10 Best Independent Living Communities in Omaha, NE
Whether you are looking for an urban or suburban feel, Omaha, Nebraska, offers a seamless combination of both. While it’s a big city, the culture feels like a small town. Seniors in Omaha will feel at home with a variety of retirement options, including independent living communities. A Place for Mom partners with 13 independent living communities within 10 miles of the Omaha City Hall. This radius includes surrounding suburbs and part of Iowa, including Council Bluffs.
Similar to senior apartments, independent living communities offer senior-only living where older adults can maintain independence while enjoying services, such as meals, that help them live conveniently in a safe environment. There are many independent living communities in Omaha that even offer senior care options, so residents can age in place if their needs ever change.
A Place for Mom has collected information from our partner Omaha independent living communities to create this guide. It includes real resident reviews, the service options you can expect to find, and cost data. You can learn how residents tend to pay, what the Omaha regulations are for senior communities, as well as what tenant and landlord laws are in place. Find helpful, local senior resources in each section, as well as the area’s senior-friendly activities and transportation options.
Omaha Independent Living Facilities | 718 Reviews
Everything is a 4+ I have made a lot of friends being here and I would recommend Maple Ridge community to other families who may need a place for their loved ones.
My wife and I have found Westgate to be a fabulous experience. The staff is hard working & friendly. We knew that this is where she wanted to be as soon as we visited. Would recommend Westgate to anyone...
One suggestion or concern, what to do in a power outage or tornado, there have a been a couple of them this year. Would have thought there would be a generator to at least Power the phones. I don't know how...
Our experience transitioning our dad from living at home to independent senior living has been a pleasant experience. The sales director [name removed] will go over and beyond to make your loved one adjust...
All 5's, it has been a great experience! The size of the apartments is as to be expected. There is plenty of activities to do and the theatre is wonderful. The residents are very friendly and staff are...
[name removed] checked out [date removed]. All went well, nice facility, great staff, and very good food. The food was prepared right from the kitchen and warm on arrival. Activity directors were very...
I was in a huge problem with my brother. Bickford on Hickory has helped with all my brother’s needs medically, physically, and emotionally. They helped me also. I had no idea what to do for his care and...
Staff are all down to earth, fun and "get it" when it comes to the nuances of aging. They've taken steps above and beyond. She is well cared for and as close to happy as she can be being away from our...
What we like the most about Avidor Omaha is the caring and support the residents show each other is something that our family likes about Avidor. We also like all the activities and the encouraging staff.
Love Via Christie!! The Via Christie staff all go way beyond what is expected to make their residents feel at home and safe at all times. Very comforting to know my dad is being well cared for. Thank you to...
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Bailey Pointe at Roxbury Park is a wonderful assisted living facility. They have an excellent, kind, and caring staff. The food in the community dining room is amazing. The apartment is just the right size....
What we like a lot about the St Joseph Tower community is all the different activities they have going on for the residents, like cards and bingo nights. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would...
5 on all. Great experience. Staff is awesome. I definitely would recommend this community to other families. My dad has passed away, but while he was there they took amazing care of him!!
Great people. Very independent but they have a lot of gatherings all the time. They have activities for the renters almost every day. And they have daily workout. You are truly independent but still have the...
Absolutely, a five on every one of them! Cedarhurst was fantastic! The biggest thing that I noticed was that everything was clean. My dad was always taken care of even when he was on hospice there. He had...
My loved one was a resident at Richmont Senior Living. This is a very nice facility, everything was great and we were very happy with it. The care, the cleanliness, the friendliness were all great. I would...
The staff is so friendly and kind. They know every resident and call them by name. The food is DELICIOUS and varied. My parents at the age of 88 have a more lively social life than I do! There is always...
Overall experience is/was a great experience. They took time, answered my questions and seemed genuinely wanting to help. Cleanliness is excellent. From, front door, offices, dining and other rooms. And...
I do not recommend moving during a pandemic, but moving to a place as well-run, friendly and helpful as The Arboretum Village was an excellent decision for me. I suggest starting a search as early as...
