Home Care in Nebraska
Seniors interested in beautiful scenery and cooler weather may enjoy retirement in Nebraska. The cornhusker state has a thriving arts scene and plenty of golf courses to keep older adults busy in their retirement. Nebraska is home to around 1.9 million people, with about 16% aged 65 and over enjoying the lifestyle and other benefits of living in the state.
The SeniorScore is based on an evaluation of 100 data points across four categories and determines how comfortable a location is for seniors. Nebraska’s overall SeniorScore is 75, slightly higher than the U.S. average of 72. The state scores highest in the Finances category, with a score of 69, which reflects a cost of living well below the national average. Nebraska also scores highly in the Health & Safety category, with a score of 66. This score is based on the wide selection of world-class hospitals throughout the state and the high level of access to Medicare-registered physicians.
This guide includes an overview of home care costs in Nebraska and information about financial assistance options and free home care resources in the state.
Top Home Care Agencies in Nebraska
FirstCare Home Health is a senior home care company located in Lincoln, NE at 3901 Normal Blvd, Suite 102. They offer in-home nursing care and also in-home care for senior clients. For almost 23 years, they have been serving ...
Located at 10874 W Dodge Rd in Omaha, NE, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home healthcare provider that offers in-home medical services and in-home care. They offer multiple personal services such as dressing assistance, medication administration, help with ...
Located in Lincoln, Nebraska at 3901 Faulkner Dr, Elite Professionals Home Care is a senior home healthcare company offering in-home personal care and also in-home medical care. Since 2004, they have been providing care to seniors throughout the Lincoln area. ...
Located at 622 N 108th Ct in Omaha, Nebraska, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home health care provider that offers personal home care services in addition to home healthcare. They can provide multiple personal services like social interaction, ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care company located in Norfolk, Nebraska at 1205 S 8th St. They provide home care services as well as in-home nursing care for senior clients. They provide different medical services like ...
Located in Norfolk, Nebraska at 1800 W Pasewalk Ave Ste A, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior in-home care service provider offering in-home medical services and personal home care services. They provide a variety of personal services such as ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home health care service provider based in Bellevue, NE at 1311 Harlan Dr. They provide in-home personal care in addition to in-home medical care to senior clients. They can provide multiple personal ...
Faith Regional Health Services Home Health is a in-home care company located in Norfolk, NE at 1500 Koenigstein. They offer personal care and in-home nursing for seniors. Since 1995, they have been serving customers in the Norfolk area. ...
Located at 11414 West Center Road, Suite 340 in Omaha, NE, Midland Modesty Home Healthcare is a home health care service provider offering personal home care in addition to home health services. For nearly 7 years, they have been providing ...
Located in Blair, Nebraska at 810 N 22nd St, Mch and Hs Home Health Care is a home health care provider offering in-home health care in addition to home care. For almost 43 years, they have been helping seniors in ...
Located at 11306 Davenport St in Omaha, NE, Amakes Quality Home Care Inc is a home health care provider that offers in-home medical services and personal care services. For almost 14 years, they have been providing care to clients in ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a home healthcare company based in Fremont, NE at 1835 E Military Ave Ste 125. They offer home health care in addition to in-home personal care for senior clientele. They can provide a variety ...
Located at 600 East Francis Street Suites 8 & 9 in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health Home Health and Hospice is a senior home healthcare service provider offering in-home personal care services in addition to home healthcare. For almost ...
Located in Omaha, Nebraska at 1000 North 90th Street Suite 203, St. Joseph Villa - Homecare and Hospice is a home health care company offering home healthcare and personal care. Since 1982, they have been serving customers throughout the Omaha ...
Located at 11207 West Dodge Rd Suite 100 in Omaha, NE, Interim Healthcare of Omaha is a in-home care service provider offering personal home care along with in-home health care. Since 1982, they have been helping clients throughout the Omaha ...
Located at 3005 19th Street, Suite 600 in Columbus, NE, Columbus Community Hospital Home Health is a in-home care service provider offering in-home nursing services as well as personal home care services. For almost 36 years, they have been serving ...
Located at 1821 1st Ave in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home care company that offers in-home health care in addition to personal care. They can provide a variety of personal services including meal preparation assistance, ...
Located in Hastings, Nebraska at 620 North St Joseph Ave, Mary Lanning Healthcare Home Care is a home care provider that offers home care services in addition to in-home nursing care. They have been serving clients in the area ...
Located in Cozad, NE at 835 Meridan Avenue, PO Box 207, Central Plains Home Health & Hospice is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home medical care and also home care services. They have been serving seniors in ...
