Senior Living in Omaha, NE

Especially in the winter months, no matter our age or where we call home, it’s easy to opt for hunkering down and avoiding contact with the outside world until the frigid temperatures and inclement weather have passed for another year. As such, this is a time when seniors are particularly susceptible to issues that stem from isolation, so it’s important to revisit and evaluate whether the current living arrangements are the most beneficial and are continuing to fulfill all of the individual’s needs. If you find that a change is in order, there are plenty of options available from in-home care and home modifications to the numerous senior living communities in the area.

“Most seniors want to stay at home at all costs, which makes home health a wonderful resource that is oftentimes overlooked,” explains Julie Laughlin, RN, President of Home Nursing With Heart. “Our in-home health care providers are highly trained medical professionals who make home visits to treat various ailments, post-surgical conditions, and provide physical and occupational therapy. These professionals are also able to evaluate the home environment and makes suggestions for patients to continue to stay in their home as long as possible. When challenges are identified we work with the patient, their family, and many times a medical social worker to help make the best choices for the patient and ensure that person stays safe and happy.”

“When deciding what type of in-home services would most benefit an individual, it’s important to evaluate whether medical care is needed or whether the assistance would be limited to help with household chores or errands,” adds Jamie Peters, APRN of Health at Home Consultants. “This will be incredibly helpful in finding the best fit for one’s specific needs. At Health at Home Consultants, our team of Nurse Practitioners are qualified to provide a broad range of health care services, including many of the same care services commonly provided by physicians, and can even serve as a patient’s regular primary care provider (PCP). This is especially advantageous for those who aren’t mobile or who don’t have family close enough to check up on them or offer regular assistance. During the winter months, it’s critical for seniors to avoid situations where their safety could be in jeopardy. Home visits keep them indoors while still having access to care and other items that they need to stay healthy and happy.”

Another benefit of utilizing this type of resource is that it provides critical respite for family members who are actively involved with the care of a senior loved one. The winter months can be hard on family caregivers too, with more concerns regarding their loved one to address while continuing to keep everything in their lives in balance. Janet Miller of Partnerships in Caregiving emphasizes the importance of awareness in order to avoid burnout:

“Are you involved in offering support to someone in your family with a chronic health concern, either from a distance or in your own home?  If so, you are a family caregiver.  So often those of us who are assisting loved ones do not consider ourselves to be caregivers, even though that is what we are.  As caregivers we often struggle with fatigue, depression and health issues of our own, stemming from decreased time and energy to take care of ourselves.  Many of us have jobs outside the home and have to rearrange our work schedules, take unpaid leave or even quit our jobs as care demands increase.

Partnerships in Caregiving, an Omaha-based nonprofit organization, connects caregivers with respite care providers who provide respite breaks to caregivers and their families across the lifespan, allowing caregivers to rest, recharge and remember there is a life beyond caregiving. Just as plane passengers are reminded before to put on their own oxygen masks before attempting to help others, respite programs remind caregivers to tend to their needs for rest and time away so they are able to effectively care for their loved ones.  For more information please visit www.picaregiving.org or call Partnerships in Caregiving at (402) 996-8444.”

In thoughtfully approaching the plans for one’s senior years, it’s important to recognize that as with all things in life, change is inevitable. When it comes to making decisions about living arrangements, there are plenty of things to consider first. “If living with family is an option on the table, the first thing to consider is the impact of your needs on family and vice-versa,” advises Jennifer Dil of Comfort Keepers Omaha. “Are you moving in with them or are they moving in with you? What is a fair rent/board? How much will they help you with personal care: driving to doctor appointments, making meals, hygiene and grooming? Do they have pets and children you can live around reasonably well with minimal friction? Is their lifestyle compatible with your needs and vice-versa? Neither of you are servants of the other and an attitude of respect, appreciation and gratitude from all will go far. Regardless of whether you’re looking into in-home services or an assisted living community, long term care insurance is a powerful tool to ensure that you’re able to make decisions regarding living arrangements without the stress of finances dictating what you can and cannot do.

The great thing about Comfort Keepers is that we are there to help in all of the following living scenarios: houses, apartments, condos, retirement communities, 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and hospitals. We can provide respite for family caregivers or look after those with elevated needs in assisted living. Do you need us only for a short time after surgery? Perhaps you live with your son and he works during the day – we can assist during the day until he gets home, and we will even make you dinner!”

While remaining at home and aging in place has its advantages, it’s likely at some point that a move to an assisted living community will become the best option. One of the many benefits is the social aspect, with opportunities that encourage conversation and fellowship.