This center is the place that all families dream about for their loved one who needs the care they can no longer give. I visited my great aunt and was so pleased to see her so happy and well cared for by an...
If you have an individual that is starting to have problems with dementia, it's a very good place to go. We feel very comfortable with them. It's a small community, and they really try to get the residents...
The food was always important to [name removed] when he stayed in respite care and he liked it there. The head staff people are so amazing! We have experienced the staff at [community name removed] and now...
My Mom loves Keystone Villas. She said the people are beautiful. She really enjoying the meals and being able to socialize with people her age. Thank for giving us peace of mind!
My mom has lived here for 5 years and has loved every moment of it. She started in independent living and has since transitioned to the assisted living area of the building. She loves being under the same...
Staff is useful and friendly, although not always available or there when my mother needs them. You can ring the front desk but sometimes it can take some time to get assistance. Other than that great...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Omaha community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Omaha community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Omaha area
- What families are saying about independent living in Omaha
- How people pay for independent living in Omaha
- Understand Omaha laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Omaha
- Unfamiliar with Omaha? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Omaha area
The average monthly rate for an independent living community in the Omaha area is approximately $3,822, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This cost is an average of what seniors actually paid per month and includes add-on fees and services. The actual cost of an independent living community can vary depending on the floor plan, location, amenities, and services.
For example, the starting median price for a one bedroom in the Omaha area is $3,334 and $4,100 monthly for a two bedroom. While many independent living communities are all-inclusive without buy-in fees, some have a community fee, monthly parking fee, and/or monthly pet fee.[01]
A breakdown of independent living costs
The average cost for independent living typically includes rent, as well as some services and amenities. Common area amenities depend on the independent living community, but the following are some you may find on-site, according to our partners:
- TV lounge
- Library
- Movie theater
- Beauty salon
- Barber shop
- Fitness center
- Computer center
- Raised garden beds
- Game room
- Billiards lounge
- Outdoor walking paths
- Arts and crafts center[01]
However, some of our independent living partners add onto these common amenities with even more special features like the following:
- Golf course or putting green
- Pool
- Jacuzzi[01]
Independent living facilities include a variety of services to help seniors maintain independence while living in convenience. Per our independent living partners in Omaha, below are some on-site services ranked from most common to less common:
- Dining services
- Complimentary transportation
- On-site and off-site activities
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Grocery shopping/errand services
- Concierge services
- Pet-care services[01]
The following numbers show the average baseline costs for independent living facilities in the Omaha area. These costs do not include common add-on service costs, like our proprietary data above.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Omaha, NE vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Omaha, NE vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Omaha vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Omaha, NE by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Omaha over time
What families are saying about independent living in Omaha
Recent reviews for independent living in Omaha
Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs, IA
Bailey Pointe at Miracle Hills in Omaha, NE
Astoria Senior Living Omaha
How people pay for independent living in Omaha
Most seniors pay for independent living privately, through their retirement income and assets. For seniors who grow to require care services at home, Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance may help eligible seniors cover costs related to in-home health care services.
In this section, you will find the different ways seniors pay for their costs of living. The following payment tabs also include suggestions on how eligible seniors can receive local assistance, including housing assistance, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Seniors often pay privately for independent living, since independent senior living communities are not considered care facilities. So, monthly rental costs are usually paid for with options like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Depending on your resources, the following options may also be available to you:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans and their surviving spouses with independent living and care costs through pensions and benefits.
Will veterans pensions cover independent living costs?
Yes, a veterans pension can help cover some of a senior veteran’s costs of living, depending on the type of benefits you or your spouse qualifies for. A VA pension and related benefits can provide monthly income to eligible veterans or their surviving spouses if they meet specific service, income, disability, and net worth requirements.
Will VA Aid and Attendance benefit cover independent living costs?
Yes, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit may cover the costs associated with an independent living community, like rent and services. This benefit will cover most senior living facilities, especially if the on-site services will improve the veteran’s quality of life. The payment is an addition to a VA pension, and the amount varies depending on many factors. To receive this additional pension, a veteran or their surviving spouse must meet disability, service, and income requirements.
