Senior Living – February 2025

As we welcome 2025, senior living providers across Lincoln are stepping into the new year with a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s creating enriching environments, empowering seniors to maintain independence, or providing personalized care, these organizations are transforming lives and redefining what it means to age with dignity and joy.

If you’re like many people, you went home over the holidays and noticed your elderly parents or grandparents had experienced a decline in their health. Perhaps you observed they weren’t keeping up with the housework, weren’t eating properly, or seemed more isolated than usual.
This is a common realization during the holiday season and often serves as a wake-up call for families. It’s no surprise that this time of year is one of the busiest for the senior healthcare industry. Thankfully, Lincoln is home to many amazing senior communities and home health agencies staffed by compassionate and dedicated professionals who are ready to help.

In this month’s Senior Living feature, we celebrate the exceptional work being done by Lincoln’s senior care providers. Through their dedication and expertise, they’re ensuring that seniors not only live longer but thrive in every sense of the word. From personalized care plans to meaningful activities that foster joy and connection, these organizations are committed to providing the highest quality of life for the seniors they serve.

Let’s take a closer look at the incredible services and inspiring efforts that make Lincoln’s senior living and healthcare industry a beacon of hope and support for families throughout the community.

Many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes as they age, finding comfort in familiar surroundings filled with cherished memories. Staying at home allows individuals to maintain their independence, stick to their routines, and preserve a sense of control over their daily lives. In-home care services make this possible by providing personalized assistance tailored to each person’s unique needs. From help with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene to companionship and medical care, in-home services offer a flexible solution that supports aging in place. For families, it provides peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving professional care while remaining in the environment they love most.

For seniors who prefer to age in place, Caring Friends in Home Care (caringfriends.com) provides essential services to help them maintain their independence. “Our goal has always been to support seniors physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally so they can stay in their homes as long as possible,” says Jill Strouf, Director of Field Operations. Through personalized assessments, Caring Friends tailors care plans to match each individual’s routines and needs, ensuring they receive the attention they deserve.

It’s a new year and Noreen Home Care (noreencares.com) is proud to announce they are now approved to take Medicaid Waiver Clients! Serving the community is why they do what they do and giving back helps to fill their hearts. They also take private pay and Long-Term Care Insurance.

“Seniors can live their best life with in-home care by maintaining independence through assistance with daily activities and accessing healthcare services at home,” says Director of Client and Staff Development Deb Maguire, LPN. “They can engage in social activities facilitated by caregivers, pursuing hobbies and interests, and prioritizing their physical and mental health with personalized care plans that allow them to age gracefully in their familiar surroundings.”

If you know you need assistance in your home but you are unsure where to start call them today and they are happy to schedule a FREE meeting with one of their Senior Care Experts to discuss all your options. They are proud to offer transportation services, personal care, light housekeeping, companion care and assistance with laundry. Reach out today to see how they can help you live life on your terms.

At Visiting Angels (visitingangels.com), care is deeply personal. “Your senior is already living their own personal journey,” says Natalie Leon, owner of Visiting Angels. “Our caregivers are there to enhance their lives and ensure their goals for living are met or exceeded.” Backed by a national brand and a local owner invested in the Lincoln community, Visiting Angels builds strong connections with healthcare partners to provide seamless support for families navigating senior care.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (neltcpharmacy.com) is here to make sure that your medicine is the right medicine for you. Founded by Shannon Shultz ten years ago, she wanted to offer more than the average retail pharmacy and to create something that made a difference for everyone, from patients to doctors to caregivers. They eliminate the need to travel to a pharmacy to pick up prescriptions by offering delivery services, and they help you to keep better track of medications by increasing the adherence of the packaging with easy-to-use blister packs, perfect for seniors who can’t simply travel to a pharmacy to pick up a prescription.

“Nebraska LTC Pharmacy truly is a concierge pharmacy,” says Owner Shannon Shultz. “Our customer service and attention to detail far exceed that of retail pharmacies.”

As we age, our joints and muscles age with us and with age comes need for refinement. That’s where physical care comes in! Physical therapy can help any senior in need of strengthening and there’s no experts that do it better than the people at Husker Rehab and Old Cheney Rehabilitation, places that are dedicated to your personal health and wellness.

