The 10 Best Nursing Homes in Council Bluffs, IA for 2023
Council Bluffs, Iowa, is located on the scenic Missouri River across from Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city. This location gives older adults access to more services that can increase their health and quality of life, whether they’re living at home or in a skilled nursing facility. This midsize city has about 63,000 residents, and seniors represent almost 16% of the population, which is similar to the national average. Although Council Bluffs is the largest city in the region, the cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Nursing homes in Council Bluffs cater to seniors who are being discharged from the hospital or require advanced medical or rehabilitative care. Seniors who need personal care or help with daily activities might consider an assisted living facility or home health care provider instead. Nursing homes in Council Bluffs charge $8,182 per month on average, so costs can be substantial without assistance from Medicare or private insurance.
This guide takes a closer look at local nursing homes and long-term care prices, and it provides a directory of agencies that support seniors and families who are making important health-related decisions.
Directory of Nursing Homes in Council Bluffs, IA
Midlands Living Center
2452 North Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503
Midlands Living Center is an older facility, smaller, and independent-owned. They try to give more individualized services. They have a private room for my dad with his own bathroom. With COVID, they
… (read more)
Midlands Living Center is an older facility, smaller, and independent-owned. They try to give more individualized services. They have a private room for my dad with his own bathroom. With COVID, they try to have hall exercises, they have selected people, and take them to bingo. So they kind of made pods so that the same people are interacting in case COVID does appear in their nursing home, so it won’t be hard to track down. When the weather is nice, they take them out individually to get some fresh air with a nurse. They did apply and received a grant to have the portal system, so my dad got a portal so we’re able to do face-to-face. Any time there’s a change or if there’s any concern, they call us right away on our cellphones. If there was a new order or the results for something, they would call to tell us. They’re having to take in styrofoam meals to the room, it’s not like they’re going into the cafeteria to scoop it hot. It is an older structure, but it’s well-maintained. I think it’s probably a good value, it’s right there in the ballpark, and there are some that cost much more. There’s no hidden cost.
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Midlands Living Center is an older facility, smaller, and independent-owned. They try to give more individualized services. They have a private room for my dad with his own bathroom. With COVID, they
… (read more)
Midlands Living Center is an older facility, smaller, and independent-owned. They try to give more individualized services. They have a private room for my dad with his own bathroom. With COVID, they try to have hall exercises, they have selected people, and take them to bingo. So they kind of made pods so that the same people are interacting in case COVID does appear in their nursing home, so it won’t be hard to track down. When the weather is nice, they take them out individually to get some fresh air with a nurse. They did apply and received a grant to have the portal system, so my dad got a portal so we’re able to do face-to-face. Any time there’s a change or if there’s any concern, they call us right away on our cellphones. If there was a new order or the results for something, they would call to tell us. They’re having to take in styrofoam meals to the room, it’s not like they’re going into the cafeteria to scoop it hot. It is an older structure, but it’s well-maintained. I think it’s probably a good value, it’s right there in the ballpark, and there are some that cost much more. There’s no hidden cost.
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Risen Son Christian Village
3000 Risen Son Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503
My mother is in Risen Son Christian Village. My mom had been there before, and I’ve been in it several times. It’s been wonderful. The staff members have been really good to my mom, and she really lik
… (read more)
My mother is in Risen Son Christian Village. My mom had been there before, and I’ve been in it several times. It’s been wonderful. The staff members have been really good to my mom, and she really likes them all. The room is OK. She has a window and bed recliner. It would be a good place to put your loved one.
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My mother is in Risen Son Christian Village. My mom had been there before, and I’ve been in it several times. It’s been wonderful. The staff members have been really good to my mom, and she really lik
… (read more)
My mother is in Risen Son Christian Village. My mom had been there before, and I’ve been in it several times. It’s been wonderful. The staff members have been really good to my mom, and she really likes them all. The room is OK. She has a window and bed recliner. It would be a good place to put your loved one.
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Bethany Lutheran Home
7 Elliott St, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503
I have visited many facilities in this area and find Bethany to be THE friendliest and helpful. Sometimes staff is slow to respond when everyone is on their call light at the same time. We looked to
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I have visited many facilities in this area and find Bethany to be THE friendliest and helpful. Sometimes staff is slow to respond when everyone is on their call light at the same time. We looked to admit on the weekend for rehabilitation but they don’t work weekends. Rehab started Monday and they were excellent.
