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38 Years
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Trusted Senior Living Community in Grand Island, NE
Riverside Lodge has been a trusted provider of senior living solutions in Grand Island, Nebraska since 1988. Founded by Jan Thayer and now managed by Vetter Senior Living, our mission remains rooted in treating every resident as family. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services designed to meet diverse needs while maintaining dignity and quality of life. Our facility combines privacy with community living, offering maintenance-free apartments and personalized care plans. With 24/7 licensed nursing staff and certified dementia practitioners, we ensure safety and specialized support for all residents.

Our award-winning team has earned recognition through 65+ accolades since 1996, including Great Place to Work certification. We foster active lifestyles through diverse social, educational, and recreational programs tailored to resident interests. Our commitment to excellence extends to family engagement and transparent communication throughout the care process. As a locally owned and operated facility, we maintain deep connections to the Grand Island community while upholding national quality standards through AHCA/NCAL awards.
Services
Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Services Social Programs Dining Services
Details
  • Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
  • 37 years of senior care experience in Grand Island since 1988
  • 24/7 licensed nursing staff in Assisted Living and Memory Care
  • Personalized care plans tailored to individual needs
  • Family-centered approach with regular resident-family communication
  • Award-winning workplace with 65+ industry recognitions
Associations and certifications
  • Great Place to Work
  • AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards
What people say
Caring staff Personalized attention Engaging activities
Services
Independent Living
Our Independent Living apartments cater to active seniors seeking maintenance-free living with community amenities. Residents enjoy private spaces while participating in social programs and accessing support services as needed. This option promotes autonomy while ensuring safety through our secure facility environment.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living provides personalized support with daily activities while maintaining resident independence. Our trained staff offers medication management, mobility assistance, and wellness monitoring 24/7. The program emphasizes dignity through individualized care plans developed with families.
Memory Care
The Arbor Memory Care program features specialized environments for Alzheimer's and dementia residents. Certified practitioners implement therapeutic activities and secure living spaces designed to reduce confusion while enhancing quality of life through structured routines.
Skilled Nursing
Our skilled nursing services provide 24/7 medical oversight for residents requiring complex care. Licensed professionals manage chronic conditions, post-hospitalization recovery, and specialized treatment plans using modern medical equipment and evidence-based protocols.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy delivered by licensed therapists. Programs focus on restoring mobility, improving daily functioning, and enhancing communication abilities through personalized treatment plans and modern therapy equipment.
People
Jan Thayer
Founder
Jan Thayer established Riverside Lodge in 1988 with a mission to provide family-like care for seniors. Her vision continues through Vetter Senior Living's management while maintaining local ownership and operational principles.
Jack Vetter
Founder
Jack Vetter co-founded Vetter Senior Living with Eldora, bringing decades of senior care experience. His leadership maintains the 'Dignity in Life' mission across managed facilities including Riverside Lodge.
Eldora Vetter
Founder
Eldora Vetter established Vetter Senior Living with Jack to create compassionate senior care environments. Her values continue through the organization's commitment to personalized service and resident well-being.
Administrator
Facility Director
The Administrator ensures daily operations align with VSL's mission while maintaining regulatory compliance. They lead staff development, oversee department coordination, and implement quality improvement initiatives across all care services.
Director of Nursing
Nursing Supervisor
The Director of Nursing oversees clinical care standards and staff training programs. They develop care protocols, monitor resident health outcomes, and coordinate with medical professionals to maintain high-quality nursing services.
Questions
What senior living options does Riverside Lodge offer?
We provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation Services tailored to individual needs.
How long has Riverside Lodge been operating in Grand Island?
We've served the Grand Island community since 1988, maintaining local ownership and operational excellence for 37 years.
What healthcare services are available on-site?
Our facility includes 24/7 licensed nursing staff, certified dementia practitioners, and specialized Memory Care programs.
Are there social and recreational activities for residents?
We offer diverse monthly programs including educational, spiritual, physical, and social activities planned with resident input.
How does Riverside Lodge support family involvement?
We maintain regular communication channels and family engagement opportunities while respecting resident privacy and preferences.
Reviews (7)
Mary Evans
Aug 15, 2021 Report
You know a place is the best when employees are excited to have their family members move in! Many of our staff has family members who live here, including me. My grandmother has been here for two years now and she is truly living her best life. The employees are all kind to her and I feel that they genuinely care about her. The activities, nursing care and food are all phenomenal. She could not be at a better place!
Jerri Cutrer
Oct 04, 2020 Report
We brought my grandmother there because the staff was extremely nice and it so clean. Some places we visited had odors right when you walked in. Later I decided to go to work for them. Ive been there for two years now with no regrets. We do everything in our power to keep the residents safe and happy.
Shelley Aki
Oct 25, 2019 Report
My mother-in-law lives here and really likes it. The apartments are nice, and the facility is clean. The staff seems friendly, and they allow pets which help residents not feel lonely.
Tammy Lundy
Jun 29, 2018 Report
I wasn't there for pleasure I was doing work for them outside so I have no opinion of the place either way.
Brye Jensen
Dec 07, 2017 Report
I have worked for Riverside for 4 years and it will be my forever job. We are a family to each other as employees and residents. I have been a nurse for 24 years and there is no other facility where employees or residents are treated with so much respect.
Sandy Olson
Oct 30, 2017 Report
I brought my Mother to Riverside Lodge to live because I felt it was a comfortable, clean, modern environment with a very caring staff! This was over 10 years ago. She was in Independent Living and then progressed to Assisted Living. We took her to Colorado for 15 months and were unable to find the care she had received at Riverside Lodge so we brought her back. She recuperated from her experience in Colorado with the fine care of the Riverside Lodge staff! Currently several of my friends reside at Riverside Lodge and are happily able to take part in the many activities and competent, friendly
Dori Arends
Oct 29, 2017 Report
I had an interview there a year ago, immediately the D.O.N was a complete you know what to me and they are still looking for a nurse to fill that particular position! Good luck with such poor customer service skills, I am surprised you even keep any staff!