Life Changes —

We are told to “expect the unexpected,” – but how does one do that, really? Unplanned life changes can be uncomfortable and come with a string of emotions, ranging from anger and fear to helplessness and worry. It’s common to feel a sense of loss that comes with unexpected changes, as we are pulled away from what is familiar and comfortable. For seniors and their loved ones who find themselves in these situations, life can be challenging for some time as adjustments are made. Local individuals offered some words of wisdom and encouragement for us to share with our readers, seniors and their loved ones who want to prepare for the event of unexpected changes – or those who may be going through unforeseen changes right now.

Specialized Memory Care

Alzheimer’s and other dementias progress differently in each individual diagnosed. For some, the decline may be very rapid and sudden. In the event your loved one with dementia unexpectedly needs additional care, prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a wonderful option, providing exceptional person-centered holistic care to residents with cognitive impairment. This goes far beyond the minimal regulations of eight hours a day, and it eliminates any stress and anxiety a family may have when placing their loved one in memory care. Prairie Meadows is a homelike and freestanding memory care facility that specializes in memory care, secured courtyards, restaurant style dining and 24/7 on-site nursing.

“Prairie Meadows partners with The Alzheimer’s Association by offering support groups for families with those in need of memory care,” said Marketing Director Don Woods. “The journey of memory care can be challenging. We are available to meet with families and share resources that will benefit families as they are on this journey alongside their loved one.”

Finding specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related illness is an incredibly intricate and personal process. Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center offers freestanding memory care and assisted living services with a team specially-trained in memory care. Prairie Meadows also utilizes the SPARK program.

SPARK was inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp and provides meaningful and life-enhancing experiences for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

“The program engages their residents with proven rehabilitative strategies that strive to heighten interaction, optimize cognitive skills as well as promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment,” Don said. “SPARK uses tailor-fit assessment tools to evaluate each resident’s capabilities and strengths, so the program can best meet their specific needs.”

Specialized care like the kind provided at Prairie Meadows is crucial for anyone experiencing memory loss or a memory disease. Living comfortably while staying active and social can keep you or your loved one in good spirits during a difficult transition. Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Care Center is ready to welcome you or your loved one into their connected community.

Keep Moving

According the CDC, adults 65 years of age and older who are generally fit and do not have limiting health conditions should get 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, and work on musclestrengthening at least twice a week. This aims to prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age, as well as grow one’s muscles to allow them to continue to perform their day-today activities without becoming dependent on others.

Injuries come when you least expect them, and as you age, the healing process often becomes longer, leading to difficulties in living your dayto-day life. To get yourself or your loved one back into their pre-injury health and strength, visit See The Trainer.

See The Trainer has a variety of sports medicine products that can help seniors who want to live an active lifestyle protect themselves from aggravating a past injury or a weak part of the body. They also offer exercise products, such as exercise balls, shoulder pulleys, foam rollers and more, so you can stay fit right from your home.

In the event that you or your loved one finds themselves going into surgery, See The Trainer can help guide you through the rehabilitation process.

“We have a variety of helpful products that can assist someone going through rehabilitation after a major surgery or injury so that they can safely get back to their normal routine as soon as possible,” shared Owner Kristie Egan . “We understand that it would be challenging to have to adjust your daily routine for weeks or months due to something unexpected. Our products can help you through your recovery to ensure everything heals properly and you can get back to your pre-injury routine.”

Kristie has been with See The Trainer for 14 years and started out with intentions to keep it temporary, but it turned into a life-long career that she is very passionate about. She has since bought the company from the previous owner and is excited to carry on the journey. Not only is See The Trainer locally- and women-owned and operated, but it is also locally sourced. See The Trainer has been partnering with Nebraska Cancer Specialists’ Occupational Therapy program in Legacy and has become their new “go-to” for sending patients to get medical compression garments.

Visit See The Trainer today to see how they can help you or your loved one continue to stay active and live comfortably at home.

Road To Recovery

Brookestone Meadows offers short-term rehab and long-term skilled care. Designed specifically for resident-centered care, the short-term rehabilitation facility provides an extensive range of rehabilitative services and 24-hour skilled nursing care. The goal is to return home or to a residential care environment. For long-term skilled care, there are options for medical care, nursing and rehabilitation care and personal care. The Vetter Senior Living facility has five households for long-term care and three for rehabilitation.

