Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Senior Living & Memory Care Community in Lincoln, NE
The Independence Houses has been dedicated to providing compassionate senior care in Lincoln, NE since 1996. Our mission centers on creating home-like environments where residents receive personalized attention through both Assisted Living and specialized Memory Care programs. With a foundation built by a registered nurse owner, we maintain two full-time RNs on staff and implement individualized care plans that adapt to evolving resident needs. Our small resident counts ensure focused attention, while secured outdoor spaces and structured activities promote safety and engagement.We pioneered a model combining skilled nursing care with intimate community living, allowing residents to age in place without needing relocation as care requirements increase. Our team undergoes specialized training in dementia communication and behavior management, working collaboratively with on-site nurse practitioners to address complex medical needs. Through Comfort Care PLUS, we provide end-of-life support while maintaining our commitment to dignity and quality of life throughout all care stages.
Services
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite Care
Comfort Care PLUS
Support Groups
Nursing Services
Dining Programs
Activities & Outings
Transportation
End-of-Life Care
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 on-site RNs and APRNs for immediate medical needs
- Our small resident counts ensure personalized attention and relationship-building
- Couples are welcome to stay together through changing care needs
- Locally owned and operated by a registered nurse with decades of experience
- Residents never need to relocate as care requirements increase
What people say
Caring staff
Peace of mind
Home-like setting
Individual attention
Safe environment
Services
Assisted Living
Our Assisted Living program supports seniors needing help with daily activities while maintaining independence. Residents receive assistance with bathing, grooming, medication management, and housekeeping in a home-like setting. The program emphasizes social engagement through organized activities and chef-prepared meals while maintaining a high staff-to-resident ratio for personalized attention.
Memory Care
Specialized Memory Care provides enhanced support for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Our secured environments feature structured routines, behavior-specific training for staff, and personalized care plans. The program includes specialized activities to maintain cognitive function, 24/7 supervision, and secure outdoor spaces designed to prevent wandering while promoting engagement.
Respite Care
Respite Care offers short-term support for family caregivers needing temporary relief. Our program provides the same quality care as permanent residents, including medication management, daily activities, and social engagement. This service allows caregivers to rest while ensuring their loved ones receive professional care in a secure, supportive environment tailored to cognitive needs.
Comfort Care PLUS
Comfort Care PLUS provides specialized end-of-life support while maintaining dignity and comfort. Our team offers pureed diets, two-person assistance, and palliative care in a home-like setting. This program allows residents to remain in familiar surroundings with consistent caregivers during advanced stages of dementia or other terminal conditions.
Support Groups
Monthly support groups provide resources and emotional support for family caregivers. Led by experienced professionals, these meetings offer practical advice, coping strategies, and peer connections. The program helps families navigate dementia care challenges while maintaining their own well-being through shared experiences and expert guidance.
People
Marsha Stork
Founder, RN, BSN, MA, MBA
With decades of nursing experience, Marsha established The Independence Houses in 1996 to create a more compassionate approach to memory care. Her background includes hospital nursing, home care, and healthcare administration, which she applies to develop innovative, home-like care environments that prioritize dignity and quality of life.
Brandy Higgins
Administrator
Brandy brings extensive experience in senior care administration to her role. With 20 years combined experience at The Independence Houses, she oversees daily operations while maintaining focus on personalized resident care and family communication.
Cynthe Dumler
APRN
As a nurse practitioner, Cynthe provides medical oversight and specialized dementia care. She conducts weekly rounds and offers 24/7 on-call support, ensuring residents receive timely medical attention while maintaining continuity of care through personalized treatment plans.
Gretchen Jolliffe
RN
Gretchen contributes her nursing expertise to resident care planning and implementation. With 40 combined years of experience at The Independence Houses, she works closely with staff to maintain high-quality care standards while addressing residents' evolving medical needs.
Tasha Polak
RN
Tasha provides direct nursing care and supervises staff training programs. Her focus on individualized care plans and behavioral management techniques helps maintain residents' comfort and dignity while supporting staff in implementing specialized dementia care strategies.
Questions
What's the difference between Assisted Living and Memory Care?
Assisted Living supports independent seniors needing daily help, while Memory Care adds specialized dementia support with higher staffing ratios, secure environments, and behavior-specific training for cognitive challenges.
Are nurses available on-site?
We maintain two full-time RNs and have APRNs available on-site weekly with 24/7 on-call coverage for medical emergencies and ongoing care management.
How do you support family caregivers?
We offer monthly support groups, regular family communication, and respite care options to help caregivers manage stress while ensuring their loved ones receive professional care in a supportive environment.
Can residents stay through changing needs?
Our Aging in Place model allows residents to remain without relocation through all care stages, including end-of-life support via our Comfort Care PLUS program.
What activities are offered?
We provide structured therapeutic activities, community outings, spiritual celebrations, and personalized engagement programs to maintain cognitive function and social connection for both Assisted Living and Memory Care residents.
How is dining handled?
Chef-prepared meals with family-style dining include three daily snacks, special dietary accommodations, and assistance with eating as needed in a supportive environment that encourages independence.
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