By Paxton DeVault OMAHA, Neb. — At Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, care goes far beyond medicine and daily routines. For the staff here, it’s about finding purpose, connection, and dignity in the smallest moments — what they call their “Moments of Truth.”
These moments represent heroic acts of service that transcend daily duties, embodying the center’s mission to “Dignify Long-Term Care in the Eyes of the World.” Whether it’s reuniting with families, sparking joy through conversation, or simply sitting with residents who need company, these moments remind everyone that nursing homes are about life, not loss.
Reuniting a Resident with His Best Friend
When resident Dick moved into Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation, he faced one of the most painful parts of transition — leaving behind his beloved dog, Katie. For many older adults, pets represent not just companionship, but a vital link to their sense of purpose and emotional well-being.
Occupational Therapist Staci Slater saw that loss and decided to step in.
“You know when you get to know people’s stories and who they are, they’re more than just an older person in a nursing home,” Slater said. “We try to find who they are and what they were and what’s important to them.”
Slater began searching for Katie’s new owner, enlisting help from her sister who works with local animal rescues. Eventually, her efforts paid off.
“It was my sister who does rescue in the community as well, so I contacted my sister and said, ‘Help me find what happened to Katie,’” Slater said.
Soon, she tracked Katie’s new family — and arranged a surprise reunion outside the nursing home.
“Him and his friend came up, parked out here. Dick was out here, Katie got out, and I mean it was just amazing,” she said.
Now, Katie’s new owner brings her back for regular visits. The simple act of seeing his dog again lifted Dick’s spirits and reminded staff how powerful compassion can be.
“They lose so much,” Slater added. “When you get to know people’s stories and who they are, you realize they’re so much more than their diagnosis or their age.”
Finding Home Beyond the Bedside
Moments like these are at the heart of the “Moment of Truth” recognition program — a way to honor staff who go beyond their assigned roles to make a difference.
For Slater, it’s all about helping residents hold on to who they are, not just treating who they’ve become.
Occupational therapists like her work every day to help residents maintain independence, purpose, and self-identity — key ingredients in making a nursing home feel like a true home.
“It’s about finding what still gives them joy and letting them hold onto that,” she said.
Redefining What “Home” Means
Standing outside the facility, it’s clear that the Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is not just a place for people to live out their final days — it’s a place for them to continue living.
“For many residents, moving into a nursing home is a big life change,” I shared during my visit. “It’s not just about living out your final days; it’s about finding new purpose, friendships, and a sense of home.”
A Family Feeling — Especially During the Holidays
That same spirit of connection shines through the work of Speech-Language Pathologist Sydnee Gutzmann, who has seen firsthand how these relationships transform residents’ lives.
“A lot of our staff are here five days a week, so building rapport with people and having that family feeling is probably the biggest thing,” Gutzmann said. “We’re all a piece of this puzzle, and I think that makes it feel a little more like a home.”
Gutzmann said the staff’s dedication goes beyond therapy sessions and medical routines — it’s about creating moments that make residents feel valued, seen, and loved.
Caption: At Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Staci Slater’s dog, Bird, has become part of the family — offering motivation, companionship, and happiness to residents each day.
And during the holidays, that sense of family becomes even more important. Many residents feel the absence of loved ones more deeply this time of year, which makes every interaction matter even more.
“I would say the holidays are probably like our biggest time where we feel like that’s when I’m making the biggest impact on their quality of life,” Gutzmann said. “We do a lot to get them where they want to be, and when those circumstances aren’t happening, we just have to find the best piece of their day.”
More Than a Nursing Home
At its core, Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s message is simple: nursing homes aren’t just places for people to wait out the end of life — they’re communities where people can live fully, surrounded by care and connection.
Through programs like Moments of Truth, the facility encourages staff to see each resident as more than a patient. Every smile, memory, and conversation is a chance to build meaning.
And while these acts may seem small — a dog visit, a shared laugh, a holiday celebration — they can change everything for the people who call this place home.
As the holidays draw near, the team at Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation hopes their work serves as a reminder of what true care looks like. Because sometimes, the greatest medicine really is kindness.
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