Best Independent Living in Nebraska

Overview of Haven Home

Quality of care metrics reveal significant performance gaps in short-stay rehabilitation outcomes at Haven Home, a nursing home and assisted living facility at 100 W Elm St in Kenesaw, Nebraska.

Ability to care for self at discharge reached only 28.6 percent of residents, substantially below Nebraska’s state average of 53.7 percent; a 47 percent performance deficit. Successful return to home or community registered 37.0 percent, 27 percent worse than the state average of 50.6 percent. These figures indicate that rehabilitation residents often discharge with reduced functional independence.

The facility earns below-average CMS quality ratings in both short-stay and long-stay categories. Positive outcomes appear limited to falls prevention: zero residents experienced major injury from falls during short-stay episodes, compared to Nebraska’s average of 0.8%.

Hospitalizations per 1,000 resident days measured 1.49, 17% better than average. Outpatient emergency department visits registered 1.62 per 1,000 days, also 17% better than Nebraska’s benchmark.

Registered nurse hours total 19 minutes per resident per day, the lowest among the three nursing levels and 56% below Nebraska’s state average of 43 minutes. Licensed practical nurse staffing reaches 41 minutes daily, 5% below state average. Certified nursing aide hours measure 1 hour 52 minutes per day, 33% below the state average of 2 hours 46 minutes. Physical therapist coverage is minimal at 1 minute per day, 67% below Nebraska’s average of 3 minutes.

Weekend total nursing drops to 2 hours 34 minutes per resident per day, 29% below the state average of 3 hours 37 minutes. Weekend registered nurse hours fall to 12 minutes per day, representing a 59% reduction from state averages.

Haven Home provides skilled nursing short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing long-term care, and assisted living across private, semi-private, and various bedroom configurations. The single-story facility maintains 24-hour staffing, permits pets, and offers respite care and rehabilitation services. Amenities include emergency call systems, transportation, lounges, sunrooms, beauty and barber services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and organized clubs and events.

The facility is not CMS-certified for Medicare or Medicaid.

Walk score of 1 indicates extreme car-dependence; the location sits 32.4 miles from the city center and 14.12 miles from Hastings Medical Park.

Haven Home demonstrates chronic and severe staffing deficits correlating with markedly impaired rehabilitation discharge outcomes, despite modest successes in injury and infection prevention.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society-Hearthside Cottage

Nestled in the heart of Gibbon, Nebraska, Good Samaritan Society-Hearthside Cottage is a premier assisted living community. The community’s strategic location provides convenient proximity to churches, retail shopping, healthcare centers, and an array of local amenities. 

Notably, Good Samaritan Hospital is a mere 12.6 miles away, ensuring swift medical attention if needed. Additionally, the community boasts excellent accessibility to seven pharmacies within a mile radius and four churches within a 4-mile range. With round-the-clock staff availability, residents can rest assured that assistance will be readily accessible for any emergencies, regardless of the hour.

Overview of Kearney Manor

Kearney Manor is a 62+ independent living community in Kearney, NE, offering thoughtfully designed apartments. The community’s warm and welcoming environment ensures older adults can find a home away from home. With maintenance services, recreational opportunities, and cosmetology services, residents experience maintenance-free living. Residents can also downsize in retirement without hassles with the community’s income-based rents.

Gardening, card games, and a variety of social activities encourage residents to explore new hobbies and make friends. Residents can also rest comfortably in cozy common areas and spacious rooms. Situated in the peaceful residential area of Kearney, near restaurants, shops, and major highways, the community guarantees accessibility and conveniences. This independent living community is one of the best choices for senior living in Nebraska, especially with its clean setting.

Richmont Senior Living is an exquisite residence nestled in the heart of Nebraska, offering a harmonious blend of assisted living with memory care. This premier community provides a comprehensive range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. For those requiring specialized memory care, the home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional memory care options. The community is thoughtfully designed to create a secure and nurturing environment that promotes cognitive well-being and preserves cherished memories.

From engaging social activities to wellness programs tailored to individual needs, residents have a plethora of opportunities to pursue their passions and forge meaningful connections within the community. The dedicated staff members are always on hand to ensure that each resident’s journey is filled with purpose and fulfillment. In addition to the enriching programs and services, Richmont Senior Living offers a delightful dining experience. With carefully curated menus and attentive service, residents can savor delicious meals that cater to their unique dietary needs while fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

Situated amidst Grand Island, Nebraska, Chrysalis Lutheran Homes emerges as a beacon of excellence among low-income senior and disabled living. With a steadfast commitment to delivering unmatched quality of life, this cherished community caters to individuals aged 62 and above. Boasting 71 one-bedroom apartments, it is not just a place to live, but an environment where independent senior living flourishes. Within this inviting community, every facet has been thoughtfully curated to empower residents.

With an array of enriching amenities like a library for intellectual engagement, a beauty and barber shop for personal care, and a billiards room for leisure, Chrysalis Lutheran Homes epitomizes comprehensive independent living services. Beyond the tangible, a dedicated 24-hour on-site manager ensures round-the-clock security, while thoughtful touches like emergency pulls in bedrooms and bathrooms foster an enhanced sense of well-being. The communal spaces, adorned with a pool table-equipped common room and a sunroom porch, invite social interaction and relaxation. All of this unfolds under the watchful gaze of a security camera system, providing residents with not just a home, but a sanctuary of security.

Overview of Hillcrest Country Estates Cottages

Hillcrest Country Estates Cottages is a charming community located in Papillion, Nebraska. It proudly stands as the first and only freestanding nursing households in Omaha, offering 24-hour skilled nursing care services. Setting itself apart from traditional nursing homes, this exceptional establishment ensures its elders can relish a customized schedule, adding a touch of familiarity to their lives. The home has beautifully designed houses that exude an inviting atmosphere, shunning any institutional feel.
A registered dietitian is on hand to cater to residents’ nutritional needs, and meals are served family-style, fostering a warm dining experience that meets nursing home quality measures. Beyond that, an array of amenities awaits, from a well-stocked library and a convenient laundry room to a whirlpool bath suite and a hair salon. Residents can bask in the comfort of large living spaces, take leisurely strolls along walking paths, and unwind on comfortable patios, all thoughtfully designed to enhance their quality of life and ensure exceptional nursing home care.

Nestled amidst picturesque landscaped surroundings of Kearney, Nebraska, St. Luke’s Countryside Villa offers affordable senior apartment options to senior residents.

This assisted living community is close to retail establishments, medical facilities, places of worship, and various local conveniences. Residents benefit from easy access to eight pharmacies within a mile and convenient freeway connections. Experience a serene and welcoming ambiance that defines senior living at its best.

Overview of Hillcrest Country Estates-Cottages

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.

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.

Thrive in a safe and secure environment with The Brant at Gretna, an excellent community in Omaha, NE designed for memory care. Through compassionate assistance with daily activities and an excellent life enrichment program, residents maintain their cognition and continue enjoying their lifestyle. Accommodations here are designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy with convenient access to the city’s vibrant offerings.

Mealtimes are to look forward to with nourishing meals served daily for residents’ nourishment and satisfaction. Apart from 24/7 care, residents here enjoy an array of activities tailored to their interests and skills. Wellness classes are also offered to help residents maintain their overall well-being. Experience a fulfilling retirement life surrounded by loving and genuine care with The Brant at Gretna.