10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Omaha, NE
Your loved one will feel welcome in Omaha’s big-city sprawl thanks to its small-town charm. They’ll also feel at home while living at a memory care community where everyone knows each other. A Place for Mom partners with 13 memory care communities in a 10-mile radius of the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center, which also houses Omaha City Council and Omaha City Hall. This radius includes surrounding suburbs, as well as parts of Iowa, like Council Bluffs.
Memory care communities in Omaha provide assistance and care services to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. While the area does not have many stand-alone memory care facilities, seniors can age in place in a multi-tier care type community. Plus, these memory care neighborhoods are typically specially designed for your loved one’s care needs.
A Place for Mom compiled information from Omaha memory care partners to create a comprehensive guide to memory care in Omaha. Here, seniors and their families can learn more about how to pay for memory care, potential benefits, facility regulations and laws, and the types of facilities that are common in Omaha. Besides memory care, family members will have a better sense of where their loved one will reside.
Omaha Memory Care Facilities | 661 Reviews
We selected Crown Point not because it was the best of all the other ones, but it was close to my home which made it convenient for me to visit. The price was right and the staff was excellent. My Wife...
Staff have been super friendly and are always getting my mom involved in activities. Facility is on the smaller side which is why we choose Westgate.
Nice facility, close to where I live. Most staff are friendly. Things they could improve...more drink choices & ice in the glasses at meal time. Offer fresh ice water for residents morning & afternoon in...
The facility has a safe atmosphere, good food and wait staff, rooms are clean, but small. My wife was there for a month, and she felt comfortable and made friends. Nice courtyard, root beer float Wednesdays,...
The environment is very laid back, there are lots of families coming and going. The apartments are basic, but very nice. The dining experience is always busy and friendly.
Very helpful with drug dispensary. Brought the right dose multiple times each day when I was not available to monitor. The food was great. Nice variety as well as quality. Took care of laundry weekly but...
It's a beautifully designed and decorated place that truly focuses on the social aspect of quality living for older adults. One Friday I was there, there was live music and drinks in the main area and it was...
I would absolutely recommend to others. Mom says the food is amazing and she's had great experiences since moving in. Mom is very introverted and they've done an excellent job inviting her to participate in...
The staff and directors have gone above and beyond with the transition of my dad to this facility. The residents are always friendly and they have adequate activities to keep them entertained daily. I feel...
We chose Parsons House because they were the only ones who were willing to accept my son. They have been great to work with and very accommodating. I would recommend them to others who are looking
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What we like a lot about the St Joseph Tower community is all the different activities they have going on for the residents, like cards and bingo nights. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would...
Overall experience was 4. I would give 5's to Cleanliness, friendliness, food, Administrative staff and activities. Quality of care was good overall (4 rating) but too often had to wait quite a while or...
5 on all. Great experience. Staff is awesome. I definitely would recommend this community to other families. My dad has passed away, but while he was there they took amazing care of him!!
Physically the building and layout is very nice. With a few exceptions the staff are very friendly and good with the residents. The staff don't always pay sufficient attention to the specific needs of...
Great community. No pressure to move in. Staff is amazing. Pet friendly. Great activities for the members. Slow and patient with new members. Engaging. Front office is very open with family members.
What they could improve on would be more outings, but yes we would recommend Bickford of Omaha Hickory to other families based on the experience we have had so far.
What we like the most about The Brant is the cleanliness, friendliness and activities provided. Varying daily menu. We would absolutely recommend this community to other families based on the experience we...
Overall experience is/was a great experience. They took time, answered my questions and seemed genuinely wanting to help. Cleanliness is excellent. From, front door, offices, dining and other rooms. And...
This center is the place that all families dream about for their loved one who needs the care they can no longer give. I visited my great aunt and was so pleased to see her so happy and well cared for by an...
A month after we decided on Bickford, we moved my dad there, and it was a great fit. My dad enjoyed the last six months of his life there, and I was able to visit often. Bickford called me a few times when...
The food was always important to [name removed] when he stayed in respite care and he liked it there. The head staff people are so amazing! We have experienced the staff at [community name removed] and now...
