By Paxton DeVault OMAHA, Neb. — The holidays can be a difficult time for many older adults living in care facilities — but at Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, staff are working every day to make sure residents never lose their sense of home.
Walking through the halls, you’ll hear laughter, see warm smiles, and even catch sight of Bird — a lively pup who trots along beside occupational therapist Staci Slater. Though not a certified therapy dog, Bird has become an honorary member of the team, bringing energy and joy to residents’ daily routines.
“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.”
That philosophy — treating residents as individuals with full, meaningful lives — is what makes Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation stand out.
Building a Family Feeling
Speech-Language Pathologist Sydnee Gutzmann says the secret to creating a true sense of home lies in the relationships between staff and residents.
“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.
For Gutzmann, those connections mean the most during the holidays.
“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,” she said.
Through games, crafts, therapy, and holiday celebrations, staff help residents stay active and engaged — creating moments that feel familiar and joyful, even when they’re far from the traditions they once knew.
Moments of Truth: When Small Acts Make a Big Difference
At Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation, those heartfelt gestures are known as Moments of Truth — spontaneous acts of kindness that change lives in big and small ways.
One of those moments came when a resident named Dick was reunited with his beloved dog, Katie, after the two had been separated. Staff worked together to bring Katie back for visits, reminding everyone in the building what love and compassion can do.
These kinds of stories are why Bird’s presence means so much. Whether she’s sitting beside a resident in therapy, nudging someone awake for their morning session, or greeting people in the hall, she’s a living reminder that joy can come from the simplest things.
A Place to Live, Not Just Stay
For many residents, moving into a nursing home marks a major life change. But at Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation, it’s not about living out your final days — it’s about finding new purpose, friendships, and a true sense of belonging.
From outings and celebrations to quiet companionship, the staff’s mission is simple: keep life vibrant, meaningful, and full of love.
As the holidays approach, the team at Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation continues to prove that home isn’t defined by walls — it’s defined by the people, and even the pets, who fill it with warmth.
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