“We provide short-term rehabilitation to seniors following a hospitalization after an accident, illness or injury. Seniors at our facility receive skilled nursing care and therapy to increase their strength and independence. Planning for the transition back to the community starts at admission,” said Molly Skidmore from the Brookestone Meadows social work department. “If there is an increased need for care in their home environment, we assist in making those community resource connections. Brookestone Home Health Care also assists with this transition to the community by providing therapy and nursing in the home setting. We also provide long-term care for those who are unable to return to their prior living arrangements who need 24-hour skilled nursing care.” Molly has seen many people experience unexpected changes in their lives and oftentimes they are left lost and unsure where to go next.

“Start making phone calls! There are many resources in our community such as private care giving companies, care facilities that provide a variety of levels of care, senior living advisors and programs through the Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging,” advised Molly.

“If the senior happens to currently be in an acute care setting like the hospital, visit with the social worker for information on resources that may be helpful to their specific situation.”

At Brookestone Meadows, they provide quality care to restore and maintain the independence of both short-term patients and long-term residents. Their mission is to provide Dignity in Life, no matter the circumstance. With a senior’s dignity as their focus, they look to maximize the senior’s quality of life whether they plan to return to the community or remain with Brookestone for long-term care. Brookestone Meadows approaches care concentrated on the wellbeing of the whole person, not just the senior’s physical or medical needs.

For those who may be experiencing an unexpected situation with their family members or themselves, Molly shared one last piece of advice. “Don’t give up! Although the life changes or difficult challenges at hand seem new or overwhelming, seniors have often faced many difficult situations throughout their lives and have been successful in navigating them,” Molly said. “They’ve often helped their friends and families through challenges too. Seniors are resilient! Although independence is highly valued, but don’t be afraid to accept the help of others. I hear from many seniors that they don’t want to burden their family members by asking for help. For family members and caregivers alike, it’s an honor to help the seniors of our community.”

As scary as it is to think about the obstacles that may occur with aging, the best course of action is to be prepared. Check into community resources before there is an immediate need if possible, such as care giving companies or care facilities. Having legal documents like health care directives in place prior to an emergency is helpful, so converse with family members and those in your support system about your wishes if the unexpected were to occur. Proactive planning often affords seniors the opportunity make choices based on their preferences instead of being stuck with what is emergently available.

We recommend reaching out to these local businesses to help you get through unplanned changes and adjust to the next chapter of life.

Weare once again inspired by the group in this month's Women-Owned Businesses feature. It's an honor to be able to highlight female leaders in our community and influence other women with entrepreneurial ambitions. As a women-owned and run business ourselves, there is a certain pride we take in seeing so many other women leaders emerging in Omaha. When women rally behind each other, amazing things happen. All women are powerful—stay-at-home moms and business owners alike. So please join us in celebrating the following woman powerhouses in Omaha. If you are a women-owned business and want to be included in the next feature, please contact us, we'd love to have you.

This group of Women-Owned Businesses is much more than what meets the eye - each one has a story with hundreds of women behind them in their families, friends and communities, rooting for them to meet their goals. Take a moment to read a snippet about who they are and more importantly, where their motivation and drive comes from.

Here in our Omaha community, we take pride in celebrating these amazing women. Join us by sharing their stories with your friends, supporting their work and doing business with them.

Women-owned Goosmann l aw Firm is Legal for People who Lead.

In 2009, Founder Jeana Goosmann defied the risks and left an established 100-year-old firm to start the Goosmann Law Firm with only one lawyer and an assistant. With her leadership and R.E.D. philosophy over the past 14 years the firm has grown to be the largest women-owned law firm in the Midwest with four locations and 65+ team members.

In 2015, the firm became certified by Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). Goosmann Law Firm helps clients in a variety of matters including estate planning, real estate, trials and disputes.

The firm has been recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News - Best Lawyers ® for two consecutive years and has been named on the Law Firm 500 list as one of the fastest growing law firms in America for the past six years. Learn more at www. GoosmannLaw.com

Yellow Brick r oad Early Childhood Development Center is led by two of the most influential women in the childcare industry. Jessica Johnsen, CEO, and Kylie Schrader, COO, work together to inspire their employees to be the best teachers their students could ask for each day. Having worked as teachers, directors and regional directors themselves, Jessica and Kylie understand the importance of professional development and support in the classroom. Jessica’s personal goal going into the childcare industry was to create a space where preschool teachers were seen and respected as professionals and experts in the field. She and Kylie have succeeded in their efforts by adding additional professional development opportunities and benefits annually!

Keele Taylor, PHR, SHRM-CP, is the owner and founder of HrMinded Consulting Services. Established in 2019, Taylor has been supporting business owners across the US and in Canada by providing them with a one-stop shop HRM (HR Management) solution. Taylor has an impactful passion for human resources, safety and leadership development, so much so that she has held senior level positions in HR throughout her career. Taylor has been an integral part of the Omaha business community and also serves as a certified OSHA Trainer, an Executive Board Member for the Nebraska National Safety Council and a Steering member for Methodist Health System’s Women’s Connect Committee.