Occupational Therapist Maggie Burmeister of Husker Rehab (huskerrehab.com) especially focuses on empowering seniors to maintain independence through personalized therapy. “This year, I’m concentrating on helping seniors continue doing the things they love, whether it’s cooking, gardening, or getting out in the community,” she shares. Burmeister takes pride in building customized intervention plans that address mobility, fine motor skills, and other daily challenges. “My goal is to help seniors live life to the fullest while restoring their ability to perform daily activities.”

At Old Cheney Rehabilitation (oldcheneyrehab.com), their entire team is committed to helping you with your recovery and getting you back where you belong. They know how difficult it is to be away from home, so they’ve designed their facility to feel like a retreat. “Our clients will recover in comfortable, private suites, enjoy delicious meals prepared by our chef and be pampered in our on-site salon,” says Administrator Christian Koenig. “Most importantly, our clients can expect to receive personalized care and one-on-one therapy to rebuild their strength and help them feel better. We only offer the very best to our clients.”

When in-home care starts to become too much or the household chores becomes overwhelming it might be smart to look into another solution. When exploring senior living options, it’s essential to understand the differences between independent living, assisted living, and long-term care, as well as the concept of a continuum of care. Independent living is ideal for seniors who are active and self-sufficient but want the convenience of a community that offers social opportunities, maintenance-free living, and optional amenities like meal plans. Assisted living, on the other hand, provides support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management while promoting independence in a safe and comfortable environment. Long- term care, often referred to as skilled nursing care, is designed for individuals who require round-the- clock medical attention and assistance due to chronic health conditions or significant physical or cognitive challenges.

Many senior living communities offer a continuum of care, which ensures that as a resident’s needs change, they can transition seamlessly from one level of care to another within the same community. This model provides peace of mind for families, knowing their loved one won’t have to move to a completely new environment as their circumstances evolve. The continuum of care is particularly beneficial for seniors who value stability and consistency in their surroundings and relationships, as well as for families seeking a long-term solution that adapts to future needs.

At Legacy Retirement Communities (legacyretirement.com), creating joyful moments is at the heart of their mission. “We’ve planned a full lineup of activities and events to keep residents entertained and engaged, especially during the winter months when isolation can be a concern,” says Life Enrichment team member Kristina Bachman. From birthday parties to volunteer opportunities, Legacy Retirement Communities fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. “We aim to encourage residents to explore new interests and build meaningful connections with one another,” Bachman explains.

When looking for independent senior-living options that include opportunities for engagement, check out the Lincoln Housing Authority (l-housing.com). 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. “It is the mission of the Lincoln Housing Authority, to provide affordable, safe, sanitary and decent housing to people in need of them,” says Tara Neeman the Resident Service Specialist from Crossroads House, “this is especially important for seniors who are looking for very specific housing to accommodate their needs.”

Similarly, Cedar Creek of High Plains (cedarhurstliving.com) 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! It’s important to make sure a senior feels important in their community and Cedar Creek of High Plains does just that! Cedar Creek of High Plains believes in creating a positive resident experience that maintains residents’ dignity.

The Residence at Gramercy (12oaks.net) is here to make sure that your loved one gets their signature care and services. The details are so important and Gramercy knows that, that’s why they do everything they can to serve the family and make sure the transition to assisted living is one of community and support. 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.

Sumner Place (sumnerplacecare.com) has been enhancing residents’ lives since 1975. They are nestled in a cozy residential neighborhood called Near South. Sumner Place prides itself on providing resident-focused care, independence and a home-like atmosphere. They have three households, and they have a walk-out entrance and patio for our Alzheimer’s residents in the secure Memory Support household. They work hard to create a living environment that continuously enriches each resident’s life.

Their excellent staff and teams strive daily to serve the resident’s and their family’s needs while maintaining Dignity in Life for all residents, families, visitors and their team of caregivers.

With senior living, Salt Creek Senior Living (dialseniorliving.com) knows what they’re talking about. They love to see the way seniors thrive in their communities and help that by infusing happiness within the community and value everyone as they are family. They lead with a service led heart. Everything they do Salt Creek is led by their caring hearts, and what is best for each of their residences and their families. “Our leadership, and front-line team are invested in learning about each resident and family member,” says Executive Director Emily Bals. “We take the time to listen to stories, ask questions, provide support, celebrate them, and advocate for their needs and what will fulfill their lives. We respect them in times of transition, and strive to create a safe and comfortable community, where they can thrive.”

