Multiple levels of senior care available in Perkins County to meet changing needs at every stage

Perkins County residents are fortunate to have three different long-term senior care options available locally, each designed to meet different levels of independence, support and medical need as residents age.

From independent retirement living at Westview Retirement Community, to assisted living at Park Ridge Assisted Living, to skilled nursing and long-term care at Western Sky Community Care Center, local families have multiple options available without leaving the community.

However, one of the biggest challenges families face is understanding the differences between the facilities and knowing at what stage in life each option may be the best fit.

As loved ones age, many families hope to care for them at home for as long as possible. But determining what “as long as possible” means can become emotionally and physically difficult. Families often struggle with feelings of guilt or anxiety related to nursing home placement, while others worry they may be taking away a loved one’s independence too soon.

Healthcare professionals say there are often signs that additional support may be needed, including caregiver exhaustion, declining health, falls, wandering behaviors, difficulty managing medications, increasing confusion or concerns about safety at home. Sometimes the transition happens gradually. In other cases, a hospitalization, injury or sudden illness may make the need for additional care immediate.

Independent living at Westview

Westview Retirement Community offers independent living for retirees who are still largely able to care for themselves, but who may want fewer daily responsibilities and more social opportunities.

Founded in 1993, Westview was created through the efforts of local community leaders who wanted to provide a safe and supportive retirement option within Perkins County, according to Teresa Clouse, Westview director.

Residents at Westview generally do not require medical care or daily hands-on assistance. Instead, the retirement community provides private apartments and duplexes along with optional services and amenities designed to simplify daily life.

Amenities include housekeeping, laundry services, dining, transportation, wellness checks, emergency response systems, snow removal and organized social activities.

According to Clouse, independent living can be a good fit for individuals who are simply ready for a less stressful lifestyle.

“Residents find the benefits you are gaining free up time to create new friendships, spark new interests, freedom to be more active and involved without the burden of heavy responsibilities,” Clouse said.

Clouse said some common signs it may be time to consider independent living include wanting more freedom to travel, no longer wanting to maintain a home, or simply desiring more opportunities for social interaction.

She added that many people initially worry they will lose independence by moving into a retirement community, but often discover the opposite is true.

“One of the best ways to determine whether Westview is the right fit is to come visit,” Clouse said. “Take a tour, meet residents, stay for lunch, meet the staff, have some coffee and stay a while.”

Westview is located at 1 Westview Dr., Grant, NE 69140, and can be reached at 308-352-2133.

Assisted living at Park Ridge

As part of the Perkins County Health Services complex of services, Park Ridge Assisted Living provides a middle level of care between independent living and nursing home care.

The 14-unit facility focuses on helping residents maintain independence while also providing support with common activities of daily living. These typically include bathing, dressing, medication management and general wellness oversight.

Services at Park Ridge include three meals daily, housekeeping, personal laundry service, transportation, medication administration, wellness checks, scheduled activities and 24-hour wireless call system. As a licensed assisted living facility – care is coordinated with RN & LPN oversight, with CNA/ Medication Aide staff also directly responding to resident care needs around the clock.

Assisted living is often appropriate for individuals who remain fairly independent but are beginning to be challenged with certain daily tasks or safety related concerns. Families may notice common signs such as missed medications, increasing isolation, difficulty preparing meals, falls and mobility concerns or memory issues, but do not yet require nursing home care.

In addition, PCHS also routinely provides hospital-based Swing Bed care, typically tending to 60-80 such admissions annually. While not specifically declared for the elderly, swing bed care is often sought following a hospital stay from a serious condition or surgery – typically very helpful for Medicare recipients in need of timely rehabilitation support and therapy related care in preparation to return home.

Located on the highway at 910 Central Avenue, connected to Perkins County Hospital – Park Ridge was built in 2001 and includes private resident rooms overlooking the Grant City Park.

At the time of this publication, PCHS CEO Neil Hilton, and Resident Service Manager, Crystal Bryant LPN indicate the facility is fully occupied with 14 residents. However, those with further questions or to inquire regarding availability ahead, please call 308-352-7246.

Skilled nursing and long-term care at Western Sky

The recently opened Western Sky Community Care Center provides the highest level of care currently available in Perkins County through skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care services.

According to Western Sky Administrator Seth Carruthers, skilled nursing facilities provide licensed nursing care, rehabilitation services and more extensive medical oversight.

Western Sky offers both short-term rehabilitation stays and long-term residential care, he said.

“We can do short-term skilled nursing, or you can be here for long-term care,” Carruthers said.

Short-term skilled nursing care often follows surgery, illness, injury or hospitalization, allowing residents to receive therapy, rehabilitation and nursing support before returning home. Long-term care, meanwhile, is designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision, extensive assistance with daily activities, cognitive support or rehabilitation services.

Carruthers said one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding nursing homes is that residents only enter skilled nursing facilities permanently or at the very end of life. In reality, some residents may stay only temporarily while recovering from an illness, surgery or injury before returning home.

Before being admitted to a skilled nursing facility, potential residents are given medical and cognitive assessments to help determine the level of care needed, he said. Carruthers emphasized that admission into skilled nursing care is individualized and involves much more than simply moving into a room.

Western Sky currently accepts Medicare, Medicaid and private-pay residents.

Carruthers said signs it may be time to consider skilled nursing care can include caregiver burnout, wandering behaviors, repeated falls, worsening medical conditions, inability to safely transfer or lift a loved one, or recommendations from physicians that a higher level of care is needed.

In addition to medical care, Western Sky also offers activities and social engagement opportunities designed to help residents remain active and connected. Carruthers said keeping residents socially engaged and mentally stimulated is also an important part of long-term care.

Western Sky is located at 351 W. 10th St., Grant, NE 69140, and can be reached at 308-352-2575.

Starting the conversation early

Representatives at all three facilities encourage families to begin conversations early rather than waiting until a crisis forces immediate decisions.

While many families fear that moving into senior care means losing independence, representatives from each facility say the ultimate goal is to improve quality of life, safety and social connection while helping residents maintain as much independence as possible.