Taylor has been in HR for nearly 20 years. She graduated with a master’s degree in organizational leadership and development in 2009 from Bellevue University. Taylor has several credentials that speak to her commitment and passion for people, including OSHA Authorized Trainer certification, SHRM and HRCI certifications, Fred Pryor Instructor license and Clifton Strength’s Executive Coaching certification.

“An organization’s greatest assets are the knowledge, skills and abilities of its existing staff,” says Taylor. “Successful leaders recognize the value in human capital.” How can HRMinded Consulting Services help you? Taylor offers several services including Executive Coaching, Compliance & Auditing, HR Document creation/ revision, Policy Writing and Leadership training.

Receive experienced and customized support to meet your HR needs, giving you protection and peace of mind. While you wear multiple hats for your business, let HRMinded wear the HR hat for you. Reach out to Keele Taylor by emailing her at keeletaylor@ hrmindedconsulting.com or visit the website: athrmindedconsulting.biz.

Kylie helped to found Yellow Brick Road in 2006. Her vision for the schools has always been to create an environment that fosters professional development. Kylie’s goal is to build a community of the strongest teachers through training and opportunities for growth. Working side by side, these two ladies are determined and unstoppable. They set out together at Yellow Brick Road in 2019 with combined ambitions, shared experience and a lot of passion to create our communities’ highest-quality preschool programs!

Zen Coffee Company is a beloved Omaha coffee shop, first opened in 2017, founded and owned by Abby Mcleay. Abby has always loved coffee and the fast-pasted atmosphere of working in the industry. She started her undergrad journey in counseling, but quickly fell in love with idea of owning her own business and changed her path to an MBA. Luckily for her employees, her initial education has contributed to her relationships with teammates and customers, bringing compassion to her work.

After discovering an amazing roaster in Cannon Beach, Oregon, Abby knew she had to bring the “zen” back to Omaha. “We had a goal to create an inclusive and positive work environment while also merging the traditional specialty type shop with what Omaha has grown to love - all the flavorful concoctions and fancy beverages,” says Abby. Now, with a total of three locations, a bakery and plans to go mobile, the team maintains their focus of growth while continuing to be Green Certified.

The motivation behind Zen is the people - Zen supports nonprofits continuously within their business model. They prioritize giving back to the community by working with several local nonprofits monthly. By switching up who they work with, their reach goes far and more people get exposure to different organizations.

Visit Zen Coffee Company to try their nationally-viral Coffee and Toast flights, over 40 drink options and their full pastry menu. They have two walk in locations at 133rd and Center and 25th and Farnam, and a drive through is located next to Trader Joes. Visit zencoffeecompany. com for more information!

Founded by two stylists in 2004, nationally-recognized Seven Salon + Boutique quickly grew to a well-known salon in the Omaha area. Nikki Okun and Shannon Bingham had a dream to create one of the strongest education-based salon environments where creativity could thrive, with a desire to have a positive impact on the community through donations and philanthropic endeavors.

In 2009, they received the Salon Today magazine’s Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in the US. The salon has been recognized for numerous awards including the Midlands Business Journal for community involvement after organizing several fundraisers for various causes. Seeing this dream of growth come to fruition has afforded them the opportunity to expand the salon in 2022 into a boutique, photography studio and education hub. These women entrepreneurs continue to grow strong salon professionals, create jobs and maintain a positive relationship with the community of Omaha.

Bark Avenue Grooming and Daycare was established in 2000 by Suzanne Wilke of Omaha. With a passion for dogs and an expertise in grooming, Sue quickly gained the trust of her clients by creating an experience for dogs that upheld the highest standard. As the business flourished, Bark Avenue expanded to include a second location and offer boarding as a service to her loyal client base.

Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor established l ime l ight Expressions in 2007 for one reason: to help people! With over 20 years of experience in the event planning industry, she has created a business model that is more unique than most because she prioritizes building relationships with her clients and establishing trust through consistent communication. From multimillion-dollar international events to local events, LimeLight Expressions’ approach to serving the needs of their clients by building a relationship that feels more like family.

LimeLight staff takes pride in guiding their clients through the entire process so they can be confident the event will exceed their own expectations.

“We love helping people!” said Kimmylea, “We truly enjoy the process of taking our clients’ vision and creating an atmosphere that not only wows our client but impresses all those in attendance. To us, it is about making the entire event an incredible experience that places our client in the LimeLight.”

