Best Assisted Living in Nebraska

Emerald Nursing & Rehab Lakeview is a nursing home at 1405 West Highway 34, Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, administered by Tammy Weston and privately owned. The facility provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care, serving primarily Medicaid residents (60 percent of admissions), Medicare short-term rehabilitation (32 percent), and private pay (8 percent). Average length of stay is 130 days.

Staffing is below state averages across most categories. Registered nurses provide 27 minutes per resident per day, 37 percent below the Nebraska average of 43 minutes. Licensed practical nurses deliver 40 minutes per day, 7 percent below the state average of 43 minutes. Nurse aides work 2 hours 38 minutes per day, 5 percent below the Nebraska average of 2 hours 46 minutes. Total adjusted nursing hours are 3 hours 23 minutes per day, 22 percent below the state average of 4 hours 20 minutes and ranked 114th of 129 Nebraska nursing homes. Weekend total nursing hours reach 3 hours 8 minutes per day, 13 percent below the state average of 3 hours 37 minutes. Weekend registered nurse coverage is notably constrained at 16 minutes per day, 45 percent below the state average of 29 minutes. Physical therapy is a strength at 4 minutes per resident per day, 33 percent above the state average of 3 minutes.

CMS ratings place Emerald at 3 of 5 stars overall (0.2 points above Nebraska average of 2.8). Health inspection rating is 3 of 5 stars (0.2 points above state average); staffing rating is 2 of 5 stars (1.1 points below state average); quality measures rating is 2 of 5 stars (0.7 points below state average). The facility generated $8.7 million in revenue and allocated $3.6 million to payroll (40.9 percent of revenue), ranked 50th among 132 Nebraska nursing homes by payroll. This payroll percentage falls below the 55-65 percent benchmark typical of well-operated facilities, potentially signaling constrained staffing resources.

Inspection history and occupancy data are not available.

Families should request the facility’s inspection history and ask about registered nurse availability, weekend clinical staffing, and protocols for managing care with below-average RN hours.

The Columbus Senior Center in Nebraska is a reliable support system for seniors, offering a range of services, activities, and assistance to enhance their lives during the golden years. Catering to individuals aged 60 and older, the center fosters a collaborative culture that promotes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. With an innovative and creative approach to their services, the Columbus Senior Center is dedicated to providing a senior-friendly community where residents feel assisted, valued, and connected.

The center goes beyond basic services, offering nutritious and delicious meals to ensure the well-being of its members. Additionally, they organize various activities, including monthly blood pressure clinics, exercise sessions twice a week, jam sessions, birthday celebrations, holiday activities, special Veterans Day dinners, and recognition events, among others. Through these initiatives, the Columbus Senior Center strives to make each day meaningful and enjoyable for seniors, fostering a sense of community and companionship in their later years.

Overview of Kearney County Health Services

Situated in Kearney, Nebraska, Kearney County Health Services is a medical facility with a mission revolving around delivering exceptional, family-centered care that concurrently enhances the overall health and wellness of the community.

At Kearney County Health Services, their Senior Life Solutions program is a distinctive offering, an intensive outpatient group counseling initiative catering to adults aged 65 and above. This program is thoughtfully designed to address aging challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which can present unique hurdles for seniors. With a commitment to supporting the elderly population, Senior Life Solutions and Kearney County Health Services are dedicated partners on the journey to better well-being.

River City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is an elegant community that focuses on personalized care that allows for efficient senior living care. Considerably one of the most trusted nursing homes in the city, management, and staff ensure that everything is designed and catered to the needs of all individuals. River City is a warm and welcoming home-like environment that boasts a close and tight-knit relationship where there is a mutual level of respect and trust. 
Comfort and convenience are the heart of their service– ensuring that residents are able to have a speedy recovery so they can be with their families as soon as possible. Comprehensive services include rehabilitative therapy and long-term or short-term nursing care. 

Hillcrest Country Estates-cottages is a Nursing Home at 6082 Grand Lodge Avenue, Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. Administrated by Shyann Walker and owned by Hight, Kaleb, the facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285293). Hillcrest Country Estates-cottages offers spacious, all-inclusive apartment living in Papillion, Nebraska with upscale amenities and a vibrant community. The facility states it provides a private, boutique-style living experience with additional care available on-site if needed and specializes in short-term rehabilitation stays.

