Gateway Vista is located within the Eastridge neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska. It is an 80 bed senior community. The community is in a mostly low income area, with a median family income of $33,559. With about 17,000 ...
Assisted Living in Nebraska
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Nebraska
- Assisted Living Directory for Nebraska
- Assisted Living Costs in Nebraska
- Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Nebraska
- Nebraska Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
- Free Assisted Living Resources in Nebraska
Seniors who prefer cooler weather, wide open spaces and a cost of living well below the U.S. average may find that Nebraska is a desirable location to enjoy their retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state is home to just over 1.9 million people, 15.4% of whom are aged 65 or over. This percentage has risen significantly over the past decade, and the University of Omaha's Center for Public Affairs Research anticipates a further increase of 28.9% in Nebraska's senior population over the coming decade.
The U.S. population is aging as well, and the need for long-term care services is expected to rise correspondingly. According to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, by 2040, approximately 70% of seniors aged 65 and older will require some form of assistance. Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey indicates that Nebraska's current average monthly cost for assisted living is $3,819, which is well below the national median of $4,051.
This guide contains assisted living cost data for Nebraska, surrounding states and the nation as a whole. It also includes potential funding sources and free financial resources to help pay for this type of senior care, as well as an overview of the state rules and regulations governing assisted living.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Nebraska
The SeniorScore provides a gauge of a geographic area's livability based on 100 data points in four aging-related categories: health and safety, recreation and leisure, finances and general quality of life. Nebraska received a score of 75, which is three points higher than the national average of 72.
SeniorScore™ for Nebraska
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
75
SeniorScore™ Overview
- Nebraska's SeniorScore™ of 75 is higher than the national average of 72.
66
Health & Safety
- Nebraska has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Nebraska has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Nebraska has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Nebraska has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Nebraska is 79.8, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Nebraska has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Nebraska has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
65
Recreation & Leisure
- 32% of the population in Nebraska are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Nebraska has 181 golf courses in the state.
- Nebraska has a very high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Nebraska has 1,018 churches in the state.
69
Finances
- The property taxes average 3.56% of total income in Nebraska, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.84% of property value in Nebraska, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Nebraska is 6.49%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Nebraska is 4.33%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Nebraska is $65,375, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
- Nebraska's median household income is $53,052, which is higher than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Nebraska is $26,140, which is higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Nebraska average $40,574 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Nebraska average $74,465 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Nebraska average $13,518 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Nebraska average $51,343 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 5.49% in Nebraska, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Nebraska is very low compared to national averages.
- 0.58% of the senior population in Nebraska are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
68
General Quality of Life
- Nebraska receives an average of 24.3 inches of rain per year.
- Nebraska has an average annual temperature of 49.2 degrees fahrenheit.
- Nebraska has an average low temperature of 36.0 degrees fahrenheit.
- Nebraska has an average high temperature of 61.4 degrees fahrenheit.
- Nebraska has an average population density of 281 people per square mile.
- Nebraska has a high public school quality ranking.
- Nebraska has an average public school safety ranking.
- Nebraska has a high graduation rate of 90.10%.
Nebraska garnered its highest score of 69 in the finances category, thanks to factors that can have a positive economic impact on senior living. While property tax rates and health care costs are somewhat above the nationwide norm, so are mean and per capita income levels, and the state sales tax rate is half a percentage point lower. Nebraskans' costs for all types of senior care, including assisted living, are less than the corresponding national medians, and the overall cost of living in the state is almost 11 points below the U.S. average.
The Cornhusker State received its second-highest score of 68 for general quality of life, largely because of its moderate annual rainfall, cooler temperatures and better-than-average public school rankings and graduation rates.
Nebraska had almost identical scores for health and safety and leisure and recreation, at 66 and 65, respectively. The state offers numerous hospitals and Medicare-registered health care professionals, along with a wide selection of senior living communities. In spite of higher-than-usual crime rates, Nebraskans enjoy a life expectancy that is 1.2 years longer than the average American. For recreation and leisure, seniors have a choice of more than 1,000 churches across the state, as well as almost 200 golf courses and plentiful municipal green spaces.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Nebraska
Nebraska Skilled Nursing and Rehab is a 174 room nursing care facility located in Omaha, Nebraska. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $62,404. It has a medium-density population, with ...
