When Jack Vetter signed the agreement to buy his first nursing home back in 1975, he had no way of knowing he was taking the first step on a journey that would set a new standard for senior living communities throughout Nebraska and into Missouri and Wyoming.
From that initial purchase of Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska, the Vetter Senior Living family has grown to include 30 locations and 4,000 team members, all dedicated to the mission of providing “Dignity in Life” through exceptional care across a continuum of living environments for older adults. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary in January, the Brookstone Meadows community in Elkhorn is expanding its residential options by adding a new 55-plus independent living development to a portfolio that already includes short-term rehabilitation and long-term care accommodations.
Heritage of Fairbury
“We saw an opportunity to build adjacent to our existing care community that is in many ways a landmark in Elkhorn and West Omaha,” said Karl Bieber, Vetter Senior Living’s public relations and communications director.
Brookestone Meadows opened in 2007, one of three locations serving the Omaha metro area along with Brookestone Village in Millard and Brookestone of Papillion.
Jack and Eldora Vetter
“We’ve asked people approaching retirement age what they would want for housing in the next chapter of their lives, and we heard repeatedly that they were looking for the independence of a home without the maintenance responsibilities, and the comfort of knowing they would be part of a community known for providing excellent senior care,” Bieber said. “The Villas will have a neighborhood feel, and the community is designed so that members have the ability to age in place.”
All told, the new development will offer 32 homes — 17 in the first phase of construction and 15 during the second phase, all including basements. Residents also enjoy access to a clubhouse offering wellness amenities and unique dining opportunities. As their health needs progress over time, they have the option to have support from Brookestone Home Health Care, or move into skilled-nursing areas of the community.
“Our services are centered around the lifestyles of our residents,” Bieber said. “From community functions and programs with children to activities that promote individual interests, we try to offer something for everyone.”
In the Omaha metro area, the Brookestone name is synonymous for quality care. Brookestone Meadows, Brookestone Village and Brookestone of Papillion have been certified as a Great Place to Work for Senior Care and consistently receive 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal regulation arm that oversees the long-term care industry.
To mark its upcoming 50th anniversary, Vetter Senior Living is planning a series of celebrations for residents and team members across its communities, along with an event at the company’s fall conference in Omaha.
For more information about the new Villas at Brookestone Meadows development or Vetter Senior Living, go to brookestonevillas.com.