Finally, The Waterford Communities (thewaterford.net) takes a close-knit approach to senior living. Executive Director Dan Klein Jr. explains, “We have a small core team, which allows us to get to know our residents and their families on a deeper personal level. It’s like becoming part of their family.” This intimate approach extends to personalizing every aspect of care, from food preferences to daily routines. “We listen to their needs and ensure their care is tailored to their lifestyle,” Klein says.

Similarly Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty (nebraskarealty.com) is here to make sure that the transition is smooth. The founder of Savvy Senior Empowerment, Alicia Chrastil is dedicated to making sure that seniors are comfortable where they are. She has a specialized certificate in senior transitions and constantly meets the unique needs of seniors in the real estate market. She understands that these transitions can be daunting, and her mission is to guide seniors seamlessly through this challenging process.

Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty knows the importance of local communities and knowing when you need to transition from your home and into something new. Alicia and TJ Chrastil are not just another real estate team; they are a family driven duo with a strong dedication to serving seniors in the welcoming community of Lincoln. Alicia and TJ Chrastil are here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

The decision to find a care home for your loved one can be hard and stressful, but that’s where these businesses come in. Transitions get more and more difficult as we age, and sometimes you need an expert to find a place where your loved one can thrive. These businesses make it their mission to find good placements for each of their clients, with each person finding their fit in places like Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care or Long-Term Care community

First, we have Bridge to Better Living (bridgetobetterliving.com); a service offering guidance and assistance in navigating the process of finding a retirement community. They make sure you feel confident in your decision.

Mary Ann Stallings, President/CEO of Bridge to Better Living, emphasizes the importance of personalized guidance when choosing senior living options. “Our Transition Consultants prioritize each client’s unique needs because no two seniors are alike in their journey. We help seniors and their families explore options such as location, meal plans, staffing, fitness facilities, and more to create a personalized plan fitting their lifestyle,” she says. With over 100 years of combined experience, the team at Bridge to Better Living offers free, hands-on support to make transitions smooth and stress-free. “Placement with Passion isn’t just our tagline; it’s our commitment to every client,” Stallings adds.

Christina Conover, owner of CarePatrol of Lincoln (carepatrol.com), has lived this experience that many families encounter with the need to transition a loved one. She and her team strive to make finding the perfect senior care solution simple and stress-free. Whether you’re exploring options for assisted living, independent living, memory care or in-home care, they provide free personalized placement services tailored to meet your loved one’s unique needs.
Christina says “Our team of subject matter experts and desire to serve the senior space affords us the ability to work closely with families to understand their care needs, life-style preferences, price points and provide detailed guidance on the best options for senior living and care. We schedule tours, assist with paperwork and support you every step of the way.”

Since 1993, they have been the standard for senior placement; they help you navigate this important decision with care, compassion, and expertise – at no cost to you. Contact them today to get help deciding what the best option for your loved one is.

Last but not least, when it comes to senior care, when all options are worn out, there’s hospice care. Hospice supports people near the end of their life, whether they need around the clock care or just a hand to hold, it can and will be provided. It’s a way of managing symptoms and pain, improving quality of life in the patient’s preferred setting and a way to allow loved ones to make the most of their time together.

Traditions Health (traditionshealth.com) focuses on providing compassionate hospice care. Executive Director Laura Steele, RN, explains, “Our team meets weekly to discuss ways to enhance our patients’ comfort and quality of life. We prioritize individualized care plans and maintain close relationships with senior living communities to ensure each patient’s unique needs are met.” From symptom management to offering simple joys like strawberry milkshakes or manicures, Traditions Health is dedicated to honoring every patient’s dignity and preferences. Hospice is not a place, it’s a service and this business is dedicated to making sure that end of life is as comfortable as possible.

The common thread among these organizations is their unwavering dedications to ensuring seniors thrive. Whether it’s through personalized care plans, engaging activities, or compassionate hospice services, Lincoln’s senior living providers are making a difference. If you’re considering options for a loved one or yourself, remember that planning ahead and seeking professional guidance can make all the difference. These local experts are ready to help seniors and their families navigate this important chapter with confidence and peace of mind.