Life Care Center of Elkhorn is a 135 room senior housing community. It is located in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Elkhorn, Nebraska. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with about 17,000 people residing in the 68022 zip ...
Life Care Center of Omaha is a 128 unit senior housing community. It is located at 6032 Ville De Sante Dr in Omaha, Nebraska. With an average per-family income of $42,293, the facility is in a mostly middle ...
Douglas County Health Center is a 254 room skilled nursing facility located in Omaha, Nebraska. With an average per-household income of $33,458, the community is in a primarily lower income area. It is densely populated, with around 25,000 ...
St Joseph Villa Nursing Center is located at 2305 South 10th St in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a 184 unit nursing care facility. With a median per-family income of $33,880, the facility is in a mostly low income ...
Florence Home Healthcare Center is located at 7915 North 30th St in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a 116 room nursing home facility. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with about 13,000 residents in the 68112 zip code. ...
Brookestone Acres is an 80 bed senior care facility situated in Columbus, Nebraska. With around 29,000 individuals living in the zip code of 68601, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It is a generally middle income area, with ...
Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation and Care Center is situated around the Elkhorn area of Elkhorn, Nebraska. It is a 140 room nursing facility. The community is in a predominantly upper class area, with a median household income of $84,188. ...
The Lodge at Heritage Estates is located at 2325 Lodge Dr in Gering, Nebraska. It is a 102 unit senior community. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with about 12,000 individuals living in the 69341 zip code. ...
Lancaster Rehabilitation Center is a 293 room nursing facility located within the Everett neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 27,000 poeple living in the zip code of 68502. With an average household ...
Hillcrest Country Estates is a senior care facility located at 6082 Grand Lodge Ave in Papillion, Nebraska. With a median household income of $84,796, the facility is in a largely upper class area. It has an average population ...
Located at 610 South Polk St in Papillion, Nebraska, Papillion Manor is a 110 bed senior housing community. With about 26,000 residents in the zip code of 68046, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a predominantly ...
Brighton Gardens of Omaha is a 45 unit senior housing community situated in Omaha, Nebraska. The surrounding area has an average population density, with roughly 18,000 residents in the zip code of 68114. With an average household income ...
Skyline Senior Community is located at 7350 Graceland Dr in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a 100 bed senior housing community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 29,000 people residing in the 68134 zip code. With ...
Good Samaritan Society - Hastings Village is located at P O Box 2149 926 East E St in Hastings, Nebraska. It is a 177 unit senior care community. Located nearby are retail stores, houses of worship, ...
Indian Hills Healthcare Community is located at 1720 North Spruce in Ogallala, Nebraska. It is an 82 unit skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area has a sparse population, with about 7,000 people residing in the 69153 zip code. ...
Montclair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 175 unit nursing facility located in Omaha, Nebraska. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with about 25,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 68144. With a median household income of ...
The Ambassador Lincoln is situated within the South 48th Street area of Lincoln, Nebraska. It is a 122 bed senior housing community. With an average family income of $53,174, the community is in a predominantly middle class area. ...
Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation is an 87 bed nursing home facility. It is located at 1800 Irving St in Beatrice, Nebraska. With about 16,000 residents in the 68310 zip code, the encompassing area has a medium-density population. ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nebraska
According to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Nebraska is $3,819 per month, which is $232 lower than the national median of $4,051. This is also less expensive than the $4,473 per month that seniors pay in Kansas and the $4,078 paid by Iowa seniors. Seniors in Wyoming and Utah pay even less for assisted living, at $3,780 and $3,400, respectively.
- Nebraska: $3,819
- United States: $4,051
- Wyoming: $3,780
- Iowa: $4,078
- Utah: $3,400
- Kansas: $4,473
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nebraska's Top Cities
The monthly cost of assisted living in Nebraska communities varies significantly, according to location and facility choice. In the largest city, Omaha, the average monthly cost is $4,000, which is just below the national median of $4,051. In Lincoln, the state capital, the average amount charged is substantially higher, at $5,860 per month. Seniors in the smaller city of Grand Island pay $3,945 per month, which is slightly less than their peers in Omaha.
