Best Nursing Homes in Nebraska

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.

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.

Overview of Continental Springs, LLC

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.

Emerald Nursing & Rehab in Omaha, Nebraska, offers exceptional clinical care in a warm environment. This facility is the epitome of compassionate care, helping patients achieve their highest level of independence with dedicated support. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Omaha, this nursing and rehab center has garnered rave nursing home reviews for its responsive and caring staff, ensuring residents receive the utmost attention and nurturing care.
It takes immense pride in serving both skilled and long-term care needs, making it a versatile and large-scale facility that meets the highest nursing home requirements. With a focus on rehabilitation and skilled nursing in a post-acute setting, residents find themselves in the hands of experts committed to their well-being and progress. Whether it’s recovering from an injury or requiring extended care, this exceptional center offers a nurturing haven where individuals can thrive and regain their strength, fully meeting all nursing home requirements.

Owned by the City of Deshler, Parkview Haven Nursing Home is a small skilled nursing facility in Deshler, Nebraska. It provides nursing care to 49 residents in a rural Midwestern community. Most stay an average of 472 days, including those in short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care. The facility accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay, giving families multiple ways to cover care costs. Its current occupancy is 57%.

The home has 24-hour staffing and provides consistent daily care. Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 7 minutes per resident each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses work together to deliver hands-on care. The nursing team provides coverage throughout the day and night, which is essential for a population with complex medical needs.

The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 35. Most errands and visits require a car. The rural setting may be ideal for residents and families who value a quieter, less congested environment and those with reliable transportation for medical appointments or social visits.

State inspections examined the home’s practices in resident safety protocols, care documentation, and infection control. Families considering the home should ask how these areas are managed and what quality-assurance measures are in place to support safe care.

Parkview Haven’s small size and public ownership by the City of Deshler set it apart in the landscape of nursing homes, which are mostly private or corporate operations. Families seeking a community-based option in a rural area should take a tour to clarify what services and daily routines the home offers.

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.

Holmes Lake Rehabilitation & Care Center has been a fixture at 6101 Normal Blvd in Lincoln, Nebraska, for 53 years. It’s a 97-bed facility that covers a lot of ground, offering nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. Just a heads-up if you’re planning visits: the walkability score is a 21, so you’ll definitely need a car to get around here.

Right now, about 63% of the beds are filled. Residents stay for an average of 171 days, or about five and a half months, which suggests the center serves both short-term rehab needs and longer-term residents.

When you look at the staffing numbers, they provide 3 hours and 31 minutes of nursing care per resident each day. That includes about 25 minutes from an RN, 33 minutes from an LPN or LVN, and the rest from nurse aides. If you’re curious about inspections, the state tends to focus on practical safety issues like infection prevention, preventing falls, keeping things tidy, and fire safety, rather than just the clinical side.

They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Honestly, because they’ve been around for over five decades and have flexible payment options, Holmes Lake is a very pragmatic choice for local families, especially if you’re navigating the healthcare system for a post-hospital recovery or need to rely on Medicaid.

Overview of Life Care Center of Omaha

Life Care Center of Omaha is a 128-bed Nursing Home at 6032 Ville de Sante Drive, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Administrated by Peter Stygar and owned by Stygar, Peter (privately-owned partnership), the facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285137). Life Care Center of Omaha provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, focusing on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation with 24-hour skilled nursing care. The facility also supports dialysis patients with transportation as needed.

Life Care Center of Omaha is a larger nursing home in Omaha providing a mix of rehabilitation and long-term care services. The facility is a 128-bed community with 94 occupied beds and an average of 54 residents per day. The facility supports both short-term rehab and long-term care. Medicare admissions (26%) typically stay 22 days for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (40%) typically stay 25 days. Medicaid admissions (35%) typically stay 5-6 months for long-term daily care. Average length of stay is 72 days. Occupancy rate is 74%, similar to the Nebraska state average of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 1/5 stars falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 1/5 stars also falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars, indicating serious deficiency concerns. The Staffing Rating of 3/5 stars is at or slightly below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 4/5 stars substantially exceeds the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars, representing a strong quality metric.

Staffing levels are below state benchmarks. Total nursing care per resident per day reaches 3 hours 36 minutes, -17% below the Nebraska state average of 4 hours 20 minutes. This facility ranks #98 out of 117 in Nebraska for total nursing hours. Weekend nursing hours total 3 hours 10 minutes per day. Despite below-average staffing hours, the facility maintains above-average Quality Measures rating, suggesting potential efficiency in care delivery or concentrated focus on clinical outcomes.

Life Care Center of Omaha operates as a privately-owned partnership with annual revenue of $13.4 million and profit of $90.5 thousand. Payroll comprises 38% of revenue ($5.1 million), below the typical SNF range of 55–65%. The facility is urban, located in Omaha in Douglas County. The 128-bed size supports diverse specialized services including dialysis support with transportation and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation programming.