Are there other veteran benefits specific to the Omaha area?
Yes, Nebraska and Iowa have local benefit options, including but not limited to the following:
- Military Retirement Benefits Exclusion (Nebraska): Starting in 2022, Nebraska veterans can excuse military retirement benefits from their taxable income.
- Military Retirement Tax Exemption (Iowa): Starting in 2014, veterans receive exemption from federal retirement payment on their state individual income tax forms.
- Nebraska Homestead Exemption: A property tax relief program that helps homeowners, like seniors aged 65+, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans.
- Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Tax Credit: This credit offers exemption from property taxes to Iowa veterans who are 100% disabled due to their service.
How to find assistance with veterans benefits in Omaha area
Since veterans benefits are difficult to understand and applying is a complex process, seeking assistance in filing can really pay off. Especially if you received an honorable discharge, are low income, and believe you meet the disability requirements.
The application process is tricky. And, many eligible veterans are denied claims simply because they didn’t fill out the applications correctly or in the proper order. Therefore, it’s important to seek benefits counseling before you even begin the process.
There are several local veteran service offices and organizations that can help you apply for veterans benefits and appeal denied claims. The local veteran service offices have service officers that can help you understand veterans benefits. Likewise, local nonprofit organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and American Legion have service officers who help advocate for veterans and help them understand their due benefits. Check out all the local resources below for the assistance you need.
Number of veterans who live in Omaha, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 43% of Omaha veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Omaha veterans
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA)
P.O. Box 95083
301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor
Lincoln, NE 68509-5083
Phone: 402-471-2458
Fax: 402-742-1142
Email: ndva@nebraska.gov
Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Phone: 402-420-4021
Fax: 402-471-7070
Email: ndva.sso@nebraska.gov
Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office
623 Sixth Ave.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: 712-328-5726
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
Camp Dodge, Building 3465
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
Phone: 515-252-4698
Though rental costs for independent living are not covered, Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid can help state residents receive in-home health care services in the event the need arises. Read on to learn about the types of in-home health care services that you may be entitled to receive in your private residence.
Are you eligible for Medicaid?
Your eligibility depends on whether you reside in Nebraska or Iowa. However, the requirements for Medicaid typically include age, disability, or income requirements. Typically, if you fall under one of the following categories you may qualify for Medicaid:
- Be age 65+
- Be disabled according to Social Security standards
- Be a low-income adult between the ages of 19 and 64[03,04]
What home health services does Nebraska Medicaid cover?
To receive coverage for in-home health care services, the services must meet the following requirements:
- Be authorized by an advance practice registered nurse (APRN) or physician
- Be deemed medically necessary
- Be determined suitable for in-home care
When provided by a Medicaid-contracted home health care agency, care services may include the following:
- Nursing care services
- Home health aide services
- Medical supplies
- Medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy[03]
What home health services does Iowa Medicaid cover?
Like Nebraska Medicaid, Iowa Medicaid can help cover in-home care services provided by a Medicare-certified home health care agency. Through Iowa Medicaid’s Home Health Services (HHS) program, seniors may qualify for in-home health care services. A senior’s physician must certify that the services are medically necessary and approve a care plan every 60 days.
The program has limitations to some in-home health care services, but the care services provided will typically include the following:
- Skilled nursing care
- Wound therapy
- Insulin injections
- Home health aide services
- Physical therapy
- Speech language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Medical social services
What are home and community based services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers?
Home and community based services (or HCBS) is a waiver program provided by both Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid. This program helps people receive Medicaid-covered services in their home or community. Included in HCBS is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly (or PACE). PACE helps seniors age 55+ who need nursing home-level care in their home or community.
Additional waivers vary depending on the state. But most of these HCBS waivers allow seniors to receive in-home care services, like the following:
- Home health aides
- Homemakers
- Companionship
- Independence skills building
- Personal care
- Transportation
- Personal Emergency Response System[05,06]
Other waivers and programs that may help seniors receive in-home health care services include the following:
- Aged and Disabled program helps Nebraska residents aged 65+ and adults with disabilities who need nursing home-level care.
