The older we are, the more frustrating it can be getting back into good health after an illness or injury. Slower rehabilitation happens because older adults have whats called a decreased physiological reserve. (Thecapability of an organ to carry out its activity under stressis known as physiologic reserve). Generally, a healthy individual will attain the peak of their physiologic reserve at 25 years of age. After that, the reserve starts to decline as the individual ages. Because of this decrease, it takes older adults longer to recover from illness and injury.For older patients, its not just about recovering from an injury. Its often about recovering other cognitive, balance, and strength functions that could decline during a hospital stay.Post-acute care provided by Hillcrest Health Services provides for a smooth transition from hospital to home. It promotes the functional recovery of older adults, prevents unnecessary hospital readmission, and avoids premature admission to a long-term care facility. Hillcrests post-acute facilities are Medicare-certified and accept Medicare and most private insurances.Hillcrests Post-Acute Care ProgramHillcrest Healthcare offers post-acute care rehabilitation at 4 different locations in Nebraska:Hillcrest Health and Rehab in BellevueHillcrest Country Estates: Rehab Cottage in PapillionHillcrest MillardHillcrest Firethorn in LincolnThese programs help to transition from the hospital to home. We know how to help the patient recover most quickly without causing another injury or hospitalization. At Hillcrest, our facilities offer a comfortable environment for all guests by providing only private transitional care. While were focused on rehabilitation and ensuring our guests get the most out of their experience, we also respect their independence. At Hillcrest, we haveover 25 years of experiencewhen it comes to post-acute rehabilitation. As a result, we understand what it takes to get our guests back to their optimal level of function.Our Post-Acute Rehabilitation Team:Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anthony Hatcher oversees our medical care. Before joining Hillcrest Health Services, she spent more than 20 years working for Alegent /CHI Health as a practicing clinical physician. Additionally, our team of therapists are not third-party contractors that we invite in a few days per week; instead, they are exclusively employed by Hillcrest. We take great pride in our team and make sure they have state-of-the-art therapy equipment to provide innovative physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help speed up recovery.Our Excellent Rehabilitation FacilitiesWe encourage you to take a virtual tour of all four of our post-acute rehabilitation facilities. Just click on the name of the facility below:Hillcrest Health and Rehab in BellevueAt Hillcrest Health and Rehab, we began developing our post-acute care services in the early 90s. Since then, we have assisted thousands of patients in the transition from hospital to home, utilizing a variety of therapies, including physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic. In addition, we host the largest rehab gym in the region (10,000 square feet).Hillcrest Country Estates: Rehab Cottage in PapillionStart your road to recovering from an injury, illness, surgery, or hospital stay. At the Rehab Cottage located in the Hillcrest Country Estates, our guests feel an incredible sense of warmth, compassion, and support from a team that is 100% dedicated to their recovery.Hillcrest MillardHillcrest Millard offers over 25 years of experience in post-acute rehabilitation. Among staffing our professionals, we also provide 19 specialty rooms with piped-in oxygen for guests with cardiopulmonary diseases.Hillcrest Firethorn in LincolnHillcrest Firethorn offers years of experience providing best-in-class care for aging adults through our continuum of services. We have been recognized nationally for our leadership and innovation. In addition, Firethorn provides post-acute rehabilitation services in the newest and most beautiful post-acute center in Lincoln.Learn more about our post-acute rehab programs, Contact us today to learn more about our post-acute rehab programs. You can also learn more about it from our website.

