Nebraska Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Nebraska

Continuing care retirement communities cater to the needs of aging adults, offering a wide range of living options and services. Prospective residents, who are over a certain age (55 or 62) can choose between various levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. On campus, they have different amenities to fill up their time with, and thus enjoy their golden years.

Each CCRC has its own admittance criteria, but they also follow certain general provisions. Aside from the age requirement, they require prospective residents to present a good state of health, with no chronic conditions (such as Parkinson's disease). Financial eligibility is essential, as residents are expected to cover a substantial entrance fee, followed by monthly fees. There are communities which require Medicare or other long-term insurance plans, but it is important to understand that these cannot be used to cover the fees (exception: skilled nursing, valid for up to 100 days).

In Nebraska, there are 57 retirement communities of this kind. These offer a continuum of care, being located in one of the following cities: Alliance, Auburn, Gering, Hastings, Holdrege, Lincoln, Minden, Nebraska City, Omaha, and Syracuse. Omaha CCRCs also serve nearby communities, such as Papillion and Elkhorn.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Nebraska - financing and costs

Most retirement communities require prospective residents to cover an entrance fee. In the state of Nebraska, this varies between $160,000 and $600,000. Aside from using savings and various assets, senior adults can sell their property and use the money to ensure a spot in a CCRC. If the respective retirement community does not require the equity buy-in, it will surely have higher monthly fees, usually at market value.

The monthly fees are generally required to cover the costs of services and amenities. At state level, these fees vary between $1,500 and $5,000. The most affordable fees can be found in Lincoln, at $1,500/month, while luxury living reaches the value of $5,000 in Omaha. To compare, the national average is around $2,500.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Nebraska - care levels and services

Ideally, all residents start out with independent living. They can choose a living unit that corresponds to their needs, and benefit from the services and amenities that are offered on the campus. As the needs change and the demand for assistance becomes obvious, the respective resident can transition to assisted living. Thanks to a personalized plan, he/she will benefit from assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, or dressing.

For complex healthcare needs, such as balance issues, feeding difficulties, or loss of independence, the skilled nursing care level is most recommended. Residents receive enhanced assistance and benefit from short or long-term rehabilitation. Transitions are always recommended by medical specialists and in the best interest of the resident. Those who exhibit signs of memory loss can transition to memory care, a level usually reserved for residents who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Whether simple or bordering on luxury, all CCRCs offer a range of basic services. The list includes housekeeping and general maintenance, round-the-clock security, emergency calling, transportation to/from appointments, Internet, telephone, and cable, etc. Additional services are offered within each community, such as 24/7 supervision, medication administration and management, physical rehabilitation, occupational and speech therapy. Usually, you can check out the entire range of services by visiting the website of the respective CCRC.

CCRC in Nebraska - amenities and options

Prospective residents can select the living unit that matches their current needs, choosing between apartments and garden homes. The latter are usually more expensive, but they offer a higher standard of living. Common options include townhouses and cottages, with the mention that not all CCRCs offer such types of living choices.

Couples are allowed to live together, which is probably one of the biggest benefits CCRCs have to offer. If it happens that one of the spouses transitions to a different level of care, they will still remain within the same community. Visits are allowed, which means that there is no risk of social isolation and the associated depression. Some of these communities are pet-friendly and this is another advantage to consider. Living with a pet offers plenty of opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

On-site amenities are destined to increase the overall standard of living for the community members. Nebraska-based CCRCs have an interesting number of amenities, including fine-dining restaurants and cafes, beautiful landscaped gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf clubs, beauty salons, library, common rooms, fitness and wellness areas. Residents can take part in art classes, visit the learning center, or try their hand at woodworking. The social calendar is filled with events, including off-site trips. Religious services are organized regularly, and there are special amenities for those who suffer from dementia (memory garden).

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Nebraska?

The process of finding the right retirement community can be long and difficult. We hope that the information included in this article has been helpful, and we have also gathered a few pros and cons to help you out.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in NE

Each community offers several different levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care

Residents who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia benefit from round-the-clock supervision

Emergency call system in case of major health events, such as stroke or heart attack

Health care, personal assistance, services, and amenities available in the same location

Being part of such a community can have a positive effect on one's state of mind, reducing the risk of age-related depression

Cons of moving to a CCRC in NE

The financial burden might be too much for you to handle (substantial entrance fee and high monthly fees to cover)

It can happen that you will not be able to adjust to the community life and its potential restrictions

Not enough age diversity, given the fact that the CCRC only accepts people over a certain age (average application age is around 80)

Might not be able to find a life care contract, as not all Nebraska-based CCRCs offer this option

If you suffer from a chronic health condition, such as Parkinson's disease, you might not be accepted (check the contract provisions).