My mom was a resident for almost five years at House of Hope. I was very pleased with the care she received. She felt safe in her own 'apartment' and the core staff were long-term and consistent. ...
Love Via Christie!! The Via Christie staff all go way beyond what is expected to make their residents feel at home and safe at all times. Very comforting to know my dad is being well cared for. Thank you to...
My mom has lived here for 5 years and has loved every moment of it. She started in independent living and has since transitioned to the assisted living area of the building. She loves being under the same...
The staff is really caring, they love our loved one and whenever they have spare time they come to her room just to chat with her. She is in the top level of care and they have great communication.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Omaha community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Omaha community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Omaha area
- What families are saying about memory care in Omaha
- How people pay for memory care in Omaha
- Understand Nebraska and Iowa laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Omaha
- Omaha memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Omaha? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Omaha area
On average, a memory care facility costs $5,058 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This price is what real seniors referred by A Place for Mom paid during 2022-2023.{citation:1}} The cost includes room and board, as well as add-ons and amenities. However, these costs can vary depending on the community’s location, as well as the amenities and services included.
Breakdown of costs for memory care in the Omaha area
You can rest easy knowing your loved one will have numerous services and amenities built into the memory care costs. In the Omaha area, memory care communities typically include the following:
- 24-hour awake staff
- Specially trained memory care staff
- Transportation services
- Urinary incontinence care
- Meals
- Medication management
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
Additionally, memory care communities in Omaha value the safety of your loved one and may have the following safe amenities:
- Enclosed courtyard
- Indoor walking paths
- Outdoor walking paths
- Secured entrances and exits
- TV lounge
Depending on the community, add-on fees may vary depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the community’s fees.[01] Additionally, costs can vary according to the size of the apartment floor plan and the room’s amenities. Below are some common room options:
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- Full kitchens/kitchenettes
- Ground floor units
- Pet-friendly apartments
- Garden views
The following charts are average baseline costs, and do not include add-on fees. They should give you a sense of the costs of memory care in the broader area.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Omaha, NE vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Omaha vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Omaha, NE by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Omaha over time
What families are saying about memory care in Omaha
Recent reviews for memory care in Omaha
Amelia Senior Living in Council Bluffs, IA
Bailey Pointe at Miracle Hills in Omaha, NE
Cedarhurst of La Vista
Omaha review score based on 177 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 177 reviews of 41 Omaha memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Omaha review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Omaha memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 177 reviews of 41 Omaha memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Omaha resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Omaha
Between private and public pay methods, seniors and their families have many ways to pay for a memory care community. If you or your loved one are looking for additional options to pay for senior living, some facilities may accept public methods like veterans benefits, Medicaid, and/or Medicare.
Your loved one may pay for memory care communities either partially or completely with income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Seniors can use one or more of the following to add to private income:
Omaha and the surrounding areas have a military base, a reserves center, and National Guard presence, offering a large network for many veterans. The area has several resources for local veterans, and seniors can receive benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Can veterans benefits help me pay for memory care services?
Yes, there are a wide range of veterans benefits that can help cover anything a senior veteran needs, including memory care expenses. One of the most substantial payments is through VA Aid and Attendance benefits. To qualify for any veterans benefit, a senior or their surviving spouse must meet certain requirements, which are complicated because of how many different qualifications VA benefits allow.
For example, your loved one may qualify for additional benefits if they have a service-related ailment, and almost any ailment or disability could possibly be linked to their service. Therefore, it’s imperative to seek help to understand what benefits your loved one may qualify for. The Omaha area has multiple local veteran service offices and counselors through VA-vetted, nonprofit organizations to help veterans and their families understand benefits, apply for assistance, and file claims.
Are there other veteran benefits specific to the Omaha area?
Yes, both Nebraska and Iowa have military retirement benefits. Below you’ll find more information about both programs:
- Military Retirement Benefits Exclusion (Nebraska): Nebraska veterans can excuse military retirement benefits from their taxable income, as of 2022.
- Military Retirement Tax Exemption (Iowa): Iowa veterans can get federal retirement pay exempted from their state individual income tax forms, as of 2014.