Aging in place continues to increase in popularity, but what to do when you notice an older loved one is having trouble living safely at home is an issue many of us face. Troublesome signs such as a dirty home in poor repair, unpaid bills, piles of mail, and food out of date or spoiled in the kitchen, poor personal hygiene, and trouble managing medications are all warning signs that your senior is struggling. When visiting, you may notice a loss of weight, disoriented behavior, or lonely and depressive behaviors. When these signs reveal themselves to you, it is time for your older relative to move in with you or into some senior living community where the situation is safer.Even before the pandemic, polls began showing a shift to the living trend of a century ago, when most seniors lived with their adult children in a multi-generational house. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that older parents are moving in with their adult children and comprising a larger component of shared living than a generation ago. AARP states, Today, 14 percent of adults living in someone elses household are a parent of the household head, up from 7 percent in 1995. And with many Americans now working from home, keeping a watchful eye over a parent is easier than ever.If you are considering moving your loved one into your home, there are several things to think about before making a move. For example, you might think the idea is fantastic, but how will it affect other current household members, spouses, or children? Does everyone get along, or will you be importing conflict? Are your lifestyles compatible regarding quiet hours, entertaining guests? Is smoking a habit of someones that needs consideration? Is your home big enough, or will someone have to give up their room? Is your home suitable for the needs of your loved one? Can they be housed on a single floor without having to use stairs? Can your parent bring their familiar belongings and furniture with them?Perhaps it is feasible to create a mother-in-law apartment with a separate entrance or invest in a backyard cottage, the so-called granny pod. If they reside in your active home, what modifications can you make to create a safer environment? Things like night lights, the removal of area rugs, or adding grab bars in the shower or an additional handrail on the stairs can make big safety differences.Who will be tasked to help your parent? The fact that your parent now lives with you should not mean you are at their service all of the time. Many well-meaning adult children make this mistake. At the start of living together, a parent is usually fairly self-sufficient. Still, in time they will require more, and if you do not begin your living agreement employing outside help, you will fall into a trap where your time is no longer your own. Share tasks with other family members and make them do their part. Find local senior support services and check out professional in-home care to ensure your loved one becomes accustomed to others providing support to them.If not in your home, where will your loved one go? Living in a family multi-generational home isnt for everyone. Your parent might prefer shared-living, that is, adults living under the same roof but not romantically involved, a sort of roommate experience. Or perhaps a retirement community with defined living stages, from independent to assisted, and full-time care. Many families find living together can save money but not necessarily sanity and look to house their parents out of direct living contact. Talk it out as a family. Even if the conversation is difficult to have, it is better than responding to a catastrophic fall or illness, forcing a change of housing for your parent.Find out how your aging loved one feels about the next step when they will no longer be able to live alone. Your parents thoughts may surprise you. It can help to speak with an elder attorney to address issues that invariably present themselves. If your parent sells their home, how will they handle the profit? Should you want a monthly living expense contribution? Can you claim your parent as a dependent on your tax return? Your parent may no longer have to pay bills but may have other assets and policies to manage; who will handle asset management and premium payments? Goodwill goes a long way to a successful living arrangement but so does preparedness. Having pre-set a structure to address issues will allow you to focus on enjoying your time with your loved one. If you have questions or would like to discuss your personal situation, please dont hesitate to reach out.To discuss your estate planning and long-term care Medicaid planning options, call (402) 614-6400 today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com.

