The Landing, one of Immanuel’s signature senior living and retirement living, was recently named the best in Lincoln by local voters through Lincoln’s Choice Award. With no-maintenance living, a 20-year history serving the community, care services at every level, and premier amenities like onsite restaurants, it’s easy to see why this beloved community was named the best.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Jennifer Knecht, Immanuel vice president of marketing, sales and communications. “Over the years, we’ve seen The Landing family come together to make this campus one that puts people first. Beyond our focus on enhanced services and amenities, our compassionate employees and welcoming residents are at the foundation.”
Lincoln’s Choice Awards, in its 10th year of celebrating the city’s best restaurants, grocery stores, health care providers, golf courses and more, relies on Lincolnites to cast votes for their favorites. Winners were announced via virtual ceremony this past March with nominees and winners featured in a Lincoln Journal Star special edition in April. For years, the best senior living community has been a competitive category.
“There’s a lot of components that go into excellence in retirement living,” said Knecht. “From healthcare support to amenities to the apartments themselves, there’s a fine balance between independence and coordinated community.”
The Landing, a pillar in Lincoln’s Williamsburg neighborhood since 2001, serves area retirees with a continuing care campus including independent living apartments, assisted living, memory support and long-term care. Apartment floor plans are spacious, up to 2,000 sq. ft., and can include full kitchens, extra bedrooms and bonus rooms. The campus itself is extensive with upscale amenities like onsite restaurants, a state-of-the-art wellness center, and enrichment opportunities like continuing education classes, an art gallery and more. All campus amenities and upkeep are included in monthly fees, a great benefit for senior residents.
For Knecht, no-maintenance living is a big draw to the senior living lifestyle, but it’s the community aspect that provides the greatest value. “Senior loneliness is a growing epidemic. But in our communities, seniors have no trouble finding ways to connect, whether through organized events or organically through friendly neighbor residents.”
In a climate where social events have to be reimagined and with many retirees wary of communal living, being named the best senior living community requires more than signature amenities, but a commitment to safety.
“Our commitment to safety has been steadfast at The Landing since first learning of the COVID-19 virus. Effective infection control was a top priority, but also resident wellbeing,” said Knecht.
During the pandemic, The Landing employees and residents were largely able to keep the virus at bay and also provide for overall wellbeing with regular safety check-ins, delivered meals, care packages, safe social activities and technology that helped residents connect with The Landing’s team and family members.
For Knecht, the approach was comprehensive, effective, and telling of the nonprofit guided mission of Immanuel. “As an Immanuel community, The Landing is part of our mission of service to the community. It means we’re continuously investing in ways to improve and extend support.”
As a nonprofit organization, The Landing’s profits above operating expenses are invested into community improvements and safety measures that directly benefit senior residents. That mission was seen in spades at The Landing over the last few years as the campus completed many construction projects. The Landing saw improvements to community areas as well as the addition of an onsite market, restaurants and a fine dining option.
“New amenities are only a reflection of the great spirit you’ll find at The Landing,” said Knecht. “Here, people are at the heart of what makes this community a home. Senior living is so much more than no-maintenance apartments. It’s about friendships, lifelong learning, thriving wellness and connection.”