of slipping, giving users confidence when entering and exiting their homes and other buildings.
Beyond preventing falls, these ramps help maintain freedom of movement and ease daily routines. Caregivers and family members also benefit, as ramps can reduce the physical strain of assisting loved ones up and down steps during icy or snowy conditions. PVI ramps are versatile, lightweight and easy to install, making them suitable for both permanent and temporary needs. Their modular design allows for customization to fit different entryways, porches or exterior stairs, ensuring accessibility no matter the home layout. By providing safe and reliable access, they allow seniors and individuals with mobility challenges to continue participating in social activities, running errands and staying engaged with the community.
Accessibility solutions like PVI Ramps (PVIManufacturing.com) also help support independence, which can be critical for mental and emotional well-being. Maintaining the ability to move freely and safely reduces feelings of isolation, anxiety and frustration that often accompany mobility limitations, especially in harsh winter conditions. Whether used seasonally or year-round, accessible entry solutions like those from PVI play an essential role in keeping seniors safe, supported and empowered, helping families have peace of mind while navigating another Nebraska winter together.
Staying active and engaged is just as important as staying safe. Visiting Angel’s caregivers help clients stay physically active with gentle exercises, indoor walks and stretching routines suited to their abilities. They also focus on keeping spirits bright through meaningful conversation, games, music and participating in favorite hobbies. When the weather allows, a short, supervised outing can make all the difference.
Preventing slips and falls becomes a top priority especially for older adults as temperatures drop. The simplest way to stay safe is by keeping walkways clear of ice and snow, wearing non-slip footwear and using handrails or walking aids when needed. Inside the home, make sure entryways stay dry and clutter-free, and place non-skid mats near doors. Caregivers are trained to spot potential hazards and help keep pathways safe year-round.
Visiting Angel’s (VisitingAngels.com/Lincoln/Home) goal is to provide warmth, safety and companionship all season long, helping seniors live confidently and comfortably at home. Every senior deserves care that honors their individuality, and every family deserves a trusted partner. Whether memory changes are just beginning or dementia is advanced, Visiting Angels brings comfort, safety and compassion.
A fall is defined as an unintentional descent to a lower surface, with or without injury. Any loss of balance is a warning sign that intervention is warranted, especially if serious injury did not occur.
The limiting factor is that insurance only covers care once you’re impaired, but ignores uninjured high risk individuals. Annual balance assessments are a comprehensive examination using evidence-based tests to determine your fall risk and designate a plan of action to prevent injury altogether. Dr. Casey Bogenrief, owner of A Well Being conducts measures to address every organ system, physical ability, cognitive status, medication management, health care team collaboration, caregiver involvement, home safety and individual goals. Get screened, do the recommended interventions, and improve your stability before you get hurt. It’s better on your body, mind and pocket book to spend a little money/time preventing injury than a lot of money/time recovering from a fracture.
The best way to prevent slips and falls during the winter months is to know your risk factors and proactively work on strength, balance and proper medication administration all year long, closely followed by adequate preparation in terms of proper footwear and assistive devices, increasing travel time to accommodate for road conditions, and performing activities that coincide with your fitness level. Please warm up thoroughly before doing physical labor like snow plow/shoveling or delegate that task to someone else.
Pain is actually defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. What this means is, pain can be affected by a multitude of factors including biological (injury, trauma, infection, illness, nerve damage), psychological (sleep, fear, anxiety, depression, coping skills), social (work, family, social network) and quality of life (mental health, social and family function, physical functioning and daily life activities). The most effective pain prevention and pain management strategies are proactive and comprehensive.
Pain is often a sign of weakness or inactivity, so the more consistent one can exercise, recover with adequate sleep, and nourish the body with nutrients to support physiologic function, the less stiffness, aches and pains will occur. If your daily activity is equivalent to your infrequent activity, your fitness level is appropriate. For example, if your daily activity is staying at home, eating, toileting and maybe taking a shower, it will be challenging to go to weekly coffee where your physical load might include stairs, getting in and out of the car and walking a few blocks. The solution is doing the stairs and walking a few blocks daily, so that weekly endeavor is “just the norm”.
Time outdoors should always be a priority, even if it is just sitting on the patio bundled in your winter gear. Our bodies are intended to quasi-hibernate during the winter so, don’t feel guilty about catching some extra Z’s. But during the shorter daylight hours, staying both physically and mentally active is pivotal. Swap your outdoor walk for a walking pad or treadmill and transition gardening from outdoor plants to indoor plants. Body-weight strengthening is a great option for home – consider yoga on a mat or chair. Take advantage of virtual learning and exercise platforms like YouTube, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL, and A Well Being. If your weekly coffee date is ruined by snow, keep the connection via a phone call or video-chat. Get up every hour to prevent fatigue and lethargy. Replace screen time with cooking, crafting, petting your dog, reading, doing puzzles or other mind-body engaging activities.