Located at 2116 W Faidley Ave in Grand Island, NE, HealthConnect at Home - Grand Island is a home healthcare service provider that offers personal home care and also in-home medical care. For almost 51 years, they have been helping ...
The Cost of Home Care in Nebraska
Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey shows that the cost of home care in Nebraska is higher than the national average. In-home care covers nonmedical personal services, such as assistance with activities of daily living, and costs an average of $4,671 per month in Nebraska. This is $381 higher than the U.S. average of $4,290. Home health care provides medical services, such as skilled nursing, and costs $4,957 monthly, $572 more than the national average of $4,385.
The Cost of Home Care in Nebraska Compared to Nearby States
In Wyoming, seniors pay $5,339 for home care and $5,384 for home health, and in South Dakota, the cost is $5,339 for both types of care. These costs are significantly higher than the Nebraska prices of $4,671 for home care and $4,957 for home health care. Seniors in Iowa pay an average of $4,767 for both types of care, which is higher than Nebraska’s home care costs but slightly lower than the cost of home health care. Kansas is the most affordable of Nebraska’s neighbors, with seniors paying $4,004 for home care and $4,195 for home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Nebraska | $4,671 | $4,957 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
South Dakota | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Iowa | $4,767 | $4,767 |
Kansas | $4,004 | $4,195 |
Wyoming | $5,339 | $5,384 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Nebraska
Seniors in Nebraska have a range of care options in addition to home care, including adult day care, assisted living and nursing home care. Adult day care provides care in a group setting, such as a community center, to seniors who live in their homes. This is the most affordable type of care, at $1,820 per month. Assisted living offers personal care, room and board, and meals and costs an average of $3,819 monthly. Nursing home care provides the most extensive care but is also the most expensive. Seniors pay around $7,003 per month for a shared room, $2,332 more than the cost of in-home care.
- In-Home Care: $4,671
- Home Health Care: $4,957
- Adult Day Care: $1,820
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,819
- Nursing Home Care: $7,003
The Cost of Home Care in Nebraska's Top Cities
The cost of home care in Nebraska’s cities can vary widely, depending on the location and type of care. The lowest prices are found in Grand Island, where home care costs average $4,242 and home health care costs $4,338. Costs in Omaha and Bellevue are closer to the state average, with seniors paying $4,671 for home care and $4,910 for home health care. Lincoln has the least affordable home care, with a cost of $5,077 for both types.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Nebraska | $4,671 | $4,947 |
Omaha | $4,624 | $4,910 |
Lincoln | $5,077 | $5,077 |
Grand Island | $4,242 | $4,338 |
Bellevue | $4,624 | $4,910 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Nebraska
Personal Assistance Services
Personal Assistance Services is a Nebraska Medicaid program that helps recipients stay in their homes rather than moving into residential care. Participants can direct their own care and control both the services they receive and the providers of services. Some family members can be hired as caregivers through this program. Benefits can include both nonmedical services, such as assistance with activities of daily living, and medical assistance, such as administering oxygen or injections. Applicants must require a level of care provided by an assisted living facility and meet the income and asset limits to be eligible for Medicaid in the state.
Contact Information
Interested seniors should apply through their local Public Assistance Office.
Nebraska Aged & Disabled Medicaid Waiver
The Nebraska Aged & Disabled Waiver is designed to help seniors remain independent by providing a range of services and financial assistance for assistive technology. Some of the benefits include chore services, home and vehicle modifications, and home-delivered meals. It’s available to Nebraska residents aged 65 and older who require a nursing home level of care. Applicants must also meet the financial criteria to receive Medicaid in Nebraska. There's a limit on the number of people enrolled in the program; however, waiting periods are rare.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for this program by contacting the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services at (800) 358-8802. Alternatively, they can get in touch with their local Area Agency on Aging.
Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults
Nebraska’s Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults program offers two types of services. The first is aimed at primary caregivers of aged and disabled residents. The second is targeted toward those in need of care. Both types of care are meant to help seniors live independently. Benefits differ depending on each individual’s needs but can include food preparation, housekeeping and nonmedical transportation. Senior applicants must be aged 60 or over, although the program is available to adults under 60 who are blind or disabled. They must also require assistance with activities of daily living, be living at home and meet the financial criteria. The program is also available for people living in a nursing home who are transitioning back to the community.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply through their local Public Assistance Office or the online portal.
Disabled Persons and Family Support
The Disabled Persons and Family Support program provides funds to Nebraska residents to help them live independently. The program is designed to postpone or eliminate the need for institutional placement. This is a consumer-directed program, so participants can choose their own care providers, and friends and family members can be hired to provide care. Funds can go toward personal care, home health care and housekeeping. Participants can also use the program to access assistive technology or home modifications. Applicants must have a formal designation of disabled, which includes age-related conditions such as dementia. They must also live in their home or the home of a friend or family member and meet the financial requirements.