Again, local veteran service officers and volunteers through VA-vetted, nonprofit organizations can help you understand additional veterans benefits that are available to Nebraska and Iowa veterans. So, it is important to contact these local resources prior to applying for financial assistance.
Number of veterans who live in Omaha
About 21% of Omaha veterans are 75+
Resources for Omaha veterans
Douglas County Veteran Service Office
Service Officer: Benson Elmore
1111 S. 41st St., Suite 110
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: 402-444-7180
Email: benson.elmore@douglascounty-ne.gov
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA)
P.O. Box 95083
301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor
Lincoln, NE 68509-5083
Phone: 402-471-2458
Fax: 402-742-1142
Email: ndva@nebraska.gov
Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Phone: 402-420-4021
Fax: 402-471-7070
Email: ndva.sso@nebraska.gov
Post 247 St. Mihiel Post
1044 S. 25th St.
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: 402-968-3447
General Mac Arthur #2
4515 F St.
Omaha, NE 68117
Phone: 402-731-4088
William V Brooks #47
2702 Fontenelle Blvd.
Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: 402-557-7822
NE Post 0331
4830 S. 21st St.
Omaha, NE 68107-2801
Phone: 402-731-5158
Email: 331adj@post331.omhcoxmail.com
NE Post 0037
1329 O St.
Omaha, NE 68107-3056
Phone: 402-731-8814
Email: raider823@msn.com
NE Post 0001
7811 Davenport St.
Omaha, NE 68114-3628
Phone: 402-391-6764
Email: post1@amlegionpost1omaha.org
Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office
623 Sixth Ave.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: 712-328-5726
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Camp Dodge – Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
Phone: 515-252-4698
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) office
Post 737 Grenville M. Dodge Post
716 S. Fourth St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503-6537
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office
Col Don Macrae #5
716 Fourth St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: 402-740-3619
Council Bluff’s American Legion office
IA Post 0002
716 S. Fourth St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503-6537
Phone: 712-325-4874
Email: rainbowpost2@gmail.com
Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid are medical insurance programs funded through the state and federal governments. They’re designed to help Nebraska and Iowa residents receive medical insurance, if they meet certain eligibility and income requirements. For example, your loved one may qualify if they are low-income, are aged 65+, or have a disability. Between Nebraska and Iowa, there are many factors that may affect eligibility, so it is important to contact local resources to confirm whether your loved one qualifies.
While Medicaid does not cover memory care facility fees, the program does have home and community based services (HCBS) waivers that assist seniors with certain health care costs. Some of these waivers and other Medicaid programs have additional eligibility requirements, such as requiring a senior to need a nursing home level of care.
What qualifies as a nursing home level of care?
The definition of a nursing home level of care varies from state-to-state. Below are the differences between Nebraska’s and Iowa’s nursing home level of care:
Nebraska: Nebraska looks into the senior’s cognitive functions. A senior undergoes an evaluation to determine if a Medicaid nursing facility is medically necessary. A senior may not have to undergo an assessment if dementia is a senior’s primary disorder.[03]
Iowa: Iowa requires an assessment to determine whether your loved one needs a nursing home level of care. This can include mental impairments that impact your loved one’s ability to live independently, such as dementia.[04]
What are home and community based services waivers in Nebraska?
Nebraska Medicaid has different home and community based services (HCBS) waivers, but one of the most relevant waivers for memory care costs is the Aged and Disabled waiver. This waiver helps low-income seniors aged 65 and older, as well as those with physical disabilities. However, to be eligible, seniors must need a nursing home level of care.
The Aged and Disabled waiver helps cover assisted living services, as well as services like the following:
- Adult day health care
- Assistive technology
- Companion services
- Building of independence skills
- Nonmedical transportation
- Home and vehicle modifications[05]
Additionally, this waiver helps cover Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). This helps offer additional reassurance that your eligible loved one is safe. This may be beneficial in a community that does not have an emergency response system, but approximately 53% of our memory care partners have wander guard systems.[01] It is important to double check with your community on whether they have a similar system.
The HCBS can also help your loved one receive personal assistance services, such as assistance with activities of daily living, in their own home.
How are home and community based services waivers different in Iowa?