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I have visited many facilities in this area and find Bethany to be THE friendliest and helpful. Sometimes staff is slow to respond when everyone is on their call light at the same time. We looked to
… (read more)
I have visited many facilities in this area and find Bethany to be THE friendliest and helpful. Sometimes staff is slow to respond when everyone is on their call light at the same time. We looked to admit on the weekend for rehabilitation but they don’t work weekends. Rehab started Monday and they were excellent.
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Hillcrest Health & Rehab
1702 Hillcrest Drive, Bellevue, NE, 68005
My dad was in Hillcrest Health & Rehab. Their staff was excellent and the facility itself was older. It was clean, it just was kind of depressing, I understand the colors, it’s just the wear and t
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My dad was in Hillcrest Health & Rehab. Their staff was excellent and the facility itself was older. It was clean, it just was kind of depressing, I understand the colors, it’s just the wear and tear. But the staff itself and the treatment he received were excellent. The nurses were very receptive and they were aware of what he needed and made sure he got it, they always answered my questions when I asked. The food was ok, he ate it. There just wasn’t a lot of variety, which is not surprising in a skilled nursing facility. He had about 4 to 5 items he could look at every day. It’s just when you’re there 20 days and you see the same 4-5 items for the whole time, that’s the only thing I had to say about that, but it was good food. He did OT and PT twice a week, and there was a puzzle set out on a table, that was about the only activity I saw. Everything in the facility was well-ordered.
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My dad was in Hillcrest Health & Rehab. Their staff was excellent and the facility itself was older. It was clean, it just was kind of depressing, I understand the colors, it’s just the wear and t
… (read more)
My dad was in Hillcrest Health & Rehab. Their staff was excellent and the facility itself was older. It was clean, it just was kind of depressing, I understand the colors, it’s just the wear and tear. But the staff itself and the treatment he received were excellent. The nurses were very receptive and they were aware of what he needed and made sure he got it, they always answered my questions when I asked. The food was ok, he ate it. There just wasn’t a lot of variety, which is not surprising in a skilled nursing facility. He had about 4 to 5 items he could look at every day. It’s just when you’re there 20 days and you see the same 4-5 items for the whole time, that’s the only thing I had to say about that, but it was good food. He did OT and PT twice a week, and there was a puzzle set out on a table, that was about the only activity I saw. Everything in the facility was well-ordered.
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Golden Livingcenter – Sorensen
4809 Redman Ave, Omaha, NE, 68104
The staff was very good when I visited Oak Grove Manor. The rooms were very nicely decorated. The food is very good as well.
The staff was very good when I visited Oak Grove Manor. The rooms were very nicely decorated. The food is very good as well.
St. Joseph Villa Nursing Center
2305 SOUTH 10TH STREET, Omaha, NE, 68108
My father is in St Joseph Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation. It’s clean. The staff is kind to the residents. They have good food and a pleasant dining experience. There’s also activities that my dad
… (read more)
My father is in St Joseph Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation. It’s clean. The staff is kind to the residents. They have good food and a pleasant dining experience. There’s also activities that my dad enjoys. They have a lot of employees that have been there for a long time, which is nice because they feel like they’re invested in the facility.
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My father is in St Joseph Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation. It’s clean. The staff is kind to the residents. They have good food and a pleasant dining experience. There’s also activities that my dad
… (read more)
My father is in St Joseph Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation. It’s clean. The staff is kind to the residents. They have good food and a pleasant dining experience. There’s also activities that my dad enjoys. They have a lot of employees that have been there for a long time, which is nice because they feel like they’re invested in the facility.
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Emerald Nursing & Rehab Omaha
5505 Grover St, Omaha, NE, 68106
My husband has been at Golden Living Center for three weeks now. They seem to be taking really good care of him, and I can call him or call them anytime 24 hours a day. He likes the food. I would sure
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My husband has been at Golden Living Center for three weeks now. They seem to be taking really good care of him, and I can call him or call them anytime 24 hours a day. He likes the food. I would surely recommend them because they seem to really care. My husband goes to PT and OT. On Sunday, they have church, and they have all kinds of activities, but he hasn’t participated yet. Regarding the staff, he likes them, and the ones I’ve talked to have been really nice.
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My husband has been at Golden Living Center for three weeks now. They seem to be taking really good care of him, and I can call him or call them anytime 24 hours a day. He likes the food. I would sure
… (read more)
My husband has been at Golden Living Center for three weeks now. They seem to be taking really good care of him, and I can call him or call them anytime 24 hours a day. He likes the food. I would surely recommend them because they seem to really care. My husband goes to PT and OT. On Sunday, they have church, and they have all kinds of activities, but he hasn’t participated yet. Regarding the staff, he likes them, and the ones I’ve talked to have been really nice.
