August 23, 2024
Exploring retirement living and senior care options for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. Understanding the different types of senior care available is essential to ensuring that the chosen community aligns with your personal needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Immanuel recognizes that navigating these choices can be daunting, so our dedicated team is here to help every step of the way. Our goal is to simplify this journey and provide clarity so you can confidently make informed decisions.
55-Plus Active Living: A Lifestyle of Independence and Engagement
For those just beginning their retirement journey, 55-plus active living communities offer a vibrant and independent lifestyle. Tailored for retirees aged 55 and older, communities like Lakeside Lofts in Omaha, Nebraska, provide modern apartments and social activities to keep you engaged and active. You’ll find opportunities for community involvement, wellness programs, and supportive staff who are there to help you enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Bloom at Lakeside features semi-custom homes in our west Omaha pocket neighborhood, ideal for active, older adults who want to enjoy life without everyday obligations. Residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with inviting front doors opening to friendly courtyards, a private clubhouse featuring a pool and pickleball courts, and convenient access to nearby Lakeside’s amenities.
Teresa Weeder, Immanuel’s Omaha Regional Retirement Living Consultant, says 55-plus active living residents appreciate the independence of living in their own space while having access to the maintenance and amenities retirement communities provide.
“The community is right at their fingertips to enjoy and engage in. However, they engage on their terms,” Teresa said. “Some folks choose to stay to themselves more and maybe only go to dinner in the community, while others may start their day with a workout class, then lunch, engage in a community event/group, go to dinner, and end the night with a glass of wine next to some friends before going back home. Active independent living is so flexible and fits every lifestyle.”
Independent Living: Enjoy Freedom with Added Support
Independent living communities offer a blend of freedom and support for those who can manage daily life with minimal assistance. Immanuel has many independent living options at 13 of our 18 communities in Nebraska and Iowa, including Deerfield and Copper Shores Village in Des Moines, Iowa; Pacific Springs, Lakeside, Arboretum Village, and Immanuel Village in Omaha; Trinity Village in Papillion, Nebraska; and The Landing, Grand Lodge, and Yankee Hill Village in Lincoln, Nebraska.
We offer independent living apartments, patio homes (at Pacific Springs), and townhomes (at Deerfield). Amenities in independent living can vary, including meal plan options, cleaning schedules, maintenance, transportation, personal training, and emergency pendants.
“All of these amenities are offered to simplify a senior’s life, but they are not required to be utilized,” Teresa said. “Residents choose their day and how they spend their time. Immanuel provides options to encourage and empower socialization and independence.”
Teresa added that Immanuel residents have the option to join the community’s Resident Advisory Committees (RACs). RAC members act as spokespersons for the larger resident group. They bring concerns, suggestions, and topics of conversation to the executive directors of the community in an attempt to personalize each community for its residents.
Assisted Living: Supportive Care with a Focus on Independence
When more support is needed, assisted living balances independence and care. This option is perfect for individuals who require help with daily tasks and chores but still want to maintain a degree of autonomy. Immanuel’s assisted living communities in Omaha, Papillion, Lincoln, and Des Moines offer personalized support, wellness activities, and social opportunities to ensure residents lead fulfilling and comfortable lives.
Teri Vosicky, Immanuel’s Lincoln Regional Retirement Living Consultant, says Immanuel’s teams work directly with residents and their families to create a network of support. That support may be as simple as helping with reminders or medications to assisting with showering or dressing.
“Housekeeping, meals, and activities are all part of community life at Immanuel,” Teri said. “These services offer comfort to families and residents, knowing assistance is there for them when needed.”
Memory Support: Specialized Care for Cognitive Needs
Immanuel’s memory support communities offer specialized care around the clock for those facing memory challenges. These communities include Copper Shores Village, Lakeside, Pacific Springs, The Landing, and Yankee Hill Village.
The certified staff at these communities are trained to address the unique needs of residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments. By focusing on safety, comfort, and structured activities, we create an environment where residents can feel secure and engaged.
“Immanuel’s memory support communities are enriched with the research and best practices of our Life Enrichment staff, many of whom are recognized in the field of dementia care,” Teri said. “Our teams are on-hand daily to ensure residents thrive in an atmosphere that supports them and their varied needs.”
Residential Care: A Supportive Transition Between Levels of Care
Immanuel’s residential care program, available at Deerfield in Des Moines, provides a compassionate bridge between assisted living and long-term care. This program offers a home-like atmosphere with assistance for daily activities, nursing care, and social engagement.
Taylor Hagedorn, Immanuel’s Des Moines Regional Retirement Living Consultant, says the program is designed to support residents in maintaining their dignity and well-being while providing the care they need.
“Residents benefit from a tailored approach to care, with skilled professionals and a wide array of services designed to meet their needs,” Taylor said. “This distinctive level of care helps residents maintain their independence for as long as possible.”
Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing: Comprehensive Medical Support
Our long-term care and skilled nursing communities – Deerfield LTC in Des Moines, and Newport House and The Lighthouse in Omaha – offer personalized medical care and support for those with more extensive health needs. With 24-hour nursing services, rehabilitation options, and detailed care plans, residents receive comprehensive support tailored to their health requirements. This ensures they receive the necessary attention to maintain their health and comfort.
Home Health & Hospice Care: Compassionate Support in Your Own Home
If home-based care is preferred, Immanuel’s home health and hospice services provide personalized support for recovery or end-of-life care. Taylor said Immanuel focuses on maintaining quality of life and independence through skilled medical services and compassionate care, ensuring that residents and their families receive the support they need during these important times.
“This personalized approach provides peace of mind for their families, knowing that their loved ones receive attentive and individualized care,” Taylor said.
Care Navigation: Easing the Transition Through Health Changes
Understanding and managing health transitions can be challenging. Immanuel’s care navigation program, offered at each of our communities, is designed to assist with hospital stays, discharge planning, and ongoing monitoring.
Teri said this service helps ensure a smooth transition back to the community, providing guidance and support to make the process as seamless as possible.
“The overarching goal of Immanuel’s Care Navigation is to ensure a dedicated staff person supports our families to ensure you return to your Immanuel community after a hospital visit,” Teri said. “Our Care Navigators reach out to families when a resident is hospitalized, ensuring everyone is well informed during the visit and providing education and assistance with care decisions. This free service is critical to ensure residents return to their community safely and with the support needed for a full and successful recovery.”
Affordable Communities: Quality Care Within Your Budget
If managing finances is a concern, Immanuel’s affordable communities – Graceview Courtyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Immanuel Courtyard in Omaha, and Trinity Courtyard in Papillion – provide high-quality living at a reduced cost. These subsidized housing options ensure seniors with limited finances can still access modern living spaces, engaging activities, and a supportive environment.
Teresa says Immanuel staff are committed to helping residents feel comfortable and connected, regardless of their financial situation.
“Every senior is entitled to a safe living environment that they are proud to call home,” she said. “Regardless of age, income, race, or identity, everyone should age with dignity, safety, and wellness. Immanuel provides options for seniors who need income-based housing, regardless of which community is the right fit, the quality of care is consistent.”
While there is a lot of information about the different levels of service, the team members at each Immanuel community are dedicated to making the process of exploring retirement living options as smooth and informed as possible. We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you find the perfect community that fits your needs and preferences.
By understanding the various care levels and having a supportive consultant in this journey, you can confidently make choices that enhance your or your loved one’s quality of life.