LimeLight Expressions is family owned and operated with over 22 awards in the industry. To learn more, go online to LimeLightExpressions.com or contact (402) 915-3534 / info@LimeLightExpressions.com.

In the time since starting her business, dog daycare has gone from being an exclusive luxury service to a common necessity for pet owners. Particularly during the pandemic, the daycare and boarding services have been bursting at the seams. As much as our furry friends can be great companions, they are experts at interrupting Zoom calls.

Outside of work Sue is a grandmother of six, mother and a great friend to many in our community. One of her great friendships, that later blossomed into family, was with her daughter-in-law, Meghan. The two got to know each other well while working together at Bark Avenue during the years when Meghan and Clint were dating. After college, Meghan’s career took her to the financial services industry for almost 15 years.

In the summer of 2022 when Sue was contemplating retirement, Meghan was considering business ownership. Even though the news wasn’t official until January of this year, for months both Sue and Meghan have beamed with the pride of knowing that the legacy of Bark Avenue will continue in the family for another generation, at least.

Bark Avenue is Omaha’s leading daycare facility that currently offers full service grooming and boarding for their clients. As the organization grows under Meghan’s leadership they aspire to offer enrichment and memberships for their VIP clients as well as training for dogs and owners of all experience levels. Visit their site at barkavenueomaha.com for more information.

Natalie Kotrc and Brenda Tharp are two female entrepreneurs who own Elegant Edge Events and Catering They started it in 2018 and have a passion for helping people make their special events perfect. Their menu is totally customizable, but specialize in comfort foods, like roast beef au jus and cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese. No event is too big or too small!

Natalie and Brenda are both natives to Omaha, and love to support nonprofits and special interests. Together they have a combined total of over 35 years in the event industry. They also own the Fireside Banquet Room in Papillion, a great place for meetings, small weddings, showers, birthday and grad parties etc.

They have just opened up their new kitchen in Papillion. It will soon offer a carry-out option, Elegant Edge To Go. You can check out their website elegantedgeomaha.com to see a full downloadable menu, or call (402) 871-5708.

Envoy is a certified women-owned advertising agency in Omaha. Founded in 1988, they execute creative, proactive and results-oriented communication strategies that propel their clients’ brands forward.

Dr. Amillionara Davis , D.C. has owned and operated Chiro l ife since October 2022.

She saw a need for chiropractic care to be accessible to the minority community, especially the black community, and decided to fill that need. She started ChiroLife through the help of the Evoke Chiropractic Coaching group, she was introduced to these amazing doctors at the American Black Chiropractic Association Conference during her second trimester of chiropractic school at Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2018.

ChiroLife’s mission is simple - supporting individuals in achieving extraordinary life through the vehicle of chiropractic. The vision is to change the perception that health is the absence of disease and pain. “I’m passionate about keeping and getting people to move without pain,” says Dr. Davis. “Oftentimes, when we have pain, especially chronic pain, we tend to adapt pain avoidance movement in order to continue on with our lives instead of learning how to get back to the pain free range of motion.”

If you have goals to get back to your physical activities, get better sleep or just live life pain-free, ChiroLife is your new go-to. With a team effort mentality, you’ll see how your hard work pays off when you work with Dr. Davis.

When Dr. Davis isn’t at ChiroLife, she’s pouring herself into the Omaha community. You can find her at Aksarben Senior Living Facility every Sunday leading seniors in stretch classes! She has also worked closely with The Simple Foundation, and has recently become involved with Abide Omaha as well.

Dr. Amillionara Davis started ChiroLife with the people of Omaha in mind. To reach out to her, you can call (402) 551-5353 or email chirolifeofomaha@ gmail.com.

Envoy specializes in the consumer-packaged goods and healthcare industries, creating marketing for brands that positively impact the health of our communities. They are inspired by their dedicated team of creative thinkers that produce lasting results with successful marketing solutions. Envoy’s size means they are agile and flexible, the keys to adapting to their client’s changing needs while constantly innovating newer, more creative ways to achieve their goals. They believe the best way to communicate a brand’s value to consumers is by taking an integrated and inclusive approach to marketing. While they are all about the success of their clients’ marketing, Envoy also enjoys the industry accolades that come along with creating effective campaigns. Most recently, a commercial they filmed and animated for Belfonte Dairy won a Silver Award in the 18th Annual Davey Awards, selected by The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for Craft: Best Use of Animation. Envoy also received four Paper Anvil Awards of Excellence at the PRSA Gala held in December.

They strongly believe in community service, and many Envoyers serve on nonprofit boards and volunteer their time and talents generously. Visit www.envoyinc.com or the CPG division site envoyfresh.com for more information about them.