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Hidden Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center
3110 SCOTT CIRCLE, Omaha, NE, 68112
My Mother has been a resident at this facility for over ten years. She went into their memory loss unit and now she is completely unable to talk, walk and has to be fed blended food. I think the car
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My Mother has been a resident at this facility for over ten years. She went into their memory loss unit and now she is completely unable to talk, walk and has to be fed blended food. I think the caring staff at her nursing facility has kept her alive longer because of their attention to her needs. The people in these facilities have a special gift in order to be able to care for the elderly.
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My Mother has been a resident at this facility for over ten years. She went into their memory loss unit and now she is completely unable to talk, walk and has to be fed blended food. I think the car
… (read more)
My Mother has been a resident at this facility for over ten years. She went into their memory loss unit and now she is completely unable to talk, walk and has to be fed blended food. I think the caring staff at her nursing facility has kept her alive longer because of their attention to her needs. The people in these facilities have a special gift in order to be able to care for the elderly.
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The Lutheran Home
530 South 26th Street, Omaha, NE, 68105
I think she did marvelously at The Lutheran Home. She went there because she had a problem with her spine and they were able to work with her from that stage until she was able to go to an independent
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I think she did marvelously at The Lutheran Home. She went there because she had a problem with her spine and they were able to work with her from that stage until she was able to go to an independent living apartment. I think they didn’t have not enough activities. I also observed that most of the residents really didn’t come out of the building. I was able to eat several times and I thought their food is pretty good.
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I think she did marvelously at The Lutheran Home. She went there because she had a problem with her spine and they were able to work with her from that stage until she was able to go to an independent
… (read more)
I think she did marvelously at The Lutheran Home. She went there because she had a problem with her spine and they were able to work with her from that stage until she was able to go to an independent living apartment. I think they didn’t have not enough activities. I also observed that most of the residents really didn’t come out of the building. I was able to eat several times and I thought their food is pretty good.
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Maple Crest Care Center
2824 N 66th Avenue, Omaha, NE, 68104
I don’t like Maple Crest The rooms were smaller than average, In my opinion. My interactions with the staff are good. I do enjoy Bingo. It seemed crowded and not very open or airy.
I don’t like Maple Crest The rooms were smaller than average, In my opinion. My interactions with the staff are good. I do enjoy Bingo. It seemed crowded and not very open or airy.
Florence Home Healthcare Center
7915 NORTH 30TH STREET, Omaha, NE 68112, Omaha, NE, 68112
I would not allow any of my family to go here ever again. My father was placed here as there were at the time no other options for him. The nursing staff during the daytime were wonderful, we really h
… (read more)
I would not allow any of my family to go here ever again. My father was placed here as there were at the time no other options for him. The nursing staff during the daytime were wonderful, we really had no issues with any of them except for the blonde CNA with glasses. She was rude to my father, and he had no issues with any of the other staff but her.
This facility is not set up for hospice care. My dad was a fall risk, and when he was on hospice, actively dying, they had him on a mattress on the floor. When my sister asked why he was not in a bed, the hospice nurse said that they did not have rails for him to keep from climbing out of bed. He was so medicated that he couldn’t have gotten out of bed even if he wanted to! If you are a facility that has patients who are fall risks, you provide the proper equipment to ensure that they are safe. Period.
Later that evening after a terse discussion between my sister and staff, they placed him back in his bed so he could pass away with some semblance of dignity.
At one point during his stay, he had an accident on one of the chairs in his room, and they left the feces soiled chair in his bedroom for hours.
He had to sleep in a chair at the nurse’s station for weeks and barely got any sleep.
On top of this, they chemically restrained him with Depakote. The doctor refused to place him on any other medication to calm his agitation and refused to speak to or meet with us. We never saw the doctor once the entire time he was there (two months).
There was also blood on some of the chairs there when I went to go sit in them during visits with him that had not been cleaned.
If you could find somewhere else for your loved one to go, I would highly advise it.
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I would not allow any of my family to go here ever again. My father was placed here as there were at the time no other options for him. The nursing staff during the daytime were wonderful, we really h
… (read more)
I would not allow any of my family to go here ever again. My father was placed here as there were at the time no other options for him. The nursing staff during the daytime were wonderful, we really had no issues with any of them except for the blonde CNA with glasses. She was rude to my father, and he had no issues with any of the other staff but her.
