Improve quality of life with assisted living
BROKEN BOW The staff and board of Off-Broadway Independent and Assisted Living in Broken Bow want you to know the negative impacts of the pandemic are part of the past.
“We have come miles and miles,” Administrator Suzanne Glendy said. “We still have guidelines but it’s a more real life approach now.”
Board President Paul Stec said the facility had to follow state and federal guidelines to stay open. “We had great success at doing that,” he said. “We are in a good place because of the staff.”
Both Stec and Glendy emphasized the number one priority behind all decisions is to take care of the residents. “Number one priority is to keep COVID out of the facility,” Stec said. Many of the decisions were tough ones like restricting residents to room and allowing no visitors.
“We made the best decisions we could, trying with our whole hearts to make the situation better, and here we are, still making the best decisions,” Glendy said. “The guidance we are getting now is more practical.”
Guidelines now say residents are not restricted to their rooms unless they test COVID-positive. If a resident has been exposed, they may be tested but it’s a more individualized approach. Glendy explained, “For testing, we look at exposure risk. We call ICAP (Nebraska’s Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program) and describe the situation, the exposure time and vaccination status.” With no plans to shut down the building again, Glendy added, “We are about as pre-pandemic as you can get,” she added.
Part of the challenge now is combating portrayal
that all is doom and gloom. Glendy said social media and national media don’t paint a complete picture. “They don’t show you all the jokes and the laughs and the good times. We have good times and good moments.”
Because of the shutdown, some people may be reluctant to consider an independent or assisted living facility right now. Glendy invites people to set that hesitation aside and check out what Off-Broadway has to offer for one bedroom, two bedroom and studio apartments in two levels of residency 1) independent living for those who don’t require daily assistance but are ready to let go of daily chores such as cooking, house cleaning, laundry and maintenance and 2) assisted living for those who need help with personal care such as bathing or managing medications.
Glendy explained that living at Off-Broadway doesn’t have to be permanent. Some people may want to be there during the winter and then return home in the summer months. Regardless, helping residents is the goal. It may be as simple as scheduled meals. “It’s amazing how getting regular meals can improve the quality of life,” Glendy said.
Residents can keep their own vehicles or use transportation provided by Off-Broadway. Both a licensed practical nurse and a nurse practitioner are available, either in person or on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also plenty of activities - day trips, fishing trips, a walking club, “Mocktail Monday,” games and more - to keep a resident engaged and active.
As for meals, the kitchen prepares as close to home-made as they can, even using recipes from residents that were included in the cookbook Off-Broadway compiled
last year. Some of the home-style favorites include meatloaf, fried chicken, pies, rolls and “Better than George Strait Cake.”
Glendy is quick to give credit for all the positives to the staff, from care givers to kitchen to maintenance. She said everyone wears many hats and often volunteers to do more on their own time.
“I can’t brag enough about the staff,” she said. “Their love for what they do, the resiliency that they have, they are loving and dedicated to residents.”
For those considering a change but are hesitant, Off-Broadway has the answer. They are currently offering a 30-day free trial stay. “It’s an opportunity to test the waters,” Glendy said. “I would love to have people experience what we have to offer.”
Stec pointed out that community senior living can also help alleviate loneliness for people whose family members live far away or for those who don’t know their neighbors. He said he has seen statistics that indicate individuals who take advantage of assisted living live on average seven years longer than those who do not.
Glendy also pointed to the power of community. She offered as an example a gentleman from some distance away who moved in. “The guys here just embraced him,” she said.
For many families who are struggling with care for an aging loved one, Glendy has this advice: “Don’t wait until it’s critical to make the decision. If you wait, sometimes choices are taken out of your hands. It doesn’t get any easier.”
Stec acknowledges that Off-Broadway has had a rough time.
“It’s because of COVID only,” he said. “Before COVID, we were at 100 percent occupancy with a waiting list. We want the place to thrive and be the place it was before COVID.” He knows Off-Broadway still has a place in the community, saying, “The need has not disappeared. There are still people who are ready to take all the household things and hand them over to some someone else.”
Both Glendy and Stec invite potential residents to check out Off-Broadway. “You might be pleasantly surprised at the privacy and independence and the improvement in your quality of life,” Glendy said.
“I fear people waiting too long and then go directly into a nursing home,” Stec said. “Come get assistance, improve your quality of life and live a long time with us. Move into Off-Broadway and let our family take care of your family.”