- Elderly Waiver helps Iowa residents aged 65+ who need nursing home-level care.
- Personal Assistance Services help people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions receive in-home assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs).
Where can I find assistance with Medicaid benefits?
Whether you’re struggling with understanding Medicaid benefits or need help applying for benefits, the Omaha area has multiple resources to help you through this process. The State Unit on Aging through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services oversees funding for resources in the area. The Area Agencies on Aging can help you find a variety of services in the area. Check out the following online resources to learn more about and apply for Nebraska and Iowa Medicaid programs.
Nebraska and Iowa Medicaid resources
Apply for Nebraska Medicaid.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Medicaid assistance: 855-632-7633
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
Phone: 402-471-2307
Email: DHHS.Aging@nebraska.gov
4780 S. 131st St.
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: 402-444-6536
Phone: 800-338-8366
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council Bluffs Office
231 S. Main St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: 712-328-2540
800-432-9209
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older or people with disabilities or certain diseases. Medicare does not cover independent living costs. However, the program can help cover some short-term hospitalization needs and in-home health care services.
What home health care services does Medicare cover?
If home health care services are medically necessary, Medicare may help cover in-home care services, such as the following:
- Home health aide care
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Medical equipment
- Medical supplies[07]
Financial assistance programs
Besides Medicare, you may be eligible to financial assistance programs if you are a low-income senior. These programs include the Medicare Savings Programs, which helps Nebraska and Iowa residents with limited income pay for some Medicare costs. Both states also have access to Medicare’s Extra Help program, which offers assistance with prescription drug and Medicare Part D costs. Additionally, Douglas County residents can utilize the free discount prescription program, Douglas County Prescription Discount Card.
How to understand and apply for Medicare benefits
Understanding Medicare benefits is difficult, but well worth the process. Because of this confusion, both Nebraska and Iowa have programs to help people understand their eligible Medicare benefits. For more information on Medicare and help disputing health insurance issues, check out the following programs:
- Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program and Medicare Patrol (SHIIP-SMP)
Additionally, your local ombudsman helps advocate for senior rights and health insurance issues.
Omaha resident Medicare resources
Omaha: Beth Nodes
Phone: 402-444-6536
402-561-2239
Email: beth.nodes@enoa.org
Iowa: Julie Pollock
Phone: 712-249-7424
Volunteers Assisting Seniors
1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 312
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: 402-444-6617
Understand Omaha laws and regulations for independent living communities
All 13 of our independent living partners in Omaha have a minimum age requirement of 55+ or 62+, depending on the community.[01] Independent living communities in Nebraska are not considered care facilities, so, aside from an age limit, they do not have specific facility requirements — like those of assisted living facilities. However, a handful of our independent living partners also have assisted living on the same campus. Those communities with multi-tier care types must follow assisted living regulations, as well.
Both Nebraska and Iowa assisted living communities must be licensed. In Nebraska, assisted living communities are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services, while Iowa requires an Assisted Living Program license.[10,11] These licenses require inspections, which can be found online at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services database or the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals database. Depending on the state, these facilities must meet certain requirements, including but not limited to:
- Providing resident care/personal care services
- Hiring a sufficient number of staff
- Hiring a registered nurse to meet medication administration policies[10,11]
Additionally, Nebraska and Iowa have their own requirements for assisted living buildings, which can be found in our guide to assisted living in Omaha.
Otherwise, independent living communities are generally rental properties and typically are required to follow the state apartment regulations and requirements. Read on to learn about some of the rental regulations in Nebraska and Iowa.
Apartment requirements in Nebraska and Iowa
Nebraska and Iowa require property owners to provide a habitable living environment. This means the apartment building common areas must be a safe environment and kept clean, as well as meet the following requirements for the apartment complex:
- Address rental unit repairs in a timely manner
- Offer safe facilities, working appliances, and utilities, including the following:
Additionally, a tenant must help maintain a clean and safe apartment that complies with housing and building codes. Compliance means the following:
- Tenant will not overuse facilities and appliances.
