Gretna Community Living Center

Concerned Social Worker 7

Located 15 to 20 miles outside of Omaha, this facility is easy to get to on the Interstate"”and there is adequate parking once you arrive. There's an attached rehab area for both in-patients and out-patients. There are residents who need memory care, but no dedicated memory care services. It's a one-story brick building. It's not modern or glitzy, but it's clean and there are no smells evident. After the entrance is a large dining hall inside, with communal tables and smaller ones for those who need help with eating. There's also a little aviary in the common area, which some residents seem to enjoy. One drawback is the little outdoor enclosed area; there is only a small sidewalk in front of the building for outdoor seating"”and it's not secured. There are also two residents to a shared room"”which can cause some issues, but staff seems to be immediately responsive when concerns are raised. In fact, the caregivers have pleasant and caring relationships with the residents and family members. They go out of the way to keep family informed and encourage them to participate in care conferences. It's the care here that sets the facility apart. There's no feeling that residents are being warehoused; there is a real human connection to the care. Many of the staff members have been there for a long time"”and the care is a higher quality, even though the place has more of and old-fashioned feel and has no bells or whistles. The food is average to above-average. Residents don't seem to complain about it"”and the staff is willing to accommodate residents by taking trays to their rooms. There are activities, but nothing outstanding: crafts, Wii bowling, music. However, the staff makes a point of knowing enough about the residents so that they can encourage some who are able to come. Gretna accepts Medicaid, and the cost is a little lower than other facilities in the areas"”ranging from $4,000 through about $5,500 per month, depending on the assistance needed.