Senior Living – December 2024

Caring for a senior can be stressful, time consuming and emotionally taxing. Learning how to balance individualized care plans with family involvement can cause undue stress for both seniors and their families, compromising independence and dignity. Luckily, Lincoln has an array of senior care services designed to make this life transition as seamless as possible.

The senior care industry is faced with a multitude of challenges today. The senior population is growing steadily, demanding high-quality, individualized care, while workforce shortages continue to plague employers. If one is considering senior care or transitioning one’s senior to a senior living arrangement, there is no time to lose!

Explore local, high-quality senior services. Client-centered care plans are foundational to meeting the diverse needs of seniors, which is the mission of each of the following community-committed, senior-supportive Lincoln businesses.

Supportive Senior Services

Noreen Home Care (noreenhomehealthcare.com) provides senior living services such as personal care, housekeeping, medication reminder, transportation and meal preparation services, making it a tried and true home health care service for Lincoln and the surrounding communities.

Noreen Home Care is locally owned, and its owner, Noreen Mwabe, is dedicated to finding ways to support and give back to the community. Her generosity is reflected in her philosophy. Mwabe strives to be the most personal, hands-on provider in in-home care. She believes in doing all of the little things because the little things can make a big difference, so each Noreen Home Care companion is trained to treat each person like family.

Noreen Home Care also participates with other community leaders to focus on the local workforce. Noreen Home Care’s hands-on trainer ensures that each caregiver in training is instructed on not only care techniques but also the individual needs of each senior Noreen Home Care values and cares for.

“Innovation is in the core of our care and services,” says Executive Director Virginia Cole. “Our motto is, ‘Caring for you like family.’ This cannot be accomplished without us training and providing opportunities for our care companions to identify and provide the extra attention, activities and compassionate focus for every individual. We spend a great deal of time learning each person’s story to help identify hobbies, nostalgic moments to be created, favorite animals or pets for activity planning and much more. There is no limit to the kindness and creativity of us at Noreen Home Care.”

Equally important is senior housing. Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty (nebraskarealty.com) is dedicated to making any transition as seamless as possible. It understands senior transitions are unique for every individual, so it doesn’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, it works closely with seniors and their families to determine what the “best place” looks like for them, whether it’s downsizing, moving to a senior-friendly community or aging in place with modifications. Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group’s goal is to be a resourceful, compassionate guide in navigating these decisions.

Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group recognizes transitions impact not only seniors but also their families and loved ones. Its approach is designed to offer peace of mind for everyone involved. Through its full-service experience, it addresses each client’s unique needs and alleviates stress for families and provides guidance every step of the way.

Every senior has different priorities, so Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group aims to meet each with tailored solutions. Whether a senior is looking to stay close to family, needs specific accessibility modifications or wants to remain active in the community, Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group’s team is equipped to address those needs. Its resources and programs—like the Downsizing Club and Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars—are designed to make each stage of the transition smooth and align with each client’s values and lifestyle.

“My advice is to start early and take things step-by-step,” says Realtor Alicia Chrastil. “It’s perfectly normal for this transition to feel overwhelming, and planning ahead can make a world of difference. Consider what matters most—whether it’s staying close to family, simplifying your space or finding a community that matches your lifestyle. Take advantage of resources like our Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars and Downsizing Club. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone; we’re here to help make this journey as smooth and fulfilling as possible.”

To Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group, comprehensive senior care means being available and attentive to all aspects of a senior’s transition. It doesn’t just focus on the real estate aspect; Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group is there to support throughout the entire journey. From organizing belongings to exploring senior living options and providing educational resources through its seminars, Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group uses a holistic approach.

Likewise, CarePatrol of Lincoln (carepatrol.com) understands that being different makes all the difference. Transitioning to senior living can be a difficult time for not only the senior, but his/her loved ones too. Because of this, CarePatrol has consistent expectations across all of its locations.

CarePatrol’s local senior advisors provide expert knowledge and personal consideration, visiting clients’ residences to talk face to face with seniors and their families. CarePatrol takes the time to learn about each senior’s unique needs and is personally supportive through every step of the process, leaving no question unasked. Additionally, CarePatrol’s senior advisors are local; they live where its seniors live and know the area. Because of this, they provide a “local” view on facilities and resources and will help seniors and their families in person when touring and comparing communities.

Seniors and their loved ones can be confident that CarePatrol’s network of providers are licensed and in good standing. CarePatrol will only recommend communities that it has vetted and that will provide the level of care required for each senior’s individual needs.

