Assisted Living Lincoln NE: Homes Common Questions

An Assisted Living facilityprovides housing, supportive services and meets health care needs of a cognitive person. They can help with “Activities of Daily Living” i.e. bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication monitoring, etc.

A Memory Care Assisted Livingcommunity provides all the above but also specializes in meeting the needs of someone with memory problems. Staffing ratios are higher, special training of the staff is provided, a secure community inside and outside is provided so someone cannot wander off, medication administration is provided, stimulating activities on a regular basis, assistance with dining is usually provided as the individual advances in the disease process, monitoring and assisting with behavioral issues, and some communities have nurses on staff.

We have two full-time nurses on staff to care for our residents at The Independence Houses.

There are changes in your loved ones behavior, i.e. their personal hygiene is not what it has been, not keeping their house or apartment clean or picked up, not paying their bills on time or not at all, losing track of time, you notice a number of bruises/they have had a number of falls lately, not eating meals/food spoiled in the refrigerator, they wander off and don’t remember how to get back home, just to name some common signs to watch for with your loved one.

If you are the caregiver for your loved one, it is not only physically challenging, but mentally exhausting as well. We can help. It may be time for you to allow us to care for your loved one and you to be the loving family member. We will provide a warm, fun, loving and caring home for your loved one in a safe and secure community. It will give you peace of mind and relieve your stress. Give us a call today.

Yes. We offer a monthly support group at the Staybridge Suites at 1501 N. 86th St., Lincoln, NE. It is a way to ask questions, get advice and find support. Call 402-475-7755 for more information.

No. The Independence Houses care for residents as their needs increase. Chances are with our Comfort Care PLUS providing two person assist, puree diets and end-of-life care, your loved one will never have to make another move. We truly allow residents to “Age in Place”.

We encourage families to bring furniture and personal items that the resident likes and wants with them from their home.

A private suite can usually accommodate a twin bed, nightstand, a chest of drawers, TV and comfortable chair. Rooms are wired for WiFi and basic cable.

Many financial options exist to fit the needs of a residents’ situation, to pay for costs incurred in a memory care community. We have listed some of the main ones.

1. Pay with Personal Funds
Get a clear understanding of all assets and money to draw from.

2. Long Term Care Insurance
If you have a policy, review it or talk to your LTC provider to understand what it covers and the process to start utilizing it. The Independence Houses will file your monthly paperwork to your LTC company; you need to initiate the claim with your LTC carrier to get it started.

3. VA Benefits
The Department of Veteran Affairs offers the “Aid and Attendance” benefit for qualified veterans and their spouses. Contact your local office: 402-489-3802 or 800-827-1000 to see if you qualify.

4. Selling a Home or other Assets
When you move to a senior living community, the equity in your home may be one of your largest assets.

5. Life Insurance
Depending on the type of life insurance policy you have, you may be able to access funding from it or sell it during your lifetime.

6. Tax Deductions
The IRS offers tax deductions on some costs related to care in a memory care facility, when an individual is unable to perform activities of daily living. Best to consult your accountant or tax advisor.

Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care (activities of daily living) in an Assisted Living facility.

Yes. We encourage the POA/family members to be involved in their loved one’s care planning at The Independence Houses. This is true initially and throughout their stay.

Yes. We have a Nurse Practitioner that comes on site regularly and is on call 24/7 for their health care needs if you desire to utilize her or you can keep your regular doctor. We also have a Nurse Practitioner for your loved one if they have behavioral issues, if you desire to utilize them.

Yes. We transport the resident to their medical appointment via our bus.

The main meal is the noon meal. The breakfast meal is served when the resident chooses to get up in the morning. The evening meal is served around 5pm. Three snacks are served in between meals.

Chances are with our Comfort Care PLUS providing 2 person assist, puree diets and end of life care, your loved one will never have to make another move. We allow our residents to ‘Age in Place.’

Yes, in designated outside areas.

Yes, but we have a weight and size limit. There is a non-refundable pet deposit. Pets can come on a trial basis and can stay as long as the family and/or resident are able to meet the pet’s needs and the house requirements are met.