(Lincoln, NE) - In observance of National Senior Citizens Day on August 21st, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) is celebrating the contributions of older adults while showcasing the expansive work local hospitals are doing to support aging Nebraskans.

According to findings in the NHA’s 2026 Community Impact Report, Nebraska hospitals are increasingly dedicating time, expertise, and local resources to expand access to senior care services statewide. Key areas of strategic investment include Age-Friendly expansion, long-term care support, community engagement, chronic care management, and transportation access.

"Nebraska hospitals and health systems care deeply about the people in their communities, and that commitment is particularly important in how we serve older Nebraskans," said Jeremy Nordquist, President and CEO of the Nebraska Hospital Association. "From rural communities to urban centers, our hospitals are innovating and making significant financial investments to ensure our aging neighbors can receive high-quality, compassionate care close to home."

The 2026 Community Impact Report highlights how hospitals across the state are executing programs to strengthen senior wellness and continuity of care. Cherry County Hospital in Valentine has expanded its Chronic Care Management program for the local Medicare population by 50 percent, centering efforts on personalized education, medication adherence, and individual health goals. Home health staff routinely conduct blood pressure screenings at the local Senior Citizen Center to foster proactive wellness.

Franciscan Healthcare in West Point recently invested $9 million into major upgrades for its assisted living building. Through collaborative partnerships with the local nursing home and assisted living facility, the health system keeps essential long-term care attractive, high-quality, and accessible for area seniors.

Crete Area Medical Center in Crete adopted the national Age-Friendly Health System framework, which focuses on the evidence-based 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Aligning clinical care with the specific safety needs and goals of older adults has significantly improved senior outcomes and reduced unnecessary hospital readmissions.

Sidney Regional Medical Center in Sidney dedicated $2.2 million to support nursing home and assisted living operations, including the addition of a new, secure memory care unit. This investment provides a safe continuum of care tailored for residents navigating cognitive impairments.

"On National Senior Citizens Day, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting the health, safety, and independence of Nebraskans as they age," said Nordquist.

To read the full 2026 Community Impact Report, visit www.nebraskahospitals.org/advocacy/community-impact.