There are many reasons why seniors stay in their homes longer than necessary. It is often sad for a senior to think about leaving the family home, so they may not want to talk about it with others. However, some signs can make assisted living or other care a necessity earlier than expected. If you are concerned about a loved one living alone and adequately caring for themselves or you are a caregiver who believes it is time for a change, here are some common signs that it may be time for them to move into assisted living.1.Recent FallsFalls are a common problem with seniors, but they can be particularly dangerous in the home. If your loved one is having frequent falls and its difficult for them to get help when theyre injured, then this might indicate that assisted living would be necessary at this time.2.Chronic or Worsening Health ProblemsAs we get older, our bodies change and develop chronic health conditions. These make us more susceptible to falling sick and staying unwell for more extended periods. When your loved one requires 24-hour care due to their medical needs, it may be beneficial for them if you find an assisted livingresidence that has the resources needed to meet these ongoing requirements.3. Difficulty Completing Daily ActivitiesIf your loved one cant complete the basics of their daily care, such as cooking for themselves or doing their laundry, consider assisted living. Living in a community where cooking and cleaning are provided leaves more time to focus on socializing with friends or doing things they enjoy.4. Poor Hygiene or Eating HabitsSomeone who isnt taking care of themselves might start to feel distressed and experience changes in their hygiene, diet, or physical activity. For example, without good personal habits like bathing regularly, someone may get sick more often due to poor sanitation practices. Likewise, malnutrition can likely develop over time without basic cooking skills if they cannot prepare meals for themselves. Supportive environments such asHillcrests assistedresidences will meet the needs of your loved one at every step of the aging journey.5. Isolation and SadnessIf your loved one is displaying symptoms of depression and feeling alone, it may be time to start a conversation about assisted living. Assisted living residences offer activities that promote social interaction for people who are still active but need extra help with specific tasks or want companionship in their daily lives.6. Aggression Some studies have indicated that people with dementia often act more aggressively than usual due to confusion. The Alzheimers Association explains that moving these individuals into an assisted living residence may help them. It lets professionals monitor and care for the individual as needed; some of these communities, such as Hillcrest Silver Ridge, Hillcrest Mable Rose or Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge, provide specialized memory care programs expressly tailored to those suffering from cognitive decline.8. Worsening Mobility If your loved one has trouble walking or cannot get up and down stairs without help, they may want to consider home renovations to enable aging in place. However, renovations are usually costly and often it would make sense to move them to an assisted living residence to ensure their safety.9. Wandering OffIf youre worried about your loved one wandering off and getting lost, do not wait until something serious happens. Safety and security should be a top priority and are provided in a secure assisted living residence with 24-hour staffing.10. Caregiver BurnoutYour ability to care for your older adult diminishes when stress levels are too high. Burnout can happen from being stressed about the added responsibility and hard work, which can significantly affect your health and well-being. When that happens, you may not be able to take on their responsibilities anymore safely.Is it Time for Assisted Living?It can be hard to acknowledge that your aging loved one needs more extensive care, and it may also be difficult to recognize you cannot give them the care they need. However, if you are concerned about their safety, health, or happiness, remember assisted living might help.At Hillcrest, we aim to provide aging adults with an environment in which they can enjoy their retirement, enhance their lifestyle, live with dignity, and remain as independent as possible.

The transition from home to a memory care community can be challenging not only for the new resident but also for family and friends. Although some individuals adjust very quickly, getting truly comfortable takes time perhaps weeks or even months. During the first few days or weeks following a move to memory care, our staff encourages family and friends to visit as much as they are able. The presence of loved ones can help reassure the resident that they have not been forgotten and will help them accept their new home. However, some friends and family arent sure how to react (what do I do what do I say what do I talk about?). Here are seven suggested activities for visiting with your loved one:Read and write letters. To further assist individuals adjusting to their new home, ask friends or family members to send letters, cards and other correspondence. You can also help your loved one send letters and cards to grandchildren, friends and others.Keep up with current events. Read the local newspaper, a magazine article or talk about current events. Keep the topics lighthearted and positive.Join resident activities. Whether its enjoying a sing-a-long, watching a movie, or going on an outing, join your loved one in experiencing life at the community. We guarantee youll smile.Reminisce about the good old days. Everyone loves stories. Talking about past holidays, fun times growing up, or past experiences can be fun, and can trigger good memories. Just avoid putting someone with memory loss on the spot. Avoid asking, Do you remember? Just tell the story. They may even surprise you and join in!Embrace the silence. Dont feel like you need to talk the entire time. You may even consider bringing things to work on while you visit, such as knitting, or a book to read. You may even know some of their favorite activities and bring something you can enjoy together such as a puzzle, crochet project or their favorite movie.Bring in their favorite treat or meal. Does Aunt Penny love pretzels? Is Grandpa crazy for chocolate chip cookies? Bringing their favorite treat will surely bring a smile to their face and yours!Help decorate their room. Bring their favorite items from home and add to the familiarity of the space. If its close to a holiday, bring decorations to mark the occasion.All are opportunities to create a moment of joy for your friend or loved one and make their day more special. Remember: Agemark staff are here to help. If you need suggestions, want advice, or simply need support, please ask. Were here for you!