Gold Crest Retirement Center is located just outside Adams, Nebraska in what used to be farmland. We are perfectly situated between farmland with trees and a pond safely across the road. Adams is just a mile from the intersection of Highways 41 and 43, a 30 minute drive from both Lincoln and Beatrice, and just 7 miles from the Johnson County Line.

Nursing home costs vary depending on several variables. Each nursing home sets it own rates for different levels of care, so these by themselves can range widely. Level of care is a large determinate of cost--if a resident needs more care, it will probably cost more. Also, the type of care required can have an effect on cost.

There is no true answer, or even a best guess, at what a nursing home may cost. You can spend anywhere from $1000 to $7000 a month--depending on level of care, room size, and insurance supplements. If you are trying to make a desision on a facility and cost is of concern, it is extremely important that you visit with the facility and ask these questions.

There is no set date on the calendar or milestone age that says "today is the day." If you notice a loved one requiring more assistance than usual, you should always talk to their doctor. Certain medical conditions or medications can cause our minds and bodies to do strange things. Some families are able to care for a loved one with frequent visits or having them move in with them. If a loved one is needing help remembering to take medications, preparing meals, or doing housekeeping, it is probably a situation that family or friends can step in to help. If more assistance is required for dressing, bathing, and eating, then it may be time to start considering home health, assisted living or nursing care.

If you feel your loved one is not safe to be left unsupervised due to falls, confusion, or the need for assistance, now is the time to begin looking for nursing home care. Delaying can put your loved one in jeopardy.

When looking at nursing homes, you will need to know what cares your loved one needs and what medications he/she is on. Knowing diagnoses, past medications and medical history is also helpful. Some nursing homes may ask you if there are any "behaviors." Please keep in mind, the nursing home must keep all residents safe, and so it is important that the answer is truthful. Many behaviors can be linked to dementia, medications, illness or even pain and these can sometimes be corrected or easily managed. Behaviors they are probably most curious about are wandering, mood changes, calling out/yelling, difficulty sleeping and figity/restlessness. Just because a potential resident is exhibiting any of these behaviors, does not exclude them from placement. It just means the nursing home will want to try and figure out how to best manage these to make the resident more successful and have a better quality of life.

After you have selected a healthcare campus and have been accepted, there are certain things you will need for admission. It is required that the physician give an order for placement. You will need to have current history and physical from the admitting physican as well as a current medication list. Most nursing homes will get this information for you. You will need to bring the resident's Social Security, Medicare and other Insurance cards. It is always a good idea to have a list of names and addresses of contacts for the medical record--who to call if there are changes or questions or to update on condition. If the resident has a living will or any power of attorney papers, it is necessary that the nursing home have copies. Of course, personal belonging are always needed--but each nursing home may have different policies on what is permitted or recommended.

Nursing care can be expensive, but there are ways to help decrease your out of pocket expense. Affordable care is out there, you just have to look. Supplemental nursing home insurance is available, but you do have to plan ahead. Discuss this option with your insurance agent, or see if family or friends can recommend a policy to begin your search. Many nursing homes offer private and semi-private rooms. Although it may not be your loved one's first choice, sharing a room can often reduce the monthly cost.

Medicaid is another option for those needing care but unable to afford it. Contact your local Medicaid office for qualifications and an application. A caseworker will review if medical care is needed and if placement should be considered. A finanical review is done to determine the level of fianancial assistance to be given. Each case is reviewed periodically to make sure the resident still meets the criteria for aid.