- Omaha: $4,000
- Lincoln: $5,860
- Grand Island: $3,945
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Nebraska
Assisted living is the second-least expensive type of senior care available in Nebraska. At $3,819 per month, it costs roughly twice the $1,820 average paid for adult day care services. In-home care and home health care, which typically include nursing services, cost $851 and $1,138 more each month, respectively. The skilled care provided in a nursing facility is the most expensive option, with an average rate of $7,003, which is almost $3,200 more costly than assisted living.
- Assisted Living: $3,819
- In-Home Care: $4,671
- Home Health Care: $4,957
- Adult Day Care: $1,820
- Nursing Home Care: $7,003
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Nebraska
Aged and Disabled Waiver Program
Address: P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone Number: (402) 471-9185
Website: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Home-and-Community-Based-Programs.aspx
Nebraska Medicaid offers the Aged and Disabled Waiver to provide seniors and disabled adults with community-based alternatives to nursing home admission, such as assisted living. In this setting, the waiver covers a number of services and supports, including prepared meals; assistance with personal care and activities of daily living; health maintenance activities; medication assistance; laundry, housekeeping and shopping services; social activities and transportation.
To participate in the waiver program, Nebraska residents must be aged 65 or older or aged 64 or younger and disabled. Applicants must also meet the financial and functional requirements to qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and they must be assessed as able to live in a community setting without any safety concerns. Seniors may contact the Area Agency on Aging serving their region to learn more about the A&D Waiver and apply.
VA Aid and Attendance Program
Address: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center, P.O. Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547
Phone Number: (800) 827-1000
Website: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
Elderly Nebraskan veterans and their surviving spouses who currently receive VA pensions may qualify for a monthly top-up amount through the VA's Aid and Attendance program. To receive this benefit, veterans cannot be receiving a VA disability pension and must have served 90 or more days of active duty, with at least one day during wartime, and they must have been honorably discharged. Applicants must have $22,577 or less in yearly income and meet at least one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Need ongoing assistance with basic daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating
- Currently reside in a nursing home due to a mental or physical impairment
- Be largely confined to bed
- Suffer from disabling vision loss, even when wearing corrective lenses
Senior veterans can visit or call the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs State Service Office at (402) 420-4021 for assistance completing and filing an A&A benefit application.
Assistance to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program
Phone Number: (402) 471-3121
Website: nebraska.gov/rules-and-regs/regsearch/Rules/Health_and_Human_Services_System/Title-469/TOC.pdf
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the Assistance to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program to provide low-income seniors and disabled adults with a monthly source of income. Seniors aged 65 and older, and disabled adults aged 64 and younger, who have been denied Supplemental Security Income benefits may qualify for this cash payment to help cover assisted living room and board, clothing, food, transportation and other necessities.
Eligibility for the program and the monthly benefit a person receives are based on a standard of need rather than a set income, which allows applicants to reduce their income by some or all of the amount they pay for rent. Seniors can apply for the AABD online or by calling Nebraska DHHS toll free at (800) 383-4278.
Nebraska Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
In Nebraska, the Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Licensure and Regulation licenses assisted living facilities that house four or more residents. Department staff conducts unannounced inspections of 25% of licensed facilities each year and inspects all facilities every five years at a minimum. The department also follows up on deficiencies and complaints to ensure compliance with the Nebraska assisted living rules and regulations, which are outlined below:
Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities offer housing and services in a residential setting. The scope of services provided should include regular assessments, three nutritionally balanced meals per day, around-the-clock access to staff, support with daily living activities and short-term or intermittent nursing care. Facilities may offer additional services, such as personal care, housekeeping and laundry, transportation, behavioral management and financial assistance, as well as beauty/barber and spiritual services. |
Care Plan Requirements | ALF staff must complete an initial assessment of each resident to determine their care needs and create a written plan that details the services the facility will provide to meet those needs. This plan must be reviewed and updated as a resident's needs change. |
Medication Management Requirements | Residents of ALFs may self-administer prescribed medication without supervision if they are capable of doing so. Licensed health care staff and trained medication aides may administer medications, if necessary. An RN must review the facility's medication administration procedures and policies at least annually and oversee or provide medication aide training. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Criminal background and sex offender registry checks must be completed on all ALF direct care staff members as part of the hiring process. Facility management must also consult the adult and child central registries of abuse and neglect and the nurse aide registry to determine whether potential employees have any history of neglect, abuse or misuse of residents' property. |
Staff Training Requirements | ALF administrators must complete 30 hours of initial training on required topics within their first six months of employment, along with 12 hours of relevant ongoing training annually. Those who hold a hospital or nursing home administrator's license are exempt from the ongoing training requirement. During their first two weeks of employment, ALF direct care staff must be provided with orientation on specific topics, which include emergency procedures and residents' rights. All ALF staff are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually on topics relevant to their job duties. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nebraska Medicaid provides some assistance with the cost of assisted living services through the Aged and Disabled Waiver program. Waiver participants are responsible for paying their ALF room and board fees, which are not covered under the A&D program. |
Reporting Abuse | Anyone who witnesses or suspects the abuse or neglect of an assisted living facility resident can report the incident confidentially by calling the DHHS Licensure Unit's complaint intake line at (402) 471-0316 or completing a complaint form online. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Nebraska
Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services oversees the statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which provides valuable services to older adults residing in assisted living and other state-licensed facilities. Ombudsmen offer consultations with individual seniors to make them aware of their rights and provide assistance resolving complaints with long-term care facilities. Program staff also identify and address concerning issues in senior living facilities, with the goals of protecting residents' rights and improving their quality of life.
