March 4, 2025
It all started with a gift that keeps on giving.
Immanuel’s Lakeside and The Lighthouse communities in Omaha, Nebraska, have been nationally recognized with the prestigious Communities That Shine Award from LifeLoop. This honor highlights retirement living and senior care communities that creatively use technology to enhance the lives of residents, staff, and families.
Among only 12 recipients nationwide, Lakeside and The Lighthouse stand out as Nebraska’s sole winners.
Behind this achievement is a touching story of generosity and lifelong impact.
The late Mabel Hamann, a longtime resident of Lakeside and The Lighthouse, left a remarkable legacy that continues to enrich the lives of fellow residents. Mabel, who lived on the Lakeside campus for 18 years, cherished her community and the friendships she built there.
Her passion for learning and music was something she shared with her late sisters, Margretta and Gladys. When they passed away in 1999, Mabel inherited their assets. As a committed donor to the Immanuel Community Foundation, Mabel had long supported initiatives that enhanced the lives of residents. But it was upon her passing that her greatest gift was realized — she left over $121,000 solely for the benefit of Lakeside and The Lighthouse residents.
One of the first items purchased with Mabel’s gift was LifeLoop’s Group Engagement Systems (a.k.a. iN2l) and LifeLoop software for memory care. The iN2L (It’s Never Too Late) system is an interactive technology that aligns with LifeLoop’s mission to enhance senior living. This system provides multi-sensory engagement, perfectly complementing the tools that earned Lakeside and The Lighthouse the Communities that Shine Award for Brilliance in Person-Centered Care from LifeLoop.
LifeLoop’s cutting-edge platform allows communities to deliver individualized and group engagement experiences, particularly benefiting residents in memory support and rehabilitation.
“Our memory support staff use LifeLoop daily, along with sensory tools like robotic pets and tactile puzzles,” said Cameo Rogers, Immanuel’s Corporate Life Enrichment Manager. “This technology has become essential in our programming, creating personalized and meaningful experiences.”
At The Lighthouse, therapists integrate LifeLoop into rehabilitation sessions, using interactive games and virtual activities to encourage participation and improve recovery outcomes.
“We’ve seen improvement in standing tolerance, pain management, and even mood through LifeLoop during therapy,” Cameo added. “It’s been a game-changer for recovery.”
Beyond resident engagement, LifeLoop has transformed daily operations for staff, making processes more efficient. Automated scheduling tools and engagement tracking allow teams to focus more on care rather than paperwork. Staff can quickly assess which residents may benefit from additional one-to-one interactions, ensuring meaningful connections.
Before LifeLoop, activity participation was tracked through spreadsheets and handwritten notes. Now, with just a few clicks, staff can monitor engagement levels and adjust accordingly. Additionally, LifeLoop strengthens family connections by providing updates and engagement insights, allowing loved ones to stay informed and involved.
The impact of these technology-driven initiatives is undeniable. Research shows that:
- 94% of communities using LifeLoop see a significant impact on resident well-being
- 96% report increased staff efficiency
- 93% agree LifeLoop enhances staff satisfaction
- 90% say it provides a competitive advantage
“Congratulations to The Lighthouse and Lakeside for earning this well-deserved recognition,” said LifeLoop CEO Rob Fisher. “These communities embrace technology to create meaningful experiences for residents, families, and staff, setting a remarkable standard for the entire industry.”
Through the generosity of donors like Mabel Hamann and the innovation of tools like LifeLoop, Lakeside and The Lighthouse are redefining senior care. Mabel’s legacy continues to shine, proving that acts of giving — big or small — can have a lasting and transformative impact.