“Isolation is a prevalent problem among seniors,” advises Karla Frese of Walnut Grove Retirement Community. “There are significant benefits to remaining active and engaged as we age. Being around others keeps people connected and positive, which reduces depression. Seeing friends regularly can alert them to changes in a person’s appearance or behavior that may be cause for concern. And of course activity itself is important to maintaining overall health. Walnut Grove offers an abundance of activity options, including outings to musical and theater performances as well as clubs that do everything from play cards and games to discuss books or race homemade cars. Our weekly calendar is full of entertaining activities that sharpen dexterity and encourage memory recall. By remaining active and engaged, seniors can truly experience the retirement they always imagined.

Furthermore, during the winter months it can be increasingly difficult for seniors to keep up with everything around the house. Senior living communities make it easier to enjoy a safe, comfortable, worry-free lifestyle. Community living also provides connections and camaraderie, which enables residents to maintain their independence in a friendly setting while making it easier for adult children to feel good about their parent’s living situation.”

“Moving to an assisted living is hard, but I applaud those who do,” agrees Lisa Arp of SilverRidge Assisted Living. “It is difficult to not have as much control of your life as you would in your own home. At SilverRidge we try to make it as much as your home as possible. In fact, our residents do feel like this is their home and are glad they are here. We place an emphasis on safety, security, trust, and most importantly, socialization.  When choosing a senior community, it’s important that you are able to make the most of it and moreover that the facility helps you do so. We take attendance at each meal to make sure folks are getting out of their rooms and socializing. We knock on doors to remind folks of activities like bunko, bingo, cards, dominoes or entertainment. Though we want everyone to be social, we are like an apartment complex with a lot of perks. We want you to be independent and respect your privacy.”

In planning for the future, you’ll also want to keep in mind the ways that you can minimize the impact of living transitions. “Seniors have a lot of options these days,” adds Kristina Krumme of Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Community. “When considering retirement living they are more educated and aware of what’s out there. Finding a community where they have opportunity to age in place, with different types of care are provided such as Independent Living, Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care all on the same campus, has become a common goal. Seniors and their families like to have the ability to relocate within one retirement community as they are familiar with the friends that they have made and comfortable with the staff!”

She adds, “Seniors are often faced with health issues, depression, or dementia that can complicate life for them. But don’t hesitate to ask your loved one what his/her goals or resolutions are for the coming year. You may be surprised by the list of ideas that they are already thinking of.  A positive goal might simply be ‘I resolve to ask for help when needed. I resolve to be realistic with expectations for myself and others helping me.’ Other resolutions might include trying new things, staying active, or community involvement. Volunteering is a great opportunity for seniors to stay social and active as well. It reminds them that they can still have a place in society and pass along their skills, talents and wisdom. Another resolution can be to stay in touch with loved ones. This of course can happen through visits, phone calls and letters. We are finding more and more seniors who are talking through their families via email, Skype and Facetime as well as through social media in their presence on Facebook. It’s amazing to see how seniors are really enjoying being active on social media!”

As with making a choice about anything of great importance, the decision that it’s time to explore senior living options is best made when not under duress or in response to an emergency situation. Secondly, and just as imperative, it should be made in partnership with your loved ones and with guidance from those who are familiar with all of the different resources available in the community. “The journey to making a transition to a retirement community may be emotional, stressful and confusing,” says Joanne Carlberg of Bridge to Better Living. “Bridge to Better Living provides personal one-on-one assistance, at no cost to the family, to help with this navigation. Our consultants are experts in knowing the communities, answering difficult questions and helping clients every step of the way. We base our consultations on the core values of social, physical, medical and financial needs of the seniors considering making a transition to a retirement community.”

She further advises, “Finances will be one of the major parts of decision making and planning for the future, so it’s important for families to be aware of where they are at now and the changes that will affect things down the line. There is a forecast for decreased Social Security benefits and dramatic changes in Long Term Care insurance. The economic impact on families will make it more difficult for a loved one or parent to live with family members or stay at home, so it’s important to be familiar with the variety of options that are available and to take full advantage of the benefits and programs for which a person qualifies. Furthermore, each person needs to have a will, Power of Attorney, funeral arrangements, advanced health directives and an open communication with their family regarding living preferences as they age.”

When we think about our senior years, we often picture ourselves at home surrounded by our loved ones and living life to the fullest. While the first might not be realistic, the second is always possible no matter where you call home or who remains by your side. Whether it’s finding safe transportation to stay involved in your normal social activities, having someone stop by your house for support, or becoming part of a vibrant senior community, there’s more options than ever before to choose from. Embracing the tough conversations and being proactive in planning will allow you the freedom to grow old on your own terms–with less stress to bear you’ll have more happiness to share!