Hillcrest Country Estates-cottages is an urban nursing home in the Omaha metro area providing primarily short-term rehabilitation and transitional care. Most residents stay a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on. Average length of stay is 22 days. Medicare admissions (63%) typically stay 22 days for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (35%) typically stay 7-8 months. Medicaid admissions (2%) typically stay 2 years for long-term daily care. Occupancy rate is 68.9%, below the Nebraska state average of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 2/5 stars also falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars, indicating deficiency concerns that warrant direct inquiry. The Staffing Rating of 4/5 stars substantially exceeds the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars and ranks the facility #12 out of 129 in Nebraska. The Quality Measures Rating of 3/5 stars exceeds the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars.

Staffing levels are substantially above state benchmarks. Total nursing care per resident per day reaches 5 hours 35 minutes, +29% above the Nebraska state average of 4 hours 20 minutes. This facility ranks #12 out of 129 in Nebraska for total nursing hours. Weekend nursing hours total 4 hours 43 minutes per day. The strong staffing profile contrasts with the below-average health inspection rating, suggesting potential operational or care delivery issues beyond staffing quantity.

Hillcrest Country Estates-cottages operates as a privately-owned, for-profit facility with annual revenue of $18.1 million and profit of $222.3 thousand. Payroll comprises 34.7% of revenue ($6.3 million), which is substantially below the typical SNF range of 55–65%. The facility is urban, located in Papillion in Sarpy County and part of the greater Omaha metropolitan area. The stated boutique-style apartment living model with upscale amenities ostensibly distinguishes it as a specialized short-term rehab community.

Families considering placement should ask about the health inspection deficiencies, specific corrective actions implemented, and current oversight metrics before placement.

Old Cheney Rehabilitation is a 47-bed Nursing Home at 5431 South 16th Street, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. Administrated by Kylee Johnston and owned by Ammon Walkers Limited Partnership, the facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285299). Old Cheney Rehabilitation is a premier rehabilitation center in Lincoln, Nebraska, focused on helping patients recover from surgery, injury, or illness. The facility offers personalized treatment plans with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, comfortable private suites, and nutritious meals prepared by an in-house chef.

Old Cheney Rehabilitation is a moderately sized nursing home in Lincoln providing primarily short-term rehabilitation stays. Most residents typically stay a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on. Medicare admissions (63%) typically stay 25 days for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (30%) typically stay 1-2 months. Medicaid admissions (7%) typically stay 3-4 months. Average length of stay is 35 days. Occupancy rate is 67.9%, below the Nebraska state average of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 2/5 stars also falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Staffing Rating of 3/5 stars is slightly below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health conducted 5 total health inspections (vs Nebraska average 4.3). The facility received 22 total citations (vs Nebraska average 18.2), averaging 4.4 citations per inspection compared to the state average of 4.19. No critical citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.2). No serious citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.5). All 22 citations were moderate in severity and have been corrected. The most recent inspection occurred in May 2025. Top deficiency categories include Resident Rights (5 deficiencies, 23%), Quality of Life and Care (4 deficiencies, 18%), Infection Control (2 deficiencies, 9%), and Pharmacy Services (2 deficiencies, 9%).

Old Cheney Rehabilitation provides above-average staffing depth and balance. Total nursing hours reach 4 hours 26 minutes per day, 2% above the Nebraska average of 4 hours 20 minutes, ranked #55 out of 129 in Nebraska. The facility employs 8 Registered Nurses (average shift 8.9 hours), 11 Licensed Practical Nurses (average shift 9.6 hours), and 41 Certified Nursing Assistants (average shift 8.2 hours). The facility also employs 5 Speech Language Pathologists, 3 Physical Therapy Assistants, 3 Nurse Practitioners, and 6 Respiratory Therapy Technicians, reflecting comprehensive rehabilitation programming. Contractor staffing comprises 6.7% of total hours.