This facility is not set up for hospice care. My dad was a fall risk, and when he was on hospice, actively dying, they had him on a mattress on the floor. When my sister asked why he was not in a bed, the hospice nurse said that they did not have rails for him to keep from climbing out of bed. He was so medicated that he couldn’t have gotten out of bed even if he wanted to! If you are a facility that has patients who are fall risks, you provide the proper equipment to ensure that they are safe. Period.
Later that evening after a terse discussion between my sister and staff, they placed him back in his bed so he could pass away with some semblance of dignity.
At one point during his stay, he had an accident on one of the chairs in his room, and they left the feces soiled chair in his bedroom for hours.
He had to sleep in a chair at the nurse’s station for weeks and barely got any sleep.
On top of this, they chemically restrained him with Depakote. The doctor refused to place him on any other medication to calm his agitation and refused to speak to or meet with us. We never saw the doctor once the entire time he was there (two months).
There was also blood on some of the chairs there when I went to go sit in them during visits with him that had not been cleaned.
If you could find somewhere else for your loved one to go, I would highly advise it.
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Omaha Nursing and Rehab
4835 SOUTH 49TH STREET, Omaha, NE, 68117
My mom has been at Omaha Nursing and Rehab for almost 3 yrs..i give them 10 stars.. My mom receives the best care from eveyone from nurses, aides, dietary staff, social director, volunteers etc..i wou
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My mom has been at Omaha Nursing and Rehab for almost 3 yrs..i give them 10 stars.. My mom receives the best care from eveyone from nurses, aides, dietary staff, social director, volunteers etc..i would never have her anyplace else
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My mom has been at Omaha Nursing and Rehab for almost 3 yrs..i give them 10 stars.. My mom receives the best care from eveyone from nurses, aides, dietary staff, social director, volunteers etc..i wou
… (read more)
My mom has been at Omaha Nursing and Rehab for almost 3 yrs..i give them 10 stars.. My mom receives the best care from eveyone from nurses, aides, dietary staff, social director, volunteers etc..i would never have her anyplace else
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The Ambassador Omaha
1540 NORTH 72ND STREET, Omaha, NE, 68114
My dad was in The Ambassador for about two weeks. It was clean, and he liked the food there. The worst thing was the kind of care he received there, and there was no security in the building. My broth
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My dad was in The Ambassador for about two weeks. It was clean, and he liked the food there. The worst thing was the kind of care he received there, and there was no security in the building. My brother-in-law was able to walk in and they never had his name on the register as being there. Also, when they sent my dad to the hospital after he broke his ribs, they left his dentures and glasses at their facility. Unfortunately, it was just a comedy of errors.
My dad was very agitated, confused, and paranoid, but I think they did the best that they could with his care. In the room itself, he got out of bed one time and went to get something out of an armoire that he had his clothes in, but it wasn’t nailed to the wall, and he almost pulled it over on himself, so it was not very safe. But it was very clean, and Medicare took care of the cost.
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My dad was in The Ambassador for about two weeks. It was clean, and he liked the food there. The worst thing was the kind of care he received there, and there was no security in the building. My broth
… (read more)
My dad was in The Ambassador for about two weeks. It was clean, and he liked the food there. The worst thing was the kind of care he received there, and there was no security in the building. My brother-in-law was able to walk in and they never had his name on the register as being there. Also, when they sent my dad to the hospital after he broke his ribs, they left his dentures and glasses at their facility. Unfortunately, it was just a comedy of errors.
My dad was very agitated, confused, and paranoid, but I think they did the best that they could with his care. In the room itself, he got out of bed one time and went to get something out of an armoire that he had his clothes in, but it wasn’t nailed to the wall, and he almost pulled it over on himself, so it was not very safe. But it was very clean, and Medicare took care of the cost.
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Lindenwood Nursing Home
910 SOUTH 40TH STREET, Omaha, NE, 68105
This is a small facility "” offering 12 rooms of assisted living and 20 of skilled nursing.
The main street nearby is busy, but the facility itself is on a quieter street, and rather peaceful.
The
… (read more)
This is a small facility "” offering 12 rooms of assisted living and 20 of skilled nursing.
The main street nearby is busy, but the facility itself is on a quieter street, and rather peaceful.
There’s nothing exciting about the exterior"”a small building that looks like an office building as opposed to being homey. There is an outside area for residents to use, but it’s not too appealing.