Physical therapy is traditionally indicated to remedy an injury once it has already occurred, encompassing examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Dr. Casey is uniquely qualified to not only treat stiffness, aches and pains through physical therapy, but to prevent them through a multidisciplinary approach of mind-body-spirit via athletic training, health coaching and yoga too.
Legacy Retirement Communities (LegacyRetirement.com) keeps the holiday spirit bright and the laughter flowing all season long! Residents can be found gathered for reindeer games, enjoying live entertainment and seasonal programs, testing their memory with holiday trivia, festive happy hours and getting creative with merry craft sessions and art classes. No celebration would be complete without classic holiday movies, popcorn and snacks included! It’s all about creating memories, sharing joy and celebrating the season together.
The holidays are such a special time at Legacy Retirement Communities, filled with holiday cheer and entertainment that bring people together and celebrate a real sense of community. From festive meals and holiday music performances to opportunities to give back through volunteering, there’s always something to lift the spirit and be a part of something special.
Legacy Retirement Communities knows many of their residents spend the holidays surrounded by family and friends, but for those who may be celebrating on their own, they host a warm, holiday meal. Families and friends are always welcome to join, and for those whose loved ones can’t be here, sharing a meal with friends is encouraged. Residents gather around the table to share stories, laughter and a good meal together. And that is what the season is all about.
This year, Legacy Retirement Communities is bringing The Polar Express to life for their residents and their guests for a holiday celebration. Families and friends are invited to hop aboard for cookies, a steaming hot chocolate bar, and delicious treats. And of course, Santa will be there, along with face painting, games, and crafts for all ages. Residents absolutely light up when they get to “host” their loved ones right here in their home for such a merry celebration.
For families wondering if a community is a place their loved ones would benefit from, there are sometimes little signs that a loved one may need a bit of extra support. They may be spending more time alone, not eating as well or finding it harder to keep up with daily routines. Legacy Retirement Communities find the smoothest, happiest moves happen when people take a more proactive approach. Moving before those signs appear gives your loved one time to settle in, make friends and really enjoy the lifestyle and ease that community living offers.
At Savannah Pines (RLCommunities.com), the holiday season is a time filled with joy, connection and celebration. The community comes alive with festive activities such as holiday decorating parties, live music, seasonal crafts and group outings to view holiday lights. Residents also enjoy themed events like cookie exchanges, gift-wrapping parties and holiday movie nights which are all designed to bring warmth and cheer to the community.
Throughout December, the “12 Days of Holiday Cheer” adds even more excitement with daily themed celebrations leading up to Christmas. From cocoa and caroling afternoons to ugly sweater contests and visits from local choirs, each day brings a new reason to smile. The season culminates in a special Christmas dinner and a joyful New Year’s celebration shared among residents, families and staff.
For many families, the holiday season can bring to light subtle changes in a loved one that suggests it may be time to consider a senior living community. Challenges with daily tasks like cooking or cleaning, increased isolation or concerns about safety and nutrition often spark these conversations. When families begin to worry about a loved one’s well-being, it may be time to explore a more supportive environment, one that offers comfort, connection and peace of mind.
At Savannah Pines, we know the holidays are about creating meaningful moments. Our team ensures residents feel at home by blending cherished traditions with new community experiences. From personalized decorations and favorite holiday meals to opportunities for families to join in events, we focus on making every resident feel valued and connected. The love, laughter and togetherness shared here make the holidays truly special.
As it gets colder, many people overlook simple but important habits that support overall health, well-being and daily comfort. Winter brings unique challenges — from dry air to shorter daylight hours — and small adjustments can have a big impact. Hydration, for example, often becomes less of a priority because people simply don’t feel as thirsty in cold weather. However, indoor heating systems can dry out the air and contribute to dehydration just as quickly as summer heat. Drinking water regularly, incorporating broths or using electrolyte packets during illness or activity can help maintain proper hydration levels. Proper hydration also supports immune function, digestion and energy levels, which are especially important during the winter months when viruses circulate more easily.