- Tenant will not deliberately destroy or damage the apartment.
- Tenant will not disturb the neighbors.[13,14]
To learn more about your rights as a tenant visit the Nebraska’s Landlord and Tenant Handbook or the Iowa Landlord and Tenant Law Legislative Guide.
Accommodations for seniors with disabilities
In addition to following apartment regulations, independent living communities must provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Changing a rule or service can help provide an equal opportunity to those with disabilities. These type of accommodations may include the following:
- Accessible parking options
- Ground-floor units
- Adjusted rental payments to meet the income assistance schedule
- Allowing service animals[15]
Additionally, a facility may be required to make modifications to the design of the building to make it easily accessible. Such modifications may include installing the following:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Grab bars
- Accessible entryways[15]
If you have a disability and need accommodations, contact the Omaha Housing Authority, which can help you request accommodations.
Below you will find contacts for filing a complaint against your landlord if they have ignored your written requests. For a structural complaint, contact the Housing Enforcement department at the local City of Omaha Planning Department. If your landlord has not responded to your written requests and you need to file a rental complaint, you can contact the Council Bluffs Rental Housing department for guidance. It is advised to not file a complaint against your landlord until you have submitted multiple written requests to your landlord about the changes on safety issues.
Omaha Housing Authority
Request form for accommodation of disability.
1823 Harney St.
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: 402-444-6900
City of Omaha Planning Department
Find your local contact agency.
1819 Farnam St., Suite 1100
Omaha, NE 68183-1100
Phone: 402-444-5350
Council Bluffs Rental Housing
Learn more about filing a rental housing complaint form.
209 Pearl St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: 712-890-5283
COVID-19 regulations for Omaha independent living communities
Since the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines, Nebraska and Iowa have followed their lead. However, Nebraska Department of Health still recommends isolating after you have tested positive for COVID-19 infection. The following are the recommended steps after isolating for five days:
- If you did not have any symptoms, end isolation.
- If you did have symptoms and have been fever-free for 24 hours, end isolation and continue wearing a mask.[16]
After testing negative twice on a COVID-19 antigen test, taken 48 hours apart, you can stop wearing a mask. Or, if you are symptom free for 11 days, you can stop wearing a mask. Nebraska also encourages eligible people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 through the official vaccination campaign, Finish Strong Nebraska.
Nebraska independent living facilities do not have any specific COVID-19 requirements. Though, many of our Omaha independent living partners with assisted living available on the same campus do. To learn more about those assisted living COVID-19 regulations, read our Omaha assisted living page.
Learn more about CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
Types of independent living in Omaha
If you’re looking for all-inclusive senior living with multiple services on one campus and an active living lifestyle, Omaha has a variety of options. Read on for an outline of what you can expect from independent living communities in Omaha.
All-inclusive facilities
Seniors in Omaha don’t have to worry about managing all their bills thanks to all-inclusive rates. This means all costs are wrapped in one monthly payment instead of paying for each service individually. Many of our independent living partners in Omaha are all-inclusive and don’t have buy-in fees. The services and fees included in this all-inclusive flat rate depends on the community. However, this fee generally includes the apartment, utilities, and community amenities and activities. Additionally, all of our independent living partners provide meals and may include them in the all-inclusive rate.[01]
Active independent living communities
All of our independent living partners offer planned on-site and off-site activities for residents. These types of activities may include but are not limited to the following:
- Art classes
- Brain fitness games
- Cooking classes
- Day trips or outings
- Happy hours
- Forever fit classes
- Live performances
- Pet-focused programs
- Stretching classes
- Wii Bowling
- Yoga
- Trivia
- Tai chi[01]
Additionally, independent living communities offer clubs and groups to encourage socialization. Depending on the community, you may be able to participate in interest clubs and groups like the following:
- Bible study group
- Book club
- Choir club
- Card club
- Cooking club
- Gardening club
- Men’s club
- Walking club
- Quilting or sewing club[01]
Independent living with additional care types
Five of our 13 partner independent living communities in Omaha are stand-alone independent living communities.[01] The others have additional care types — including assisted living and memory care — on the same campus. These types of communities help seniors age in place. Since care needs can evolve, there is a possibility you may need additional care in the future. Therefore, these types of communities are beneficial and extremely popular in Omaha. If you believe you may eventually need assistance with activities of daily living or dementia care, there are memory care facilities and assisted living facilities in Omaha, some on the same campuses as our partner independent living communities.