Iowa Medicaid has a similar waiver to Nebraska’s Aged and Disabled waiver. The Elderly Waiver helps Iowa seniors aged 65 and older who meet eligibility and income requirements. This waiver covers services like the following:
- Assistive devices, like sipper lids, dressing aids, and double-handled cups
- Senior companions
- Case management
- Home and vehicle modification
- Emergency response systems[06]
The Elderly Waiver also helps cover Consumer-Directed Attendant Care (CDAC). This offers professional care in your loved one’s home or community. These professionals can help with skilled or nonskilled services like the following:
- Cognitive assistance
- Eating and feeding
- Toileting assistance
- Medication monitoring
- Wheelchair transfers
- Care for specific medical conditions
- Assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, hygiene, grooming, bathing, etc.[06]
What is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)?
Both Nebraska and Iowa offer Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which covers Medicare and Medicaid care services. A senior must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as needing a nursing home level of care, to qualify for PACE.
Once your loved one qualifies, PACE can help cover services, such as the following:
- Hospital care
- Nursing home care
- Prescription drugs
- Medical specialty services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Meals
How to find assistance with Medicaid benefits
Between understanding Medicaid and applying for benefits, the whole process is often complex and challenging. However, Medicaid benefits are very helpful in paying for senior care. Local Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska and Iowa are available to help seniors and their families through this process. Each area also has a local ombudsman who can help advocate for your loved one and inform them on health insurance issues. Here, you’ll find further resources and links to additional information.
Omaha resident Medicaid resources
Apply for Nebraska Medicaid.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Medicaid assistance: 855-632-7633
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
Phone: 402-471-2307
Email: DHHS.Aging@nebraska.gov
4780 S. 131st St.
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: 402-444-6536
Phone: 800-338-8366
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council Bluffs Office
231 S. Main St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Local office phone: 712-328-2540
Toll-free phone: 800-432-9209
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65+ and those with disabilities or certain diseases. Medicare does not identify memory care in a long-term care community as short-term or medically necessary care; therefore, it does not cover the costs of room and board. However, the program does help cover certain medical services. Depending on the type of coverage, Medicare can help cover the following services:
- Short-term skilled nursing care
- Hospice care
- Prescription drugs
- Preventative services
- Hospital care[07]
Medicare also has Medicare Advantage Plans, which includes both Plan A and Plan B coverage. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) — a type of Medicare Advantage Plan — tailors benefits, drugs, and providers to meet the needs of the individuals the plan is made for. This includes seniors with dementia.
What services have “short-term” coverage?
Some services, like skilled nursing care or hospital stays, are only covered for a short period of time. However, the coverage time period changes depending on the service. If your loved one needs rehabilitative care after a fall, surgery, or stroke, Medicare changes coverage over the course of their stay in a skilled nursing facility. For skilled nursing care, your loved one can expect the following coverage:
- A stay of up to 20 days has a $0 copay.
- A stay of 21 to 100 days has a copay of up to $200 per day.
- Starting day 101, a senior is responsible for all costs.
If your loved one needs to stay in a hospital, their benefit period is extremely different. A short-term hospital stay will include the following coverage:
- A stay of up to 60 days has a $0 copay.
- A stay of 61 to 90 days has a copay of up to $400 per day.
- A stay of more than 91 days has a $800 copay per lifetime reserve day (every person has a total of 60 lifetime reserve days that can be used in a lifetime).
- A senior is responsible for all costs once they have no lifetime reserve days.
What are financial assistance programs?
Medicare includes financial assistance programs, like the Medicare Savings Programs, to help qualifying low-income seniors pay for Medicare costs. Additionally, both Nebraska and Iowa have access to Medicare’s Extra Help program, which offers assistance with prescription drugs costs and Medicare Plan D costs. Nebraska also has a free discount prescription program, Douglas County Prescription Discount Card, for Douglas County residents.
How to receive assistance with Medicare benefits
Both Nebraska and Iowa have resources available to help seniors and their families understand and apply for Medicare benefits. You or your loved one can contact counselors and/or volunteers for help with Medicare benefits, claims, and applications through the following programs:
- Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program and Medicare Patrol (SHIIP-SMP)
Additionally, the local ombudsman can help advocate for your loved one’s rights and provide information on health insurance issues.
