Get started by including you or your loved one’s primary care physician in the decision-making process. He or she can tell you about you or your loved one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, so that you can start to understand what care will be most beneficial.

Yes, we are evaluated yearly. We consistently receive excellent reviews because of our rigorous standards and expectations of our employees with regard to patient care.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 or older or people under 65 with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Medicare does not cover all expenses and is not designated to pay for long-term custodial care, so it is important to understand the program. For patients meeting requirements, Medicare helps cover the costs for hospital stays, skilled nursing home stays up to 100 days and hospice care. Our admissions team members will be happy to provide you with current rates and coverage.

The Medicaid program provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no medical insurance or inadequate medical insurance. The federal government establishes guidelines for the program, but each state establishes the program’s requirements including eligibility. You can find out more about the Medicaid program by visiting www.cms.gov or by talking with our admissions team.

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are for those recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Many patients need additional medical and rehabilitative therapies before successfully transitioning from hospital to home. In addition, some residents choose to make a skilled nursing center their permanent home. In this case, it usually means residents need medical supervision and support that can no longer be provided safely at home.  Assisted living centers are designed for those who still want to retain their independence, but need some assistance with taking medications, bathing, dressing or meal preparation. Programming is focused on maintaining skills and retaining quality of life.

For short-term stays focused on rehabbing a patient back to their home, ask the center about its successful outcomes treating patients with you or your loved one’s illness, injury or disease. Ask about the staff’s knowledge regarding post-hospital care. Tour the center for cleanliness, friendliness of the staff and amenities that are important to you. Ask to sample food  and visit with residents similar to you or your loved one.

We have licensed nurses on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The charge nurses supervise a staff of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who help patients with bathing, dressing and meals. In addition, the CNA staff takes daily vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, temperature and pulse) and report these to the charge nurse. Family members may also call the charge nurse at any time for a status report on a patient’s medical condition. We are here to assist with the family’s concerns, as well as the patient’s.

As the child or spouse of an aging or ill loved one, guilt or fear may prevent you from getting the help that you need. Our admissions team will be happy to provide you with literature, referrals to community support programs and information about our services at Holdrege Memorial Homes.

Making the move to a long-term care setting can be one of the most difficult decisions you make. To help you and your loved one get acquainted with Holdrege Memorial Homes, make sure you discuss these items with our admissions team so they can help make the transition as smooth as possible. What is the patient’s diet likes and dislikes? How mobile is he or she? How much can he or she manage her personal care and hygiene? What were his or her former living conditions like? What support did he or she have? What role does religion play in your loved one’s life? What are your loved one’s routine and habits, as well as hobbies? What about mental capacity? Does your loved one fear new surroundings? Do they socialize easily?

Visitors are very important to our residents, and a well-planned visit can be rewarding for the both of you. When visiting a loved one, talk to the staff about the best time to come. Coach your children on what to expect, and plan an activity such as playing a card game, board game, working on a scrapbook or eating a meal together. If your loved one can manage, also consider planning an activity outside of Holdrege Memorial Homes.