CarePatrol of Lincoln has been setting the standard for senior placement services since 1993 and is the pioneer organization in the placement-services industry. CarePatrol is dedicated to being a comprehensive personal service option and a valuable resource for families during the placement of their loved ones.

With a similar commitment to advising, Caring Friends In-Home Care (caringfriends.com) takes pride in the flexibility it provides to its clients. It isn’t easy to make the decision to ask for help and allow someone in your home. Caring Friends takes that to heart and offers home care services without weekly minimums. This is an easy transition to allow someone the chance to try out the services. This also gives a client more flexible scheduling and an affordable way to try Caring Friends’ in-home services.

Most seniors want to stay home as long as possible and live an independent life without disruption. With in-home care services, seniors don’t have to drastically change their routines and can remain close to family for love and support.

Home care services offer reassurance to loved ones, so they know their family members are being looked after and cared for, which removes the burden off of family. Caring Friends helps the caregiving rejoin the family and allows seniors to keep their dignity while removing the burden from their family member or members.

Many clients are long term, and their unique needs change with time. Their care plans are adjusted when changes are needed. The caregivers and are all in communication with any updated changes and help support clients as new needs arise. Caring Friends also builds relationships with other service providers in the area and will recommend additional services when appropriate.

“Be proactive and compare services and companies to find the one that meets your needs,” says Michelle Sorsen, CEO Caring Friends In-Home Care.

Being proactive also includes staying on top of prescriptions and senior medications.

In the beginning, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (neltcpharmacy.com) Owner Shannon Schultz ran her business out of a closet-sized office with just five clients. Now, she has five amazing employees and an expanded office space that serves over 300 clients, offering pharmaceutical expertise to seniors and their families alike!

There is one thing that has never changed however–Nebraska LTC Pharmacy’s mission to offer unmatched care. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy loves serving Lincoln’s seniors, offering its shoulder to lean on during the emotional time of a senior’s transition to senior living or in-home care, and proudly denotes itself as a concierge pharmacy due to its unmatched attention to detail and customer service. This is something many other retail pharmacies simply can’t provide.

“Making an impact in the community is my top priority, so we at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy are proud to serve Lincoln’s seniors and the family and friends who love them,” says Schultz.

Located at 3901 Normal Blvd. STE 203, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy’s unwavering goal is to provide individualized patient care that both increases safety and prolongs seniors’ independence. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy also wants to make an impact on the pharmaceutical industry at large, to rewrite and improve the expectations seniors have of pharmacies today.
Nebraska LTC Pharmacy advocates for the avoidance of polypharmacy, works to increase communication among healthcare professionals to reduce medication errors and hospitalizations and above all, aims to provide a small-town level of customer service upon which the Lincoln community can always rely.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy helps support in-home services such as Visiting Angels. Visiting Angels’ comprehensive home care is customized for every senior based on his/her individual needs and preferences. From the very first interaction with Visiting Angels, it’s our goal to gain a deep understanding of the client to help them achieve their desired lifestyle. Visiting Angels’ dedicated and reliable caregivers have helped thousands of older adults live happily and safely in the comforts of their home, providing their families with peace of mind.

Visiting Angels (visitingangels.com) is proud to provide in-home caregiving services to Lincoln senior citizens, disabled adults and Veterans. Visiting Angels has a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers who share the same passion for helping seniors retain their independence by enjoying their Golden Years from the comfort of their own homes.

“Our hiring process for our caregivers is very thorough and assesses their abilities as well as their capacity to form personal connections with clients,” says Owner Natalie Leon. “We are experts in selecting skilled caregivers who have a servant heart and matching them intentionally with each unique client in mind.”

It is essential for clients and caregivers to build a solid relationship based on trust and rapport. “We’ve seen caregivers and clients refer to each other ‘like family’ and it’s the best feeling as a business owner to hear these expressions of care, trust and love for each other. I am confident that my team is making a strong, positive impact on the lives of seniors,” said Leon.

Visiting Angels is America’s choice in home care, nationally known and locally owned. Whether your loved one needs help 24/7 or just one day a week, Visiting Angels is the confident choice for compassionate, customized in home care.

