Assisted Living in Nebraska

Nebraska Senior Living and Care

It is only natural for older adults to have a hard time completing the tasks of day to day life as they get older. Families must consider their options at this time. Looking after their loved on their own is one alternative. However, most family caregivers lack the expertise required to do an adequate job, and it could end up causing an undue burden. Thankfully, to meet the demand for care, there are several Nebraska senior living facilities.

Why Live in Nebraska?

Situated in the Midwest and the Great Plains, Nebraska is a medium sized state with about 1.9 million residents. The state capital is Lincoln, and the largest city is Omaha, which is located on the Missouri River. Large numbers of European settlers first came to the area with the California Gold Rush. Nebraska is a major producer of corn, beef, soybeans, and pork. There are large populations of Czech Americans and German Americans in the state.

For the sports buffs, Nebraska has a lot to offer. Though there are no major professional sports teams, the state is home to the University of Nebraska, a major NCAA Division I school that competes in the Big Ten Conference. The Cornhusker State is the birthplace of Kool-Aid, and the city of Hastings celebrates Kool-Aid Days every August.

What Do Seniors Appreciate about Nebraska?

Nebraska has a sizable older population with about fourteen percent of the state's inhabitants 65 years of age or older. Golden agers are attracted to the low crime rates. Both the violent and property crime is among the lowest in the nation. The tax rates in Nebraska are on the high side. However, the low cost of living more than makes up for this. Residents spend eleven percent less for goods and services than the United States average. In fact, housing, health care, transportation, groceries, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses are cheaper here.

The two top hospitals in the state are located in Omaha: Nebraska Medical Center and Methodist Hospital, which has more than 450 licensed beds and over 600 physicians. Lincoln also has two major hospitals, Bryan LGH Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.

What Types of Senior Living in Nebraska Are There?

There are many different kinds of senior living in Nebraska to pick from based on the degree of care a senior requires. Older adults who can mostly care for themselves and are still quite mobile will appreciate independent living. Residents can take part in recreational activities that encourage socialization, have a wide array of services to choose from, and they get their own cottages or senior apartments. Congregate housing is the better independent living choice for those who need extra help.

Seniors can get additional companionship and care in adult day care centers, or adult day services, when their primary caretakers have to go to work or must be away from the house during the day for other purposes. These centers provide retirees with health care, social activities, and general supervision throughout the day.

The ideal blend of onsite support and independence are found in assisted living communities, commonly known as assisted living facilities. These communities promote the involvement of family members and close friends while maintaining a philosophy in encouraging freedom in aging. In addition, assisted living communities supply golden agers with recreational activities, their own semi-private suites or rooms, and personal care services, like assistance with managing medications and transportation.

Skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes, are the most comprehensive types of senior living in Nebraska. They were created for convalescent seniors and those with chronic or long term maladies. These facilities are state licensed to supply nursing care around the clock, room and board, and access to occupational, physical, and other rehabilitative therapies.

Seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other kinds of chronic memory loss should seriously consider memory care, also referred to as Alzheimer's care. Families need to do their research, since not all Nebraska senior living has this specialty. Continuing care retirement communities offer all of the above facilities in one spot. This gives retired people a consistent experience as they progress through their later years.

There are eight Area Agencies on Aging that cover the entire state of Nebraska. These organizations are tasked with providing resources, programs, and services that enhance the quality of life of residents 60 and over. With the state's dedication to older adults, the low cost of living and crime, and the many attractions, it has never been a better time to consider Nebraska for senior living.