Additionally, approximately 84% of our Omaha independent living partners have at least one of the following visiting medical professionals:
- Visiting nurse
- Visiting podiatrist
- Visiting physical therapist
- Visiting occupational therapist
- Visiting speech therapist
- Visiting dentist[01]
Some facilities also have an on-call doctor and on-site nursing services. On-site nursing services can provide the following:
- Round-the-clock nursing supervision
- Hospice care
- Rehabilitative care after surgery or illness
If you grow to need even more advanced nursing care, many facilities also provide access to a third-party skilled nursing agency. The majority of our partner independent living communities give residents access to an on-site home health care agency.
Independent living in the surrounding Omaha suburbs
Omaha is a hub for independent living communities. And between Jan. 1, 2022 and Feb. 14, 2023, approximately 66% of the seniors A Place for Mom referred were looking for a facility located in Omaha. However, many seniors gravitated toward the suburbs, with 11% desiring a facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa.[01] The rest of our seniors looked for independent living in the following suburban areas:
- Bellevue
- Papillion
- La Vista
- Gretna
- Elkhorn
Our independent living partners in these areas offer multiple care types — including independent living, assisted living, and memory care — on the same campus. And one of our partner communities in Council Bluffs is a faith-led continuing care retirement community (also known as a CCRC), meaning you can age in place. CCRCs typically provide unlimited on-site care services, but they come with a hefty admission fee. Some admission fees for CCRCs can be upward of $100,000, as this fee is used to offset future on-site nursing care costs. Many seniors opt to cover this fee with the proceeds from the sale of a home, or by digging into retirement resources.
In these suburban areas, you’ll find independent living communities that offer the same kinds of amenities and services as the Omaha area communities. The main difference is the space — as the suburbs are spread more openly across beautifully landscaped greenery and have a charming ambiance. Some of these independent living communities also have more spacious floor plans than their city counterparts. Suburban communities can also include larger villa options.
Unfamiliar with Omaha? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 55 currently living in Omaha, according to U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 55 and older within the Omaha population, according to U.S. Census Bureau
Average annual income for Omaha seniors 65 and older, according to U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Omaha
Omaha seniors have access to multiple geriatric programs and clinics provided through high performing hospitals. Here you’ll find highly ranked hospitals in the Omaha region.
Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center
Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center offers top-notch care with a regional ranking of No. 1, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital receives high performance ratings for four adult specialties, including cancer and pulmonology/lung surgery. Seniors can find additional care at the on-site geriatric clinic, Home Instead Center for Successful Aging.
Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Nebraska Methodist Hospital provides extraordinary care with a regional ranking of No. 2 in Omaha and No. 3 in Nebraska, according to U.S. News and World Report. Seniors can receive care tailored to their needs with a Geriatric Assessment Clinic, Acute Care for Elders Unit, and four geriatric programs. The programs have specially trained nurses who provide care for seniors during their hospital stay, as well as offer educational information on geriatric medicine.
CHI Health Immanuel
CHI Health Immanuel offers typical services and specialty services with a cancer center, rehabilitation center, and specialty spine hospital located in North Omaha. Seniors can also use CHI Health at Home, the home health care services offered by the hospital. The hospital system has other nearby locations, including CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs.
Transportation for seniors in Omaha
While Omaha is a large city, the area does not have many public transportation options available. Luckily, all of our independent living partners in Omaha have complimentary transportation available. And if you have your own means of transportation, our Omaha independent living partners have resident parking options available.[01] Plus, some independent living communities offer covered parking options to help protect the vehicle from severe weather.