Seniors have the right to feel comfortable in their own home. For this reason, Lincoln Housing Authority (l-housing.com) prides itself on providing “more than housing.” Nowhere is this more evident than at Lincoln Housing Authority’s three apartment buildings, Burke Plaza, Crossroads House and Mahoney Manor, designed to provide affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Residents living in these buildings have access to a wide variety of social and personal support services through the Resident Services Program, situating a Resident Services Specialist at each building to provide general support to the residents and offer a range of activities and programs, which are meant to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. Lincoln Housing Authority’s Resident Service Specialists welcome regular communication with residents’ families/loved ones. There are even several events scheduled throughout the year that families/loved ones are encouraged to attend. Space is also available for tenants to reserve for private events.

Each of Lincoln Housing Authority’s buildings has a Resident Council that works to promote the interests of all residents. The Council meets each month and assists the staff in developing resident programs and services, and all residents are invited to attend the meetings and provide their input.

Lincoln Housing Authority has enhanced the Resident Services Program through an agreement with Aging Partners. Through this agreement, the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) provides two, full-time social workers, who share time between all buildings. The social workers work with individuals needing additional supportive services such as case management, personal care, house-keeping assistance and transportation. In addition, the CHSP program brings hot meals six days a week to be served in the dining rooms at Burke Plaza and Mahoney Manor. There is also an option for an evening meal to be picked up at noon when the hot meal is served.

Senior health and living transitions can be stressful and difficult to prioritize, but Lincoln Housing Authority is a great first step in the right direction.

Speaking of stepping in the right direction, Husker Rehab (huskerrehab.com) gets seniors back on their feet. Husker Rehab believes that physical therapy is more than just rehabilitation–it’s a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling life for Lincoln’s senior residents. Through its holistic approach to physical therapy, Husker Rehab focuses on empowering seniors to achieve their fullest potential by addressing the body, mind and spirit.

Aging gracefully requires more than addressing physical health. Husker Rehab’s holistic approach integrates personalized therapy plans with mental, emotional and social well-being. Husker Rehab understands that each resident’s journey is unique, and its programs are tailored to support every aspect of seniors’ recovery and overall health.

Core components of Husker Rehab’s Holistic Physical Therapy Program include:

1. Customized Care Plans. Every senior receives an individualized therapy plan based on his/her goals, medical history and lifestyle. Whether one is recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or aiming to improve mobility, Husker Rehab’s therapists ensure targeted and effective care.
2. Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness. Husker Rehab’s physical therapy sessions are designed to restore strength, improve balance and enhance flexibility. From gentle stretching to advanced mobility exercises, Husker Rehab focuses on functional improvements that empower residents to navigate daily life with confidence.
3. Emotional and Psychological Support. Recovery is as much a mental process as it is physical. Husker Rehab’s therapists foster a positive and encouraging environment to boost motivation and mental well-being. Mindfulness practices and stress-reduction techniques are also incorporated to enhance healing.

Benefits of Husker Rehab’s holistic approach involve:

• Faster recovery times and reduced risk of re-injury.
• Improved physical strength, balance and flexibility.
• Enhanced emotional resilience and self-confidence.
• Stronger social connections and reduced feelings of isolation.
• Overall improved quality of life.

Husker Rehab’s experienced team of physical therapists and wellness minded professionals are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care in a warm and supportive environment. By integrating physical therapy into a broader framework of wellness, Husker Rehab enables seniors to reclaim their independence and enjoy life to its fullest.

Caring Senior Communities

Cedar Creek of High Plains’ (cedarhurstliving.com) dedication is what sets it apart as a supportive senior living partner. Cedar Creek of High Plains can be relied upon for outstanding senior support services day in and day out, which is especially important as the holiday season creeps closer and closer.

Cedar Creek of High Plains believes in creating a positive resident experience that maintains residents’ dignity. To do that, the Cedar Creek team spends a lot of time asking questions and listening to its seniors to create new programs and opportunities to address any unmet needs.

Just as Cedar Creek of High Plains is committed to serving its residents, Cedar Creek is also committed to serving its team members. Cedar Creek of High Plains hires people who are kind and encourages them to stay in the beautiful Lincoln community. Cedar Creek does this by creating outstanding benefit packages and clear career paths.

Cedar Creek of High Plains understands that the senior living transition is a big change, so its developed its one-of-a-kind program Pair to Prepare, where residents invite a family member to stay with them during the first few days of their move, at no cost! Cedar Creek wants to build trust from the very beginning of residents’ senior living experience. Cedar Creek also offers a 60-day, money-back guarantee to reassure new residents, so seniors can focus on settling into their new community.