Medicare resources in the Omaha area
Omaha: Beth Nodes
Phone: 402-444-6536
402-561-2239
Email: beth.nodes@enoa.org
Iowa: Julie Pollock
Phone: 712-249-7424
Volunteers Assisting Seniors
1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 312
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: 402-444-6617
Understand Nebraska and Iowa laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Nebraska and Iowa categorize memory care facilities as assisted living facilities with dementia care. Therefore, memory care facilities may follow similar requirements made for assisted living facilities. Memory care facilities and units also have some additional specifications they must follow.
Assisted living facilities that provide dementia care in Nebraska and Iowa must be licensed and undergo inspections. The dementia care regulations and license requirements in both states are explained below.
Nebraska laws and regulations for memory care facilities
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) licenses and inspects memory care facilities. To have an Alzheimer’s special care unit, a facility must provide applicable information about that care type. Every type of facility and/or care service must have a separate license. To obtain a license, assisted living facilities and memory care units must meet specific requirements and regulations.[08] You can find inspection reports and areas to find licensed facilities through the Nebraska Department of Health.
Facility requirements
If a memory care facility or unit is licensed as an assisted living facility, they are required to offer a safe and clean environment, as well as the following features:
- Good lighting
- Adequate environmental temperatures
- Sound levels that are acceptable for care provided
- Furnished common areas[08]
In addition to providing care and services necessary for dementia care, memory care units and facilities have their additional facility requirements. To help ensure the safety of the residents, memory care units are required to provide the following:
- Personalized resident bedrooms
- Private activity areas
- Group activity areas
- Separate dining rooms
- Features to help residents orient themselves with their surroundings
- Secured storage for equipment and supplies
- Call and security systems
- Medication storage and distribution area[08]
Staff requirements
Facilities that specialize in memory care must have a sufficient number of direct care staff members, but Nebraska law does not specify how much is considered “sufficient.” Regardless, your loved one will receive qualified care thanks to Nebraska’s training requirements. Administrators and direct care staff members must receive training to meet dementia-specific needs with services like the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Personal care
- Health maintenance activities
- Supervision
- Supportive services
Plus, your loved one will have knowledgeable care with more specialized training for administrators and direct staff members. Their training must include information on the following:
- The Alzheimer’s disease process
- The facility’s approach to supervising and providing care to memory loss residents
- The skills necessary for proper care[08]
Iowa laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Similar to Nebraska, Iowa qualifies memory care facilities as assisted living programs with dementia care. Therefore, memory care facilities follow the same regulations as assisted living programs in Iowa. In addition to following these regulations, memory care facilities have additional requirements since they add dementia care services.
Assisted living programs with dementia care in Iowa are licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals. To receive this license, the program must get a certification and undergo an inspection. After approval, the facility’s license lasts two years. They must also undergo inspections every other year to keep the license. To offer memory care services, assisted living programs must also be certified as a dementia care unit.[09] The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals has inspection reports and areas to find licensed facilities.
Staff requirements
Every dementia care unit must have at least one staff member available around the clock. Additionally, the facility must provide the dementia care staff with 8 hours of memory care training and education upon hiring, and at least another 2 hours annually. However, staff members who are direct care staff must undergo 8 hours of memory care training and education annually. In this training, staff members may learn about these topics:
- Dementia diagnosis explanation
- Communication skills
- Family issues
- Activities of daily living (ADL) assistance
- Working with challenging residents[09]
Facility requirements
If your loved one wanders and becomes easily confused, you can feel at ease knowing dementia care units are required to have an alarm system connected to all exit doors in the facility. Additionally, staff members must be able to disable locks on doors. Iowa also requires memory care apartments with kitchens to disable or remove appliances.[09]
How to learn more about memory care laws and regulations
While memory care facilities fall under assisted living, both states have additional laws and regulations for assisted living facilities that offer dementia care. For additional information about typical assisted living regulations and laws, visit our guide to assisted living in Omaha.
Nebraska Department of Health contact information
Search for licensed assisted living/memory care facilities.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals contact information
Learn more about Iowa’s assisted living/memory care regulations.