Old Cheney Rehabilitation operates as a privately-owned community with annual revenue of $6.7 million but reports an operating loss of $566.3 thousand, suggesting financial pressure. Payroll comprises 50.7% of revenue ($3.4 million).

Families considering Old Cheney Rehabilitation should ask about the above-average citation count (22 vs state average 18.2), and what corrective actions were implemented before placement.

Continental Springs is a unique continuing care complex in South Sioux City, Nebraska. It offers a Skilled Nursing Center, Assisted Living Apartments, Studio Suites, and Respite Care and Rehabilitation Services. The facility promotes an active lifestyle and provides a range of personal care services.

Parkview Haven Nursing Home is a non-profit facility located in Deshler, Nebraska. It provides expert adult care in a clean, homelike setting that fosters respect, dignity, and independence for all residents. The facility offers a variety of services including activities, social events, church services, and 24-hour services.

Overview of Nye Pointe

Nye Pointe, nestled in Fremont, Nebraska, offers short-stay rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and skilled nursing care. Committed to a personalized approach and the highest standards of compassionate care, NYE Pointe ensures residents have peace of mind with around-the-clock care provided by a team of highly qualified healthcare professionals. The facility boasts Medicare-certified services and state-of-the-art rehabilitation, featuring comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. 

It extends its support to those seeking outpatient therapy, aiding in the recovery from work-related injuries, sports injuries, and more. Recognized with numerous awards, the caring team at Nye Pointe strives to create a nurturing environment for residents, providing amenities like whirlpool baths and access to a registered dietitian. The secured building with Wi-Fi and a wealth of daily social and recreational opportunities completes the picture, making Nye Pointe not just a place for skilled nursing care but a home where residents can thrive.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is an 84-bed Nursing Home at 2242 Wright Street, Blair, Washington County, Nebraska. Administrated by Serena Smith and owned by Blair NF Operations, LLC, the facility is a voluntary non-profit community operated by a church. The facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285148). Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is a faith-based community providing skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living services, including independent living, and assisted living. The facility has been serving the community since 1948.

Medicare admissions (36%) typically stay 1-2 months for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (53%) typically stay 4-5 months. Medicaid admissions (11%) typically stay 4-5 years for long-term daily care. Average length of stay is 500 days, indicating substantial long-term population. Occupancy rate is 73.2%, ranked #67 out of 122 in Nebraska, slightly above the state average of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Staffing Rating of 2/5 stars falls significantly below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health conducted 4 total health inspections (vs Nebraska average 4.3). The facility received 23 total citations (vs Nebraska average 18.2, ranked #87 out of 122). Citations averaged 5.75 per inspection compared to the state average of 4.19, ranked #101 out of 122. No critical citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.2). No serious citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.5). All 23 citations were moderate in severity. The most recent inspection occurred in May 2025. Of 23 citations, 15 resulted from standard inspections, 1 from complaint investigation, and 7 from revisit inspections.

Staffing levels are below average. Total nursing hours reach 3 hours 55 minutes per day, ranked #74 out of 117 in Nebraska, 10% below the Nebraska average of 4 hours 20 minutes. Registered Nurse hours total 51 minutes per day, 20% below the state average of 1 hour 4 minutes. Licensed Practical Nurse hours total 47 minutes per day, 27% above the state average of 37 minutes. Certified Nursing Aide hours total 3 hours 10 minutes per day, 24% above the state average of 2 hours 33 minutes. Weekend nursing hours total 3 hours 18 minutes per day, 10% below the state average of 3 hours 41 minutes. Weekend Registered Nurse hours total 21 minutes per day, 49% below the state average of 41 minutes. Physical Therapist hours total 3 minutes per day, 25% below the state average of 4 minutes. Four of six staffing metrics fall below state average.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Home operates with annual revenue of $7.8 million, ranked #44 out of 120 in Nebraska. The facility reports an operating deficit of $452.5 thousand. Payroll comprises $2.9 million, ranked #64 out of 120 in Nebraska, representing 36.9% of revenue, significantly below the typical SNF range of 55–65%.

Families should ask about the below-average CMS ratings, above-average citation count, below-average total nursing hours, and low weekend RN coverage before placement.