Across Nebraska and the nation, nursing homes are facing an uphill battle. Rising costs, staffing shortages, and financial constraints have forced many rural nursing homes to close their doors. The need for nursing homes is greater than ever, and that need is only increasing as our population ages.

In Custer County, there are only two nursing homes remaining, including the Callaway Good Life Center.

The Callaway Good Life Center, a 38-bed, community- owned facility, is not immune to these challenges.

However, unlike corporate-owned facilities that have recently shut down, Callaway Good Life Center has something powerful on its side - the people of Callaway.

The Importance of a Nursing Home in Our Town Access to quality healthcare is essential, and for rural communities like Callaway, The Callaway Good Life Center is a vital part of the care. It provides not only skilled nursing services but also a sense of security, stability, and continuity for residents as they transition through different phases of life. Working alongside our local hospital and independent living residence, The Grand Generation Manor, Callaway Good Life Center helps keep our elderly and medically fragile residents close to home, their loved ones, and the caregivers who know them best.

With so many nursing homes closing around us, keeping The Callaway Good Life Center viable would ensure a potential long-term care option for families.

CGLC serves not only Callaway, but also neighboring communities, offering compassionate, high-quality care close to families and support networks. In the event of a closure, a critical resource would be taken from the region, which many rely on for both care and connection.

The Callaway Good Life Center is also a vital part of our local economy, employing many community members and supporting the flow of wages to local service providers. In addition, families visiting loved ones contribute to our economy through a multitude of purchases within town. Losing CGLC would not only displace elderly residents who rely on its care, but would also lead to significant job losses and a decline in local revenue - a tremendous loss for Callaway and surrounding towns.

The Challenges We Face

Like many nursing homes, Callaway Good Life Center has struggled with a shortage of staff, often having to rely on costly agency workers to ensure quality care for its residents. At the same time, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates have failed to keep pace with the increasing costs of providing care, leaving a significant financial gap.

Essential expenses - including food, wages, insurance, and utilities - continue to rise, stretching the facility’s budget thin. Additionally, the building itself is aging, requiring ongoing maintenance and upgrades to create a comfortable, modern environment for residents.

A Future Worth Fighting For

Despite these obstacles, Callaway Good Life Center is determined to continue its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care for the elderly in our community. Plans for a new nursing home were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising material costs, but the vision remains. Now, more than ever, the center needs the community’s support to turn that vision into reality. The CGLC board is dedicated to working toward the very attainable goal of a new facility that will provide exceptional care for our seniors, ensuring they continue to receive the support and dignity they deserve in a modern, welcoming environment.

Action Plan for Improving Facility Operations The board of the Callaway Good Life Center has developed a comprehensive action plan to improve operational processes and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility within Central Nebraska. By partnering with a variety of healthcare professionals and consultation resources, they are implementing strategies to enhance the quality of care while also improving efficiency. The board and staff are committed to maintaining and increasing the facility’s census by working closely with neighboring communities and local resources to boost referrals. CGLC remains a loving, caring facility, supported by a dedicated staff that is focused on providing exceptional care for our residents, and with these efforts, the board is confident that the facility will continue to thrive and meet the needs of the community for many years to come.

How You Can Help

The board of directors and local leaders would like to keep our community up-to-date and aware of our current situation and plans moving forward for CGLC.

As a community member, here are current ways to get involved: · Support Fundraising Efforts – Plan on joining us for a Breakfast Fundraiser on June 28 from 7-10 a.m. at the Callaway Community Center during Pioneer Picnic to support CGLC!

This Breakfast Fundraiser is working hand in hand with Give 4 Custer County to increase funds raised.

If you would like to learn more about Give 4 Custer County and the fundraising opportunity this provides, please visit give4cc.asimobile.net · Spread the Word – Encourage friends, family, and local businesses to rally behind this cause.

Callaway Good Life Center has always been more than just a nursing home - it’s a reflection of the values and care of our community. With your help, CGLC can overcome these challenges and ensure that our loved ones continue to have a place to call home.