Introduction

Wisner Care Center, located in the heart of rural Nebraska, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and professional nursing care. This comprehensive review delves into various aspects of the facility, providing potential residents and their families with valuable insights to inform their decision-making process.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 1105 9th St., Wisner, NE 68791

Wisner Care Center is situated in the small town of Wisner, Nebraska, offering a peaceful, rural setting for its residents. While the quiet environment may be appealing to many, it’s important to consider the potential limitations of a rural location:

• Pros:
  • Peaceful, less crowded environment
  • Potential for lower stress levels and a slower pace of life
  • Closer-knit community feel
• Cons:
  • Limited access to specialized medical services
  • Fewer options for shopping and entertainment
  • Potentially longer travel times for visiting family members

Recommendation: Families considering Wisner Care Center should evaluate their needs for proximity to urban amenities and specialized medical care. For those who appreciate a quieter, more intimate setting, this location could be ideal.

Facility Overview and Ratings

Wisner Care Center is a small, city/county-owned nursing home with 38 beds. Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:

• Size: Small (38 beds)
• Medicare/Medicaid Participation : Yes
• Short-Term Rehabilitation : Average
• Long-Term Care : Average
• Overall Rating : Average

1. Falls Prevention: 0.0% of residents experienced falls with major injuries (State avg: 1.1%, National avg: 1.0%)
2. Self-Care Maintenance: 91.3% of residents maintained ability to perform daily activities (State avg: 85.4%, National avg: 85.9%)
3. Preventive Care: 100% of residents received annual flu vaccinations (State avg: 95.7%, National avg: 94.8%)

These metrics indicate that Wisner Care Center excels in fall prevention, maintaining resident independence, and preventive health measures.

Quality of Care and Staffing

Staffing Levels

One of Wisner Care Center’s standout features is its high staffing levels:

• Nurse Staffing Hours: 5 hours 32 minutes per resident per day
  • Compared to Nebraska average: 3 hours 56 minutes
  • Compared to National average: 3 hours 46 minutes

This significantly higher staffing level suggests that residents at Wisner Care Center receive more personalized attention and care than at many other facilities.

Areas for Improvement

Recent health inspections have identified several areas needing attention:

1. Timely reporting of suspected abuse or neglect
2. Developing comprehensive care plans
3. Providing care according to resident preferences
4. Proper medication management
5. Implementing effective infection control programs

While these issues were addressed post-inspection, they highlight areas where the facility can further enhance its care quality.

Recommendation: Prospective residents and families should inquire about the specific steps taken to address these concerns and the ongoing measures in place to prevent recurrence.

Amenities and Programs

While specific details about Wisner Care Center’s amenities are limited, we can infer some aspects based on available information:

1. Resident Council: The presence of a Resident Council indicates that the facility values resident input in its operations.
2. Rehabilitation Services: Offers short-term rehabilitation, rated as “Average” by U.S. News & World Report.
3. Long-Term Care: Provides ongoing care for residents with chronic conditions, also rated as “Average.”

Recommendation: Prospective residents and families should inquire about:

• Recreational activities and social programs
• Dining services and meal options
• Physical therapy and exercise facilities
• Outdoor spaces or gardens
• Technology amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, computer access)
• Visitation policies and family involvement opportunities

Cost Analysis and Financial Assistance

While specific pricing for Wisner Care Center is not publicly available, we can provide context based on Nebraska averages:

Financial Assistance Options

1. Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of short-term skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay.
2. Medicaid: Provides coverage for long-term care for those meeting income and asset requirements.
3. Long-Term Care Insurance: Private policies can help cover extended care costs.
4. Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans may qualify for additional financial assistance.

Recommendation: Contact Wisner Care Center directly for:

• Current pricing information
• Details on any additional fees for specific services
• Information about financial assessment services or counseling
• Assistance in exploring local or state financial aid programs

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wisner Care Center offers a unique blend of rural charm and professional nursing care. Its strengths lie in:

• High staffing levels, providing more personalized care
• Excellent fall prevention and resident independence maintenance
• Strong focus on preventive health measures

Areas for potential improvement include:

• Consistency in weekend staffing
• Addressing recent health inspection findings
• Expanding specialized care options (e.g., memory care)

For those seeking a smaller, more intimate nursing home environment in rural Nebraska, Wisner Care Center could be an excellent choice. However, prospective residents and their families should carefully consider their needs for urban amenities and specialized medical services when making their decision.

To make the most informed decision:

1. Schedule an in-person tour of the facility
2. Speak with current residents and their families about their experiences
3. Discuss recent improvements and ongoing initiatives with the management team
4. Review the latest state inspection reports for the most up-to-date information on care quality

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, potential residents can determine if Wisner Care Center aligns with their specific needs and preferences for long-term care.