51 In Rural Nebraska, Healthcare Gaps Leave Seniors Struggling. The University of Nebraska Has a Solution.

Seniors living in assisted living facilities in Lincoln face an all-too-common problem: limited access to healthcare. Geographic isolation, a shortage of healthcare workers, and the sheer distance between communities and medical services make it difficult for these elderly residents to get the care they need. But the University of Nebraska is changing that, bringing innovative healthcare solutions to some of the most underserved parts of the state.

One of the university’s most significant efforts centers around telemedicine, a technology that has become a lifeline for rural seniors. For many, traveling to the nearest doctor’s office or hospital isn’t just inconvenient—it’s physically exhausting. In regions where the nearest healthcare facility can be hours away, a simple consultation for something as routine as a prescription refill becomes a major hurdle. Telemedicine, however, is making these journeys obsolete.

Thanks to telemedicine initiatives spearheaded by the University of Nebraska, seniors in assisted living facilities can now meet with doctors and specialists through video calls, right from their residences. It’s a convenience that’s drastically improving healthcare outcomes for rural residents. Take, for instance, remote monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease—through sensors and digital devices, healthcare providers can track vital signs and respond immediately if something is amiss. It’s care that used to require repeated trips to a doctor but now happens in real time, from the safety of their rooms.

For those whose health issues can’t be addressed remotely, the university has introduced another critical innovation: mobile healthcare units. These traveling medical services visit rural assisted living facilities, delivering crucial healthcare directly to residents. Staffed by nurses and healthcare professionals, these mobile units provide checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care. For seniors with mobility issues, the arrival of these healthcare teams is nothing short of essential, eliminating the need for exhausting trips while ensuring routine care isn’t neglected.

“We’re seeing that the simple act of bringing healthcare to their doorstep makes an incredible difference,” says Dr. Lisa Petersen. “Seniors are healthier and more engaged in their own care when the services come to them.”

The university’s community outreach programs go even further. These initiatives aim to educate both residents and their caregivers on critical issues like managing chronic conditions, mental health, and overall wellness. Regular workshops cover everything from nutrition and exercise to fall prevention and mental health management. For caregivers—often family members without formal medical training—these programs provide invaluable support and practical skills.

“Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding,” says Petersen. “Our outreach programs are designed to empower caregivers with knowledge and techniques to better care for their loved ones and themselves.”

Yet, none of this would be sustainable without addressing the larger problem: a severe shortage of healthcare professionals willing to work in rural areas. The University of Nebraska is tackling this issue through specialized training programs aimed at preparing future healthcare workers for careers in rural settings. Through its College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Professions, the university trains students specifically for the unique challenges of rural healthcare.

Students are required to complete clinical rotations in rural communities, where they see firsthand the difficulties rural residents face. They work in interdisciplinary teams—learning how to collaborate with nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals to offer comprehensive care to seniors. The university also offers incentives such as loan forgiveness and scholarships to encourage graduates to stay and work in rural areas, where their expertise is desperately needed.

“We need to address healthcare access for everyone, not just those in big cities,” says Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, an educator involved in the university’s rural health initiatives. “By focusing on the training and retention of healthcare workers in rural areas, we’re creating a sustainable model that improves healthcare across the state.”

At the heart of these efforts is research, another key element of the University of Nebraska’s strategy. Faculty and students are continuously investigating the unique healthcare needs of rural seniors and experimenting with new ways to deliver care. Recent research has focused on the role of technology in rural healthcare, exploring how telemedicine platforms and digital tools can be refined to better meet the needs of older adults.

The results are already making an impact. Seniors in Nebraska’s rural communities are reporting better health outcomes and a greater sense of connection to their healthcare providers. Assisted living facilities, long challenged by staffing shortages, are seeing residents thrive under these new models of care. The university’s initiatives have also inspired similar programs in other states facing similar rural healthcare shortages.

For many seniors in rural Nebraska, the University of Nebraska’s innovations have made aging in place a viable and safe option. It’s not just about providing care—it’s about delivering care that is accessible, compassionate, and responsive to the unique needs of rural communities.

In an era when healthcare access remains unevenly distributed, the University of Nebraska’s approach serves as a model for other regions seeking to close the gap between rural and urban care. As the senior population continues to grow, these innovations will be critical in ensuring that all Americans, no matter where they live, receive the high-quality care they deserve.