What to Consider About Memory Care in Omaha

Omaha has a low cost of living, which can help seniors allocate more money for their memory care. There are more than 20 memory care facilities in Omaha and its suburbs, catering to the city's seniors who make up around 12 percent of the population. These facilities are governed by regulations set forth in the Alzheimer's Special Care Disclosure Act and staff in these facilities must have specialized training in dementia care.

• Douglas County, including Omaha, has a mixed air quality according to the State of the Air Report 2018. Ozone pollution received a B grade in the report and 24-hour particle pollution received a C grade. The city did not receive any failing grades, but the air may still aggravate the health of seniors with respiratory conditions.
• Omaha has many excellent hospitals in case of a medical emergency. Seniors who require specialized care for dementia and related conditions can consult with the Memory Disorders Clinic at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The multidisciplinary team helps seniors to proactively manage their conditions and UNMC is also involved in research and clinical trials relating to Alzheimer's.
• Social Security Income that is subject to federal taxes are also subject to income tax in Nebraska, as are all other types of retirement incomes including pensions and retirement funds. This may impact seniors on a limited budget.
• The overall crime rate in Omaha, including violent and property crime, is higher than 99 percent of other communities in Nebraska. This may be concerning for safety-conscious seniors and their families. Despite this, the crime rate is around average for communities of a similar population throughout the United States.