Senior Living – February 2025

As we welcome 2025, senior living providers across Omaha 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 Omaha’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 Omaha’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.

At The Brant at Gretna (frontiermgmt.com), 2025 is all about fostering growth, connection, and joy for their residents. They enhancing their activity calendar with more intergenerational programs, introducing new wellness initiatives like on-site fitness workshops, and expanding their culinary offerings to include even more tailored options. Every step they take is designed to promote vitality and engagement for our residents.

“Trust comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence,” says Health Service Director Tami Harms.” “At The Brant at Gretna, we combine state-of-the-art amenities with compassionate care delivered by a highly trained team. Our residents and their families know they can count on us for a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.”

Personalization is at the heart of everything they do. From custom care plans and preferred dining options to thoughtfully designed activities that reflect individual interests, they ensure every resident’s unique needs and preferences are met. Their goal is to create a true sense of home tailored to each individual.

The Brant at Gretna is a premier Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care community in Omaha, NE that serves Ralston, La Vista, Bellevue, Bennington, Plattsmouth, Gretna, Council Bluffs, IA and surrounding areas with comprehensive and compassionate care.

Their mission always remains the same, to provide an enriched and meaningful experience to their residents, team members and community partners.

It’s a mission we truly believe in, and one you can see in action for yourself by scheduling an introduction with a community near you today!

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.

It’s a new year, which means new possibilities. Every year Brookestone Meadows (brookestonemeadows.com) recaps why they are here and how they can continue to bring purpose to seniors’ lives. A large part of their mission, vision, and values is that their seniors are “Living with Purpose.”

At Brookestone Meadows we encourage our seniors to become a member of their O.W.L.S program, Older Workers in the Lords Service. They pride themselves on conducting their own meetings and creating internal and external initiatives.
“As a Life Enrichment Direct my focus is for them to have a fulfilled and meaningful life while they are with us at Brookestone Meadows,” says Life Enrichment Coordinator Monika Gall. “I tell people around me that we strive to provide purpose of meaning, not just adding years to their lives but focus to how they are living in those years.”

This past year they raised funds to help support Angel Trees in the local community, Open Door Mission, Disabled American Veteran’s, Stephen Center, Lydia House, The Hope Center for Kids, Dreamweaver Foundation, Cat’s Angels Care, Vetter Foundation and many other nonprofit organizations. The O.W.L.S have most recently created an internal Scholarship program for high school seniors that are employed with Brookestone.

Brookestone Meadows has been a trusted provider for 17 years now. They demonstrate this through the care they provide for each resident or family member who enters through our doors. Our goal is to always provide Dignity In Life and to treat each person as they are the most important person in the world.

Their Life Enrichment team takes pride in meeting every new admit to the community, whether they are here for rehabilitation or for long-term skilled care. It is important for their team to get to know each resident’s personality and their favorite things. Brookestone Meadows offers many different daily activities with the goal of encouraging residents to socialize and have fun by taking part in group activities.

In 2025, Caretech (caretechinc.com) continues to be a beacon of support for seniors, empowering them to live fulfilling and independent lives. With a mission rooted in compassionate care and tailored services, the organization is enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs of seniors and their families.

A primary focus for Caretech this year is expanding its specialized care programs, including dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Through rigorous caregiver training and innovative tools, the team is ensuring seniors with memory-related conditions receive personalized attention, maintaining their dignity and enhancing their quality of life. Participation in community events, such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, further reflects Caretech’s commitment to raising awareness and funding for critical research.

To support seniors’ health and safety at home, Caretech has implemented a “Safe Home Initiative,” which involves home assessments combined with Caretech’s newly developed Aging in Place Guide, to assist family members in assessing the homes of their senior loved ones. This comprehensive guide provides practical tips and recommendations for making home modifications that minimize fall risks and enhance accessibility. By equipping families with these valuable resources, Caretech empowers seniors to remain in the comfort of their homes while ensuring they have a safe and supportive living environment.

Additionally, Caretech is also prioritizing emotional and social well-being. This year, the organization launched new companion care programs, fostering meaningful relationships between caregivers and clients. Activities such as outings, hobby engagement and technology support help seniors stay connected with loved ones and their communities.

Finally, Caretech’s partnerships with healthcare providers are stronger than ever. Collaborating with hospitals and clinics, Caretech is streamlining transitions from hospital to home, reducing readmissions, and ensuring seniors receive seamless post-discharge care.

With these initiatives, Caretech is unwavering in its commitment to enriching the lives of seniors, empowering them to live with joy, independence and dignity in 2025.

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, Omaha’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.