When you enter, there is a nurses’ station, but no separate reception area. The whole place is clean and free of odors, but has the look and feel of a "regular nursing home." There are no common areas beyond a separate eating lunchroom and TV room at the end of end hall.
There doesn’t seem to be an activities director, although the nursing staff organizes occasional ice cream socials. Most residents seem to keep to themselves and the staff doesn’t seem to do much to engage them.
The food is offered in a variety of styles"”including pureed and fortified, and the staff accommodates requests as much as possible and helps feed those who need assistance. The food generally doesn’t look too appetizing, but the residents don’t complain about it much.
The caregiving staff is a nice group"”certified nursing assistants, medication aides and LPNs. The nursing staff focuses on how to keep the residents safe and healthy"”and they work together and communicate well in this small facility. There is an adequate number of staff to care for the residents. No one complains about giving a helping hand.
The best fit for Lindenwood might be someone in need of more longterm care, since there is not a lot of stimulation for those who are able to be more independent.
Medicaid is accepted.
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This is a small facility "” offering 12 rooms of assisted living and 20 of skilled nursing.
The main street nearby is busy, but the facility itself is on a quieter street, and rather peaceful.
The
… (read more)
This is a small facility "” offering 12 rooms of assisted living and 20 of skilled nursing.
The main street nearby is busy, but the facility itself is on a quieter street, and rather peaceful.
There’s nothing exciting about the exterior"”a small building that looks like an office building as opposed to being homey. There is an outside area for residents to use, but it’s not too appealing.
When you enter, there is a nurses’ station, but no separate reception area. The whole place is clean and free of odors, but has the look and feel of a "regular nursing home." There are no common areas beyond a separate eating lunchroom and TV room at the end of end hall.
There doesn’t seem to be an activities director, although the nursing staff organizes occasional ice cream socials. Most residents seem to keep to themselves and the staff doesn’t seem to do much to engage them.
The food is offered in a variety of styles"”including pureed and fortified, and the staff accommodates requests as much as possible and helps feed those who need assistance. The food generally doesn’t look too appetizing, but the residents don’t complain about it much.
The caregiving staff is a nice group"”certified nursing assistants, medication aides and LPNs. The nursing staff focuses on how to keep the residents safe and healthy"”and they work together and communicate well in this small facility. There is an adequate number of staff to care for the residents. No one complains about giving a helping hand.
The best fit for Lindenwood might be someone in need of more longterm care, since there is not a lot of stimulation for those who are able to be more independent.
Medicaid is accepted.
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Nebraska Skilled Nursing & Rehab
7410 MERCY ROAD, Omaha, NE, 68124
this place is a complete joke. Basically if you love your family member and want even just a little bit of dignity to remain in their last years of life you won’t send them here. Let’s start with the
… (read more)
this place is a complete joke. Basically if you love your family member and want even just a little bit of dignity to remain in their last years of life you won’t send them here. Let’s start with the administration. They do not have the residents best interest at heart. Whatsoever. They are quick to fire CNAs who take care of the residents everyday but can’t even keep a bare minimum of supplies available for them to do their job. Laundry is not being sent out nor washed in bleach so your grandma is washing her face with the same washcloth I wiped another residents private area with. Nurses are CONSTANTLY over medicating and making CRITICAL medication errors to the point where residents are being sent to the hospital on drug over doses. Not to mention they don’t care to act quickly and effectively in serious medical situations landing residents in the ICU. It’s called "Nebraska Kill" for a reason. Don’t get me wrong there are nurses who do their job great it’s just very few. Nurses who are making critical errors are not being handled in the right manner resulting in them still being able to work the floor AND med carts passing meds to your loved one. Residents are subjected to looking at a graveyard for breakfast lunch dinner as their everyday view. It’s just a pitiful place and don’t send your family members here !!!!
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this place is a complete joke. Basically if you love your family member and want even just a little bit of dignity to remain in their last years of life you won’t send them here. Let’s start with the
… (read more)
this place is a complete joke. Basically if you love your family member and want even just a little bit of dignity to remain in their last years of life you won’t send them here. Let’s start with the administration. They do not have the residents best interest at heart. Whatsoever. They are quick to fire CNAs who take care of the residents everyday but can’t even keep a bare minimum of supplies available for them to do their job. Laundry is not being sent out nor washed in bleach so your grandma is washing her face with the same washcloth I wiped another residents private area with. Nurses are CONSTANTLY over medicating and making CRITICAL medication errors to the point where residents are being sent to the hospital on drug over doses. Not to mention they don’t care to act quickly and effectively in serious medical situations landing residents in the ICU. It’s called "Nebraska Kill" for a reason. Don’t get me wrong there are nurses who do their job great it’s just very few. Nurses who are making critical errors are not being handled in the right manner resulting in them still being able to work the floor AND med carts passing meds to your loved one. Residents are subjected to looking at a graveyard for breakfast lunch dinner as their everyday view. It’s just a pitiful place and don’t send your family members here !!!!