Families should ask about the critically low health inspection rating (1/5), and the specific deficiencies cited and corrective actions implemented before placement.

Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha is a Skilled Nursing Facility at 5505 Grover Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Administrated by Kristina Pilege and owned by Omaha Operations LLC, the facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285097). Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha offers rehabilitation services and 24/7 nursing care to help patients achieve independence.

Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha is an urban nursing home in Omaha providing a mix of rehabilitation and long-term care services. The facility serves mostly long-term care residents with extended stays and ongoing daily care. Medicare admissions (21%) typically stay 19 days for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (7%) typically stay 4-5 months. Medicaid admissions (73%) typically stay 3-4 months for long-term daily care. Average length of stay is 88 days. Occupancy rate is 42.6%, ranked #110 out of 122 in Nebraska, significantly below the state average occupancy of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 1/5 stars falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 1/5 stars also falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars, indicating serious deficiency concerns. The Staffing Rating of 3/5 stars is at or slightly below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 1/5 stars falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars.

Staffing levels are below state and national benchmarks across most categories. Total nursing care per resident per day reaches 4 hours 3 minutes, -7% below the Nebraska state average of 4 hours 20 minutes. This facility ranks #70 out of 117 in Nebraska for total nursing hours. Registered Nurse hours total 23 minutes per day, -47% below the state average of 43 minutes. Licensed Practical Nurse hours total 43 minutes per day, at the state average. Certified Nurse Aide hours total 2 hours 33 minutes per day, -8% below the state average of 2 hours 46 minutes. Weekend nursing hours total 3 hours 12 minutes per day, -12% below the state average of 3 hours 37 minutes. Physical Therapist hours total 6 minutes per day, +100% above the state average of 3 minutes. Four of six staffing metrics fall below state average.

Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha operates as a privately-owned, for-profit facility with annual revenue of $7.9 million and profit of $44.8 thousand. Payroll comprises 50% of revenue ($4.0 million), below the typical SNF range of 55–65%. The facility is urban, located in Omaha in Douglas County. The predominantly Medicaid-dependent population (73% of admissions) represents the lowest reimbursement level.

Families considering Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha should ask about the low CMS ratings (1/5 overall and health inspection), and below-average staffing levels.

Emerald Nursing & Rehabilitation Mercy is a Skilled Nursing Facility at 7410 Mercy Road, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Administrated by Christen Sobrilsky and owned by River City O[cp Holdings LLC, the facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285058). Emerald Nursing & Rehabilitation Mercy offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care with in-house rehabilitation programs.

Emerald Nursing & Rehabilitation Mercy is an urban nursing home in Omaha providing a mix of rehabilitation and long-term care services. The facility serves mostly long-term care residents with extended stays and ongoing daily care. Medicare admissions (21%) typically stay 1 month for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (9%) typically stay 3-4 months. Medicaid admissions (70%) typically stay 3-4 months for long-term daily care. Average length of stay is 85 days. Occupancy rate is 52%, ranked #116 out of 134 in Nebraska, significantly below the state average occupancy of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 1/5 stars falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 1/5 stars also falls critically below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars, indicating serious deficiency concerns. The Staffing Rating of 1/5 stars falls critically below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 3/5 stars exceeds the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars and represents the only above-average metric.

Staffing levels are severely inadequate across most categories. Total nursing care per resident per day reaches 3 hours 18 minutes, -24% below the Nebraska state average of 4 hours 20 minutes. This facility ranks #118 out of 129 in Nebraska for total nursing hours. Registered Nurse hours total 19 minutes per day, -56% below the state average of 43 minutes, which is critically low RN presence. Licensed Practical Nurse hours total 55 minutes per day, +28% above the state average of 43 minutes. Certified Nurse Aide hours total 2 hours 12 minutes per day, -20% below the state average of 2 hours 46 minutes. Weekend nursing hours total 3 hours 1 minute per day, -17% below the state average of 3 hours 37 minutes. Weekend Registered Nurse hours total 9 minutes per day, -69% below the state average of 29 minutes, which is critically low weekend RN coverage. Physical Therapist hours total 5 minutes per day, +67% above the state average of 3 minutes. Four of six staffing metrics fall below state average.

Emerald Nursing & Rehabilitation Mercy operates as a privately-owned, for-profit facility with annual revenue of $10.0 million and profit of $293.2 thousand. Payroll comprises 36.6% of revenue ($3.7 million), critically below the typical SNF range of 55–65%. The facility is urban, located in Omaha in Douglas County. The predominantly Medicaid-dependent population (70% of admissions) represents the lowest reimbursement level.

Families considering should ask about the low CMS ratings (1/5 overall), low RN coverage (56% below average), and weekend RN near-absence (9 minutes) before placement.