Contact Information
Applicants can apply for DPFS by contacting the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at (402) 471-9220 or by downloading an application form.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Nebraska Home Care Rules and Regulations
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services licenses and regulates home health care providers in the state. These providers are known as Home Health Agencies, and they provide medical or therapeutic care. Agencies that offer nonmedical care, such as homemaker or personal care services, don't need to be licensed in the state; however, some staff may require a license, depending on the services being provided.
Scope of Care | HHAs must be primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing care or a therapeutic service, such as physical therapy, respiratory care or social work service. Agencies must only accept clients if they can meet the client’s needs. |
Care Plan Requirements | A licensed registered nurse must make an initial evaluation visit and prepare a written plan. A physician must approve the plan of care, and it must be reviewed by a registered nurse as often as the client’s condition requires, but at least every 62 days. |
Medication Management Requirements | HHAs must develop policies and procedures that govern the administration of medication, including reporting errors and adverse reactions. Licensed health care providers can administer medications, and unlicensed staff can administer medication if they've received appropriate training. HHAs can also supervise the self-administration of medication. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All staff providing direct care must have criminal background and registry checks prior to employment at an agency. People with an adverse finding on the Nurse Aide Registry regarding patient abuse, neglect or misappropriation of patient property must not be hired. If someone is hired with a different adverse finding, the reason must be documented. Staff is also subject to a health history screening. |
Staff Training Requirements | Staff providing skilled nursing or therapeutic services must be licensed to provide those services. HHAs must also ensure staff has adequate training to perform their job responsibilities. Home health aides, who perform nonmedical tasks, must complete the relevant training course and be assessed as competent by a registered nurse. HHAs must provide opportunities for continuing education for their staff. |
Medicaid Coverage | The Personal Assistance Services program covers some or all of the cost of home health care for eligible seniors. |
Reporting Abuse | Abuse should be reported to Adult Protective Services at (800) 652-1999. |
Free Home Care Resources in Nebraska
Seniors in Nebraska have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program
The Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program is available to seniors who live with a primary caregiver. The program offers a monthly subsidy amount to put toward respite services, which can be provided in the recipient's home, an adult day care or, occasionally, the home of the respite care provider. It’s available to Nebraska residents who have a chronic condition or challenges managing their activities of daily living. There are financial eligibility criteria that clients must meet.
Contact Information
Interested seniors can download an application form or call the program at (866) 737-7483.
Assistance to the Aged, Blind or Disabled
The Assistance to the Aged, Blind or Disabled program supports low-income seniors and disabled residents. It’s a two-tiered program that can provide cash assistance and medical care. Applicants may be eligible for medical assistance only or for both cash and medical assistance. The cash assistance can be used for a range of services, including transportation, home supplies and personal needs. Applicants must be aged 65 or over and meet the income and asset criteria. Seniors interested in this program must have also applied for Social Security due to a disability and been denied because the disability isn't expected to last longer than a year.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply through the Department of Health and Human Services online portal.
Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs
Seniors who served in the armed forces can access assistance through the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs. Service officers are available to help veterans identify and access county, state and federal benefits. The Department also administers Nebraska Veteran’s Aid, which provides financial assistance to help veterans, their spouses or dependents pay for unforeseen emergencies.
Contact Information
Veterans in need of immediate assistance can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. For nonemergency aid, seniors should contact their County Veterans Service Office.
Nebraska Homestead Exemption
Nebraska’s Homestead Exemption provides property tax relief to seniors in the state. It’s available to people aged 65 and over who own and occupy a home from January 1 through to at least August 15. There are also financial eligibility criteria relating to the senior’s income and the assessed value of the home.
Contact Information
Application forms can be found on the Property Assessment Division website, or seniors can contact the office for further information at (402) 471-8919.
Area Agencies on Aging
There are eight Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska that provide services to seniors throughout the state. They're a central point for information and coordination of aging services, and they also advocate for seniors in the state. Services vary between locations depending on local needs and funding. Common services include care coordination, congregate and home-delivered meals, homemaker and chore services, and information services. Many AAAs also run senior centers that provide education and socialization opportunities for seniors.
Contact Information
Seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find out about services and benefits available in their location.
Nebraska SHIP
Nebraska’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program assists residents with Medicare and other health insurance decisions. Certified counselors receive extensive training and can help seniors and people with disabilities with problem-solving and support. All advice is free, confidential and unbiased. In addition, SHIP runs a number of outreach programs to educate people about health insurance options and benefits.
Contact Information
Seniors can be put in touch with their local SHIP office by calling 1-800-234-7119.