Look up Iowa’s licensed assisted living/memory care communities.
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th St., 3rd Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0083
Phone: 515-281-7102
COVID-19 regulations for Omaha memory care facilities
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed their COVID-19 guidelines, so have states like Nebraska and Iowa. However, both states have recommendations for those who test positive for COVID-19 infection.
After someone tests positive for COVID-19 infection, Iowa residents should isolate for up to 10 days after the test result.[10] Nebraska is slightly different with an isolation recommendation of five days. Following the five day isolation, the Nebraska Department of Health recommends the following protocol:
- Those who did not have symptoms can end isolation.
- Those who showed symptoms and have been fever-free for 24-hours can end isolation but should continue wearing a mask.
A person can stop wearing a mask once they have either:
- Tested negative twice on a COVID-19 antigen test (must be taken 48 hours apart)
- After day 11 if they are symptom free[11]
Additionally, Nebraska has an official vaccination campaign, Finish Strong Nebraska, which encourages those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Individual senior living facilities may have additional requirements. Nebraska assisted living communities — and therefore memory care facilities — do not require masks for fully vaccinated residents. However, if your loved one is not vaccinated, they recommend wearing a mask and continuing to practice social distancing.[12]
What to expect from memory care living in Omaha
Memory care communities feature specially designed buildings that help seniors with dementia become quickly acclimated to their new surroundings. Your loved one will receive quality care provided by specially trained staff members who know how to handle specific dementia behaviors. While these aspects are customary in memory care communities, it does not diminish the importance of these commonalities. In addition to these features, memory care communities in Omaha are typically multi-tier care facilities. Here, you’ll learn more about how your loved one can easily age in place in Omaha.
How stand-alone and multi-tier care facilities differ
A Place for Mom partners with three stand-alone memory care partners in the 10-mile radius of Omaha City Hall, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. These are located in Omaha itself. A majority of our memory care partners in Omaha offer multiple care types on the same campus, meaning assisted living, independent living, or both are also available.[01] This helps seniors age in place in case their care needs change. This can be beneficial if your loved one is not yet affected by or diagnosed with dementia. If they only require assistance with activities of daily living but expect to need memory care in the future, they can live in assisted living until the change for memory care is needed.
A community with additional care types on the same campus typically has more amenities, activities, and staff members available. A community with multiple care types may not be a necessity because a senior with dementia typically stays in memory care indefinitely. This type of community may help find hospice care faster though. Approximately 10 of our memory care partners offer on-site hospice care.[01] By having access to hospice care on-site, your loved one will not have to find a third party agency or move to a different community. Aging in place like this helps prevent confusion for seniors with dementia.
How memory care facilities are specially designed
Approximately 84% of our memory care partners in Omaha are specially designed to accommodate memory loss.[01] This type of design varies according to the community. This may mean the community has at least one of the following:
- Secured entrances and exits
- Wander guard or similar systems
- Easy navigation features like colored walls
- Natural lighting
A community that is designed for memory loss can help your loved one navigate through the halls easily by themselves, which provides them with a sense of independence. These types of communities also help prevent confused seniors from wandering outside of the community without a family member or care attendant.
Our partners’ specialized memory care programs
A common feature for memory care facilities in Omaha are specialized memory care programs. While the program changes depending on the community, the overarching theme is to offer individualized, person-centered care to help ease symptoms and common behaviors as well as provide dementia-friendly activities. This typically includes having staff members who are specially trained in Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia care.
About 92% of our Omaha memory care partners have specially trained memory care staff members.[01] So, you can feel at ease knowing a majority of these memory care communities have staff members who are qualified in common dementia-related behaviors, such as the following:
- Restlessness
- Wandering
- Exit-seeking
- Disorientation
- Agitation
- Anxiety
Memory care in the surrounding Omaha suburbs
Whether your loved one prefers a city lifestyle or suburban living, Omaha has memory care options available in both areas. Almost half of our memory care partners near Omaha City Hall are located outside of the city itself. However, about 65% of seniors prefer living in the city, according to A Place for Mom proprietary data.[01] When comparing our memory care partners in the city versus in surrounding suburbs, they are all virtually similar. Even when looking further away from Omaha City Hall, the average cost is almost exactly the same.