However, if you need additional means of transportation, Omaha Metro has three different bus systems available:
- Local daily service is the bus system in Omaha with over 2,500 bus stops.
- Orbt rapid bus transit provides faster and more frequent trips along eight miles between downtown Omaha and Westroads Mall. This bus travels on Dodge and Douglas streets.
- MOBY is an ADA paratransit service. This complementary service helps people with disabilities who cannot access other bus stations.
The local bus system and Orbt rapid bus transit offer a Metro fare discount for seniors aged 62+ and those with disabilities.
The following scores, out of 100, are based off transportation accessibility in the Omaha area, including Council Bluffs, Iowa, per Walk Score.[22]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Omaha
Most of our independent living partners offer planned off-site activities, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. Community transportation services enable residents to visit a variety of local hotspots and participate in group outings and activities. A well-known and recommended area is The Old Market — a local spot with plenty of arts, entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
The area has many senior-friendly activity options to help you live an active lifestyle. Below is an outline of popular area activities, some of which may be located in The Old Market.
Omaha active living
There are many Omaha senior activity centers that host multiple activities. If you reserve ahead by at least 24 hours, you can even get a meal. Besides senior centers, the City of Omaha Parks schedule a variety of senior-friendly activities like the following:
- Fishing
- Pickleball
- Tai chi
- Bingo
- Puzzles
- Walking
Additionally, there is a 55+ club where seniors have free access to a weight room and the indoor gym.
Council Bluffs active living
Seniors age 62+ can live an active lifestyle with a discounted membership to the YMCA Healthy Living Center in Council Bluffs. The local YMCA has amenities like the following:
- Indoor pool
- Exercise classes
- Wellness center
- Health programs
- Clubs
- Social groups
Gaming and entertainment
Whether you’re looking for lively performing arts or gambling, the Omaha area has multiple options for both. The Omaha area is known for having a large arts and music scene, thanks to the Omaha Performing Arts center. The center hosts live music, dance performances, Broadway shows, and comedy shows, with three difference venues in one area, including:
- Holland Performing Arts Center
- Orpheum Theater
- Steelhouse Omaha (opening May 12, 2023)
On the other side of the state line, Council Bluffs has a handful of casinos with options like slots, virtual games, table games, and sports betting. Enjoy these local casinos:
Museums
Your family will love coming to visit thanks to the area’s finest museums, like:
Outdoor areas
If you love the outdoors, you’ll find endless opportunities in Omaha with over 250 parks throughout the area. Whether you visit the park by yourself or with friends, there are many comfortable amenities for activities, like tennis courts, swimming pools, community centers, and picnic areas. You can also enjoy a day of swimming or fishing at one of the many local lakes. Besides outdoor parks and lakes, the area offers the well-known Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where seniors aged 65+ receive a slightly discounted rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bloomfield, Maple Ridge Retirement Community and Westgate Assisted Living are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Omaha, NE. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Omaha is $2,789 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid Eligibility.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Who Receives Medicaid?
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid Services.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Home Health Services.
Medicare. What Medicare health plans cover.
Omaha Housing Authority. Housing Vouchers Eligibility Requirements.
Municipal Housing Agency. Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Nebraska Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure. (2007, April 3). Health Care Facilities and Services Licensure, Chapter 4 Assisted Living Facilities.
Office of the Assistance Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2015) Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition.
Nebraska Legislature. (2001). Nebraska Revised Statue 76-1419.
Legislative Services Agency. (Dec. 2014). Landlord-Tenant Law.
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421 (1974 & rev. 2019).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Steps to take after testing positive or exposure to COVID-19.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, July 14). Assisted-living facility masking guidance.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, April 1). Guidance on communal dining/group activities for NF and AL.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age of householder by household income in the past 12 months (in 2021 inflation-adjusted dollars) (B19037) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Hospital search.
Walk Score. Living in Omaha.
Bird, S. (2023, Feb. 13). Personal communication [Zoom interview].
More questions?
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