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Douglas County Health Center
4102 WOOLWORTH AVENUE, Omaha, NE, 68105
A resident’s experience in this facility appears to be somewhat based upon the floor they reside on. Regardless, a resident’s experience is greatly determined by their benefits and income. For exa
… (read more)
A resident’s experience in this facility appears to be somewhat based upon the floor they reside on. Regardless, a resident’s experience is greatly determined by their benefits and income. For example, US military vets are placed in small rooms that hold 4 people. The rooms are full while other rooms sit empty on the same floor.
The residents are not bathed often.
Food is generally of poor quality.
Not only should people avoid this place, but people should aspire to help current residents.
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A resident’s experience in this facility appears to be somewhat based upon the floor they reside on. Regardless, a resident’s experience is greatly determined by their benefits and income. For exa
… (read more)
A resident’s experience in this facility appears to be somewhat based upon the floor they reside on. Regardless, a resident’s experience is greatly determined by their benefits and income. For example, US military vets are placed in small rooms that hold 4 people. The rooms are full while other rooms sit empty on the same floor.
The residents are not bathed often.
Food is generally of poor quality.
Not only should people avoid this place, but people should aspire to help current residents.
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Nursing Home Costs in Council Bluffs, IA
In Council Bluffs, a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility costs $8,182 per month, and private rooms cost even more at $9,247.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Council Bluffs can expect to pay approximately $8,182 per month for a semiprivate room in a local nursing home. Prices in the Omaha metropolitan area are 25% higher than the state median but just 5% higher than the rest of the nation. Seniors in Des Moines pay about $1,000 less per month. Looking west, Lincoln, Nebraska, is moderately more affordable, with an average of $7,254. To the north, seniors in Sioux City save about $1,670 per month at $6,509.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Cost is an influential variable when considering which type of care is most appropriate for seniors. Prices start at $1,625 for adult day health care at a recreation center. Seniors who wish to receive services in their own homes may opt for home care, which costs an average of $4,767 per month, or home health care for $4,957. This is more than the cost of an all-inclusive apartment in an assisted living facility, which averages around $4,523. Since a private room in a nursing home costs about twice as much, this level of care is reserved for individuals with the greatest need.
Note: Data for Council Bluffs was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Omaha, NE, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Council Bluffs, IA
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
- Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
Free Resources for Seniors in Council Bluffs, IA
Seniors in Council Bluffs have access to a variety of government-sponsored services and recreational activities to promote healthy aging. The following organizations offer services to support seniors who live in the community, and the Area Agency on Aging can assist with the transition to nursing home care.
Resource
Contact
Service
(800) 432-9209
The Connections Area Agency on Aging operates regional offices in Council Bluffs, Sioux City and Creston. This agency is a gateway to information about Medicaid long-term care benefits and community-based services. Staff members can coordinate needs assessments for seniors who require long-term care in a nursing home or residential setting. Physical therapy and home modifications, including ramps, are available through the CAPABLE program, and many other services are available to all area residents aged 60 and older.
(712) 322-2621
West Central Community Action administers two federal programs that help seniors manage their energy bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program pays a portion of residents' wintertime heating bills, and it provides emergency assistance to prevent disconnection or help seniors restore their service. The Weatherization Assistance Program covers energy-saving structural upgrades that are completed by qualified contractors.
(800) 532-1275
Attorneys at Iowa Legal Aid can help seniors plan for the future and provide advice about civil legal issues that need immediate attention. Its elder law experts provide information on finding nursing homes, paying for care, setting up Medicaid trusts and creating wills and documents for health care decision-making. Free information is available online.
(712) 323-5995
The YMCA of Greater Omaha operates the Healthy Living Center in Council Bluffs. This community center is a hub for older adults who enjoy fitness, swimming, reading and other hobbies. The campus features a gym, aquatic center and areas for crafts, card games and other recreational activities. It also offers ballroom dancing and social events.