Omaha memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Omaha memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Omaha memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Omaha memory care
Availability of select dining options in Omaha memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Omaha memory care
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
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Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Omaha? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 75 currently living in Omaha
Percentage of seniors 75 and older within the Omaha population
Mean retirement income for Omaha seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Omaha
Your loved one will have access to top-notch care in the Omaha area with many local hospital systems offering a variety of geriatric care services and personalized care for seniors with dementia. Here are some of the most prominent hospitals with the highest ratings in the region.
Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center
Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center offers quality care tailored to seniors with dementia through Nebraska Medicines Memory Disorders Clinic. This clinic has specialists available to help diagnose, treat, manage, and research dementia. Additionally, the hospital’s geriatric clinic, Home Instead Center for Successful Aging. Besides geriatric medicine, the hospital performs highly in a variety of adult specialties, including cancer, gastroenterology and GI surgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology and lung surgery. Overall, the hospital ranks highly with a rating of No. 1 in both Nebraska and Omaha, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Nebraska Methodist Hospital provides specialty care for seniors with dementia through the hospital’s Geriatric Assessment Clinic. This clinic helps assess whether cognitive changes are related to a disease or normal aging. Additionally, the hospital system helps the general senior population through the Acute Care for Elders Unit and four geriatric programs. These programs help orient seniors with dementia to their unfamiliar surroundings during a hospital stay, as well as educate seniors on wellness and medication, connect them with dedicated geriatric-educated nurses, and certify nurses in elder care. The hospital system goes beyond geriatric care with overall rankings of No. 2 in Omaha and No. 3 in Nebraska, according to U.S. News and World Report.
CHI Health Immanuel
CHI Health Immanuel, located in north Omaha, offers specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia through their neurological institute. CHI Health Immanuel also offers a home health care service program called CHI Health at Home. Besides in-home care services, the hospital has specialized on-site care services, including a cancer center, rehabilitation center, and specialty spine hospital. If your loved one is located in Council Bluffs, the hospital system has an additional location in Iowa called CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs.
Transportation for seniors in Omaha
Approximately 92% of our memory care partners in Omaha offer on-site transportation services. [01] This could be complimentary or for an additional fee. This is the best travel option for seniors with dementia since they will need to have a caregiver available at all times. It is important for your loved one to feel safe with a caregiver in case confusion occurs in an area outside of the community.
Since a majority of Omaha residents own a car, the city does not have a lot of public transportation options. However, the public transportation options Omaha does have are accessible to those with disabilities. All buses offered through Omaha Metro can lower so your loved one will not have to take a large step up. Additionally, every bus has two wheelchair spaces and a ramp. These buses offer metro fare discounts for seniors aged 62 and older, as well as adults with disabilities.
If your loved one cannot access the bus stations or needs additional assistance due to a disability, the area has a complimentary ADA paratransit service called MOBY. Your loved one must qualify under ADA eligibility criteria to use this service. When using MOBY, a senior must make a reservation for next-day travel, but a reservation can be made up to 14 days prior to the service.
For help determining eligibility and scheduling a service, contact Omaha Metro at 402-341-0800.
Senior activities in Omaha
Living in a big city, seniors have access to a variety of activities. However, in Omaha, these activities are accompanied by the pervading feeling of home, thanks to the city’s overall small-town feel. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Omaha residents recommend visiting the Old Market, which features restaurants, museums, art galleries, spas, and stores. Other popular activities and attractions are listed below.
Must-see for visitors and locals
Whether you’re visiting or are a long-time local, every city has its must-see attractions. In Omaha, this includes the well-known Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo captivates every animal and visitor with its realistic exhibits. From the large indoor Desert Dome to the Kingdoms of the Night, seniors and their grandchildren will have endless memories in rare habitats.
These areas use authentic items and animals from various locations to create an immersive experience. With desert plants, red sand, and indoor mountains, the Desert Dome immerses visitors in a lifelike area by including a large geodesic dome full of things you would see in the desert. In the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, visitors traveling through an area filled with nocturnal creatures, like blind cave fish and fruit bats.