Skin and lip care are also areas that tend to be forgotten. Cold temperatures and low humidity strip natural moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, cracking and irritation. Moisturizing daily can help lock in hydration. Using a humidifier in the home can add moisture back into the air, reducing skin irritation and helping prevent nosebleeds and throat dryness. Protecting skin from harsh winds with scarves or balms can also prevent discomfort that becomes more common as temperatures fall.
Maintaining physical activity is another key habit that often gets overlooked. Shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures make it easy to skip workouts, but continuing regular movement supports immunity, cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Activities like indoor walking, at-home workouts, stretching routines or community fitness classes can help maintain consistency throughout the season. Winter can also affect mood and motivation, making physical activity an important tool for managing stress and combating seasonal sluggishness.
In addition to wellness habits, winter is an important time to focus on home safety. Heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, so checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is essential. Replacing batteries, testing alarms monthly and ensuring heating equipment is in good working order can help prevent dangerous situations before they occur. Many people also experience lower vitamin D levels during winter due to reduced sunlight exposure. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, immune function and mood regulation, so discussing supplements with a doctor may be beneficial. As always, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medications, supplements or over-the-counter products.
Proper medication disposal is another crucial but often overlooked aspect of winter wellness. Many people use more medications during cold and flu season, which means expired, unused or leftover prescriptions, can accumulate quickly. Improper disposal such as flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can contaminate waterways, soil and wildlife habitats.
These chemicals do not always break down fully and can remain in the environment for long periods of time. There are also safety risks within the home. Unused or expired medications can be accidentally ingested by children, pets or adults who mistake them for current prescriptions. Leftover controlled substances, like painkillers or sedatives, may also be misused, diverted, or stolen, contributing to larger issues of addiction and substance misuse. Using designated medication take-back programs is the safest and most responsible way to dispose of old medications. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (NeLTCPharmacy.com) participates in the Nebraska Medication Disposal Program, allowing community members to safely drop off unwanted or expired medications at no cost. This service helps protect families, communities and the environment.
Finally, preparing your home for cold and flu season by assembling a well-stocked wellness kit can make a significant difference when illness strikes. Keeping items such as pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, saline nasal spray, cough suppressants, expectorants, throat lozenges, honey, electrolyte packets, broths, tissues and hand sanitizer ensures you’re ready to manage symptoms quickly. A reliable thermometer is essential for monitoring fevers, and vitamins like vitamin C or zinc may provide added support for some people. Adding a humidifier can help moisten dry indoor air, soothe irritated throats and reduce nasal discomfort. By gathering these supplies in advance, families can avoid last-minute trips to the store and feel more prepared during the height of cold and flu season.
Together, these winter health practices, from maintaining hydration and skin care to safely disposing of medications and preparing a cold and flu kit, help support personal well-being, protect the environment and promote a safer, more comfortable season for everyone.
As families across the region prepare to celebrate the holidays, Senior Helpers of Southeast Nebraska (SeniorHelpers.com/Ne/Lincoln) is reaffirming its commitment to helping seniors enjoy the warmth, joy and togetherness of the holidays—right from the comfort of home. As Southeast Nebraska’s premier provider of in-home senior care, Senior Helpers continues to deliver dependable, affordable and customized care that enhances quality of life for clients and peace of mind for families.
“At Senior Helpers, we are dedicated to meeting seniors and their families exactly where they are in their care journey,” said Lacy Woolsey, owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Nebraska. “We believe families should have full control over the care their loved ones receive, on a schedule that truly supports their needs—especially during the holidays.”
Senior Helpers sets itself apart from other in-home care providers through its client-centric approach and commitment to exceptional care. Every new client begins with a comprehensive LIFE Profile Assessment, which evaluates a wide range of medical conditions and safety risks and helps identify the likelihood of hospitalization within the next six months. This data-driven approach ensures each care plan is both personalized and proactive.
In addition to this unique assessment, every caregiver undergoes extensive hands-on training in the office’s Center of Excellence. Ongoing education includes the widely respected Senior Gems® Alzheimer’s and Dementia training, developed alongside American dementia care expert Teepa Snow. To ensure a smooth introduction and clear expectations, owners personally accompany caregivers on their first visit to each client’s home.
Senior Helpers also stands out for its transparency and fairness in pricing. Unlike many in-home care providers, Senior Helpers does not use rate ranges or increase rates when additional care is needed. The company also does not require minimum weekly hours, allowing families to receive the exact level of support they need without unnecessary financial burden.
“Our mission is simple: to provide compassionate care and improve the quality of life for our clients, their families and our employees,” added Lacy Woolsey. “This holiday season, we are honored to help seniors celebrate safely, comfortably and joyfully at home.”