Cedar Creek of High Plains supports the growing population of seniors and the subsequent demand for high-quality care by creating communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported and capable to live life to the fullest!

Similarly, at Legacy Retirement Communities (legacyretirement.com), seniors enjoy a bustling, small town atmosphere, filled with smiling faces and warm hellos up and down the street. Lincoln seniors and their loved ones can stop in for a game of pool in the pub, a soft serve ice cream cone in the ice cream parlor or even cozy up with a good book in one of Legacy’s sunrooms, which overlooks luscious gardens and ponds. Each Legacy community will make the senior living transition seem less daunting, exposing how enriching a new lifestyle can be.

Founded in 1995, Legacy Retirement Communities have been distinguished as leaders in the senior living industry and have earned numerous local and national awards for their elegant communities, as well as their world-class service and programming. Legacy Retirement Communities believes in care, convenience and enrichment, and have been voted Best of Lincoln for 26 years in a row.

Legacy Retirement Communities believes it’s people and genuine connections that make up its “legacy.” Residents, along with Legacy’s staff and the Lincoln community, all play an integral part of cultivating these positive relationships to last a lifetime.

“Here at Legacy Retirement Communities, seniors can expect to embrace an enriching lifestyle, whether they’re an adventure-seeker, a life-long learner, an eager volunteer or all of the above!” says the Legacy Team.

Legacy is proud to be a family-owned and operated business and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lincoln community and its families now and for many more years to come.

In like manner, Lincoln seniors and their families can rely on Salt Creek Senior Living (dialseniorliving.com) to be a welcoming and comfortable place where quality care and compassionate service are at its forefront.

“We prioritize a balanced lifestyle for our residents, focusing on both physical and mental well-being through a variety of enriching activities, wellness programs and personalized care,” says Vice President of Sales and Marketing Alie Hrabe. “Our goal is to create a vibrant environment that truly feels like home.”

The Salt Creek Senior Living team understands the importance of keeping families supported and connected throughout their loved one’s senior health journey. Through Salt Creek’s LifeLoop, families can easily stay in touch and receive updates via messaging, video calls and photo sharing and insights into daily activities, which helps families feel close to their loved ones. Salt Creek also hosts family engagement events and provides accessible, responsive staff to answer questions and share updates whenever needed.

Salt Creek is designed with flexibility and individuality in mind, and it focuses on adapting its care and environment to fit each resident’s personal preferences and needs through customized care plans, dietary accommodations and adaptable living spaces. The Salt Creek team is trained to recognize and support the unique physical, social and emotional needs of residents, ensuring they feel comfortable, respected and empowered, so they experience each day in a way that feels meaningful to them.

“Comprehensive care means going beyond basic support. We integrate physical, emotional and social wellness into our approach by offering tailored healthcare services, engaging programs and meaningful social opportunities,” notes Hrabe. “Our team collaborates closely with residents and their families to create individualized care plans, ensuring every aspect of well-being is covered. By staying attentive to changing needs, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where seniors can experience life with purpose.”

Seniors and their loved ones should explore communities together to get a feel for each facility’s culture, services and environment. Look for a place that prioritizes both quality care and a vibrant community because feeling at home is just as important as receiving the right support. Having open conversations about needs, preferences and long-term goals will make the senior living transition as smooth as possible.

Correspondingly, Sumner Place (sumnerplacecare.com) is passionate about providing quality life and quality care for seniors in Lincoln and its surrounding areas.

“Our mission, Dignity in Life, is the heart of everything we do,” says Admissions and Public Relations Coordinator Megan Herter. “We believe our unwavering commitment to excellence will allow us to change the view of long-term care.”

Sumner Place provides 24-hour nursing care with extended medical and rehabilitative services for seniors with complex medical conditions. Sumner Place offers a range of rehabilitative therapies available to both nursing care residents and other members of the community, which are centered around each senior’s unique lifestyle. Sumner Place dedicates itself to providing peace of mind and an atmosphere that delivers comfort, security, and quality of life to seniors and their loved ones alike.

With 24-hour nursing care and many of the comforts of home, Sumner Place balances quality care with quality of life. Sumner Place promotes autonomy and choice and offers a variety of services, social activities and recreational opportunities. Residents are encouraged to continue social activities and personal interests at Sumner Place.

Sumner Place believes that it all starts with culture, and it has created an amazing culture of “Family Serving Family.” Clients entering Sumner Place’s doors consistently comment, “It just feels different.”

Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation’s seniors and their families can always be confident that they’re receiving the best possible care during their senior living transition.

Likewise, The Residence at Gramercy (12oaks.net) strives to see to it that every resident is surrounded by its signature care and services. The Residence at Gramercy takes care of the details, so there’s no need to fret about cooking, driving, worrying about utilities or doing housekeeping and laundry.

The Residence at Gramercy walks both the family and the resident through the transition to assisted living because it never wants someone to feel alone. The Residence at Gramercy does everything it can to serve as a family extension to navigate through what can be a difficult process.

At The Residence at Gramercy, residents can engage in numerous daily social activities, large or small. Residents can relax in their apartments or in the common areas. At The Residence at Gramercy provides on-site therapy, clinics, shopping trips, outings, live entertainment, veterans services and opportunities for families to be involved in their loved one’s care plan.

The Residence at Gramercy encourages its seniors and their families to ask questions and do research. “Each community and care service is unique, and one may be a better fit for your loved one over another. The great thing about senior care in Lincoln is that we all work together and are very willing to help direct someone to the right service/community if we cannot provide what is needed,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Jordyn Ready.

This sets The Residence at Gramercy apart. It works with many senior care providers and services in the Lincoln community to ensure the best possible care for its residents and to fit their individual needs.

By the same token, at The Waterford Assisted Living Communities (thewaterford.net), seniors and their loved ones can expect a supportive environment, centered on individualized care, whether in assisted living or specialized memory care. Waterford’s communities are focused on a smaller community design and high staff-to-resident ratios to create a homelike atmosphere and ensure personalized attention. The team prioritizes maintaining residents’ independence while providing essential support with daily activities like bathing, dressing and medication management. Healthcare staff is on-site and available around the clock for added peace of mind, ensuring seniors feel safe and well-cared for.

The Waterford’s facilities are built to meet a range of unique needs. They offer both general assisted living and specialized memory care, tailored for those facing dementia or Alzheimer’s. These services not only meet residents’ physical needs but also provide a compassionate, secure environment where residents are respected and engaged. Family members benefit from knowing that their loved ones are in capable and caring hands. The Waterford also supports families with resources like flexible short-term respite care options.

Comprehensive care at the Waterford includes three daily meals, housekeeping, laundry and recreational activities that foster a sense of community and social engagement among residents. There’s no long-term lease requirement, which allows for resident flexibility, and the facilities accept various payment methods, including long-term care insurance, private pay and in some cases, Medicaid after a period of private pay.

“For families transitioning to senior living, the Waterford advises choosing a community that feels like a good personal fit, understanding the levels of care available and considering future needs,” says Waterford’s Executive Director Dan Klein. “Starting with a tour of the facility can help determine if it aligns with the specific needs of the senior and his/her family’s expectations.”

Finally, Traditions Health Hospice’s (traditionshealth.com) clients experience more than just great care for their loved ones. Whether one is looking for end-of-life care for one’s aging parents or comfort care for those earlier onset diagnoses, Traditions Health Hospice’s highly trained and experienced team walks seniors and their loved ones through the end-of-life journey. Traditions’ team tailors each care plan to match the patient and family, so every experience is personal and supportive.

At Traditions Health, families have support and guidance through the entire process, and bereavement support continues up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. From physicians to the home hospice aides, Traditions Health offers exceptional care for its patients to help keep them as comfortable as possible and provides social workers, spiritual professionals and bereavement support to help patients and families feel educated and uniquely cared for during the final season of life.

Traditions Health does a home walkthrough and assessment to see what equipment might be needed and orders a variety of items to add comfort, such as a hospital bed, cushions for chairs, shower chairs, oxygen supplies, etc. This is because Traditions Health believes hospice care is more than just providing clinical care as a patient nears their end of life and intends to not only provide compassionate care, but also aid families as they navigate a challenging time.

“Do what you feel is right for you and your loved one,” says Executive Director Brea Stithem. “Don’t be afraid to interview different hospice agencies and choose the one that best fits your family’s needs. Understand that when you choose hospice care it does not mean that you’re choosing death or giving up. It’s about providing the best type of advanced care for your loved one at the time when they need it most.”

Each of these Lincoln businesses is proud to serve the Lincoln community and its seniors as they age into a new phase of their lives. From a new brace to a new place to live, these Lincoln businesses are there to make sure its seniors are as comfortable as they can be.