Additionally, at this zoo you can listen to the crashing waterfalls and sounds from various animals in the largest indoor rainforest in America, Lied Jungle. In addition to their multitude of beautiful exhibits, the zoo has a train, tram, and Skyfari to help you and your loved one easily travel throughout the 160 acres. Your loved one can also remain comfortable with motorized and manual wheelchairs available to rent.
Besides the zoo and aquarium, the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge is a well-known area for locals and visitors. In fact, this modern footbridge connects Omaha and Council Bluffs. The 3,000-foot-long bridge is a beautiful, well-lit path for pedestrians or bikers. Between the large s-curved shape and the multi-colored lights, this staple of Omaha is hard to miss.
Outdoor areas
Between the beautiful gardens, lakes, and parks, the Omaha area is in no shortage of outdoor areas. It is important for seniors to get outdoors to keep their vitamin D levels high and to prevent feelings of isolation. So, having access to a multitude of outdoor areas is a great benefit for local seniors.
Omaha is home to over 250 parks and over 120 miles of paved walking trails. Some of these trails are located in surrounding areas, like Council Bluffs. Along these paved trails, seniors and their families can take a break at camping sites, fishing areas, lakes, or picnic tables. These areas should not be explored alone by seniors with dementia, since confusion may occur and cause them to get lost. We recommend walking through these areas with your loved one or finding a caregiver to help them explore the area.
The RiverFront is spread across 72 acres and encompasses three parks between Old Market and downtown Omaha. With beautiful lakeside views and green grass areas, the RiverFront is easily accessible for wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices.
Besides parks and lakes, Omaha has the Lauritzen Gardens, where beautiful four-season plants bloom, offering a peaceful botanical garden. Seniors with a green thumb will enjoy the OPPD Arboretum, with educational information and views of common local trees and shrubs.
Performing arts
Seniors and their visiting family members can enjoy Omaha’s well-established music and arts scene thanks to the Omaha Performing Arts Society (O-pa). From Broadway shows to live music, there is something for everyone in one of the three venues. Additionally, these venues are extremely accessible with a variety of accommodations available.
Seniors with dementia can become overwhelmed quickly, but the O-pa helps accommodate those behaviors with sensory-friendly performances. These performances make changes — like avoiding strobe lights, certain effects, or loud sounds — to the production to avoid sudden changes. If a performance is not made to be sensory-friendly, O-pa offers sensory kits to help guests feel more relaxed.
Museums
Whether your loved one or family is interested in history or art, there is a museum for everyone. The most frequented and accessible museums in the Omaha area are the following:
- The Durham Museum: A museum full of different traveling exhibits throughout the year, ranging from history to science.
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum: A museum in Council Bluffs filled with interesting western history facts and artifacts.
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: A Cold War Museum full of different exhibits that feature educational information on historical events and people.
Additionally, people can visit the local United States Naval Museum, Freedom Park, between May and October. The park is a self-guided tour allowing seniors and their families to go at their own pace. Senior veterans with dementia can revisit their memories from their service through the real life military aircrafts, submarines, minesweepers, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crown Pointe Retirement Community, Westgate Assisted Living and Marquis Place are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Omaha, NE. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Omaha is $4,501 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 47 memory care facilities near you in Omaha, Nebraska typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Omaha, Nebraska, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Omaha, Nebraska, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Omaha, Nebraska ranges from $590 to $8900. The average Memory Care cost in Omaha, Nebraska is $4,501. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Omaha, Nebraska typically starts at $590. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, June 26). Nursing facility regulations.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Services on the Aged and Disabled Waiver.
Iowa Department of Human Services. (2022, June 24). Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider manual.
Medicare. What Medicare health plans cover.
Nebraska Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure. (2007, April 3). Health Care Facilities and Services Licensure, Chapter 4 Assisted Living Facilities.
Office of the Assistance Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.(2015) Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Emerging health issues – novel Coronavirus.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Steps to take after testing positive or exposure to COVID-19.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, July 14). Assisted-living facility masking guidance.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Hospital Search.
Bird, S. (2023, Feb. 13). Personal communication [Zoom interview].
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