Contact: Seniors who need assistance can view the ombudsman service map to find the nearest office location, or contact the state LTC ombudsman by email or phone at (800) 942-7830.
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Legal Aid of Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that offers free legal advice and assistance to state residents aged 60 and older. Help is available on a wide range of civil legal topics, such as Medicaid and Medicare, consumer protection, simple wills, powers of attorney and advanced directives, among others.
Contact: Seniors in need of legal assistance or advice can call LAN's statewide, toll-free ElderAccessLine at (800) 527-7249.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Nebraska Aging and Disability Resource Center offers seniors and their families a single access point for aging-related resources in their area. The service is available to those aged 60 and older, as well as disabled adults, and offers information, referrals, help accessing community services and counseling about long-term care options, including assisted living.
Contact: For information and assistance, seniors can call the Nebraska ADRC at (844) 843-6364.
Nebraska Agencies
State Unit on Aging
Address: P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone Number: (800) 942-7830
Website: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging.aspx
The Nebraska State Unit on Aging exists to promote independence, dignity and freedom of choice for older residents. The unit is responsible for providing policy and program direction, as well as allocating federal and state funding for Nebraska's eight Area Agencies on Aging. The SUA also develops and maintains the State Plan on Aging and administers and coordinates aging-related programs to benefit senior Nebraskans.
Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska
Nebraska's eight Area Agencies on Aging work to help residents aged 60 and older enjoy a high quality of life and maintain their independence. Each AAA serves a specific region of the state and provides valuable assistance, such as care management, wellness clinics, qualifying assessments for various programs and counseling to help seniors understand their options for long-term care, including assisted living. To learn more, seniors can call (800) 942-7830 or view the AAA service map to find the contact information of the agency serving their county.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Nebraska
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers pension and benefit programs that provide monthly income for senior veterans and their spouses, which may help pay for long-term care, such as assisted living. Nebraskan veterans can visit the VA's Lincoln Regional Benefits Office, or the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs' State Service Office, to learn about the programs they qualify for and receive assistance completing and filing applications.
Social Security Offices in Nebraska
The Social Security Administration offers benefit programs that may help eligible seniors pay for housing and care services provided in assisted living facilities. Seniors can contact or visit any of the six SSA offices in Nebraska for information about available programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, and assistance filing an application.
Other Cities in Nebraska
- Adams
- Alma
- Ashland
- Atkinson
- Blair
- Bloomfield
- Blue Hill
- Chadron
- Deshler
- Fairbury
- Fremont
- Geneva
- Gibbon
- Gordon
- Gothenburg
- Grant
- Hartington
- Hay Springs
- Henderson
- Holdrege
- Hooper
- La Vista
- Laurel
- Louisville
- Madison
- Mccook
- Milford
- Mitchell
- Newman Grove
- Ogallala
- Rushville
- Schuyler
- Scottsbluff
- Seward
- Sidney
- Spencer
- St Paul
- Stromsburg
- Superior
- Sutherland
- Sutton
- Syracuse
- Tecumseh
- Valentine
- Wakefield
- Wausa
- Wayne
- West Point
- Wood River
- York
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