As communities gather to celebrate the season, Senior Helpers of Southeast Nebraska encourages families to consider the gift of comfort, independence and dignity for their loved ones—a gift that lasts well beyond the holidays.
This holiday season is especially meaningful at Salt Creek Senior Living (DialSeniorLiving.com/Salt-Creek-lincoln-Ne), as the community not only celebrated their one-year anniversary in November, but also as they welcome the warmth and joy of the holidays. It’s been a year filled with connection, care and countless memorable moments, each guided by Dial Senior Living’s cherished value of “family serving family.”
Nestled beside the serene Saline Wetlands within the Salt Creek watershed, the community’s natural beauty creates a peaceful backdrop for everyday living. Inside, residents enjoy modern amenities, spacious common areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape—bringing the outside in and nurturing a sense of calm and belonging.
Over the past year, residents and team members have built deep, genuine connections, turning each day into something worth celebrating. That continues through the holidays as the community shares moments of gratitude and reflection that capture the true meaning of the season.
As Salt Creek celebrates both its anniversary and the holiday season, that spirit shines even brighter. Festive gatherings, family visits, and cherished traditions fill the calendar, bringing warmth and togetherness to residents and their loved ones. This year’s celebrations honor not only the season but also the strong sense of community that defines Salt Creek, a place where care, connection and celebration go hand in hand.
This season at Old Cheney Rehabilitation (OldCheneyRehab.com) is about more than festive decorations—it’s about celebrating the strength, resilience and progress of every patient who walks through our doors. For many, a stay at our facility follows a hospitalization or a life-changing diagnosis, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s where our team steps in, ensuring each individual feels supported, confident and empowered on their path to recovery.
Our Therapy Team—Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists—partners with patients to create personalized care plans focused on rebuilding strength, improving daily living skills and regaining independence. Every session is designed not just to treat, but to inspire confidence, so patients can return home safely and comfortably.
Equally important is our nursing staff, which walks alongside patients every step of the way. They teach, guide and encourage, helping patients and their families understand new medications, manage conditions and operate home medical equipment. Their care transforms uncertainty into understanding and fear into confidence, making each patient feel capable and supported.
This holiday season, Old Cheney Rehabilitation celebrates the progress of every individual who is working toward their personal goals. From small victories in therapy to mastering new skills at home, each patient’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience and hope.
At Old Cheney Rehabilitation, the holiday spirit is reflected in the courage of our patients and the dedicated team that makes every step of recovery possible—turning challenges into milestones and helping each person move confidently “From Here to Home.”
As the holiday season unfolds, it becomes clear that supporting older adults goes far beyond meeting their day-to-day needs. It’s about creating an environment where they can continue to participate in the moments that make this time of year special. Lincoln’s senior-focused businesses and service providers play an important role in making that possible. Their efforts, whether centered on health, mobility, safety, connection or comfort, help ensure that no one is left out of the season’s joy simply because of age or changing abilities. From senior centers hosting festive events to home care providers ensuring residents can safely navigate the season, these organizations create opportunities for meaningful engagement.
What truly stands out across the community is the shared commitment to dignity and belonging. Seniors deserve to feel part of the excitement, traditions and warmth that define the holidays, and the right support system can bridge the gap between wanting to participate and being able to do so. These local organizations understand that every family’s situation is different, and they work to offer options that meet people where they are, whether that means in-home assistance, group activities, therapy services, accessibility solutions or technology that helps seniors stay connected to loved ones near and far.
In addition to practical support, these services also help families notice and respond to subtle changes in their loved ones, like slower movement, shifts in mood or difficulties managing daily routines that might otherwise go unrecognized until they become urgent. Even small gestures, like a friendly visit, shared meal, seasonal gathering or helping with decorations, can make a meaningful difference in maintaining connection and combating isolation. By combining these personalized supports with community engagement, older adults can enjoy the season fully while families gain peace of mind.
Ultimately, the holidays are a reminder that connection is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer. When families have access to reliable care and helpful resources, they’re able to shift their focus back to what the season is truly about: togetherness, gratitude and shared memories. With the help of Lincoln’s dedicated senior-care community, older adults can celebrate with greater confidence, comfort and joy, while families can enter the season feeling supported, reassured, and ready to make memories that will last long after the holidays have passed. The collective efforts of caregivers, service providers and neighbors create a ripple effect that strengthens bonds across generations, ensuring that the spirit of the season reaches everyone, leaving no one overlooked, forgotten or left behind.