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 ...
Nursing Homes in Nebraska
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Nebraska
- Nursing Care Directory for Nebraska
- Nursing Care Costs in Nebraska
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Nebraska
- Nebraska Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Nebraska
According to a new Bankrate study, the Cornhusker state is the best place to spend retirement. An overall cost of living that is almost 11% below the national average and a temperate climate without the extreme heat of some southern states combines to create a place that many seniors feel comfortable in during their golden years. With two major cities, Omaha and Lincoln, to choose from, residents have easy access to urban amenities and plenty of suburban and rural options for a more relaxed take on retirement. With an average of 223 sunny days each year, even the winter weather doesn't cut down on the time seniors can soak up some sunlight. With a total population of 1,934,408, of which 16.2% are aged 65 or older, it is no surprise that Nebraska also has a well-developed network of senior supports.
The state's senior healthcare network includes 197 skilled nursing facilities registered with Medicare. Compared to Idaho and New Mexico, two states with similar population levels, Nebraska offers more than double the nursing home locations for seniors who need more complex assistance or for those with disabilities. This guide looks at long-term care costs, regulations, and assistance programs for nursing homes.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Nebraska
SeniorAdvice research agrees with the Bankrate study and lists Nebraska ahead of the national average for seniors with a SeniorScore of 75. The national average is only 72. Using more than 100 data points, the SeniorScore looks at information important to seniors that falls into one of four categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances, and General Quality of Life. Texas is a smart choice for nursing home residents, according to research from SeniorAdvice.
It may come as a surprise that despite its high overall score, Nebraska scores lowest in the Recreation & Leisure category, but a 65 is a respectable score. Some data points that help keep that number high include a high population of seniors at 32% of the total population, 181 golf courses throughout the state, and a high number of public and private parks. With such a high ratio of seniors, it should come as no surprise that the state scores well in Health & Safety at 66 points. Lots of Medicare-registered health providers, easy access to long-term care facilities, and a longer than average life expectancy combine to give Nebraska a solid rating in this category.
Where the state really shines is in Finances. While property and income taxes are on the high side, and Nebraska does partially tax Social Security benefits, the extremely low housing costs help keep long-term, residential care costs low as well.
Top Nursing Care in Nebraska
Located at 1131 Papillion Pkwy in Omaha, Nebraska, Old Mill Rehabilitation (omaha Tcu) is a 44 unit nursing care facility. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 24,000 individuals living in the 68154 zip code. It is ...
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 ...
The Rehabilitation Center of Omaha is a 61 bed nursing facility located in Omaha, Nebraska. The community is in a generally lower income area, with an average per-family income of $33,458. It has a dense population, with around ...
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 ...
Nye Pointe is located at 2700 Laverna St in Fremont, Nebraska. It is a 43 unit senior care community. With an average household income of $43,785, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It has ...
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 ...
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. ...
Golden Living Center - Omaha is a 155 unit senior housing facility. It is located at 5505 Grover St in Omaha, Nebraska. With around 21,000 poeple living in the zip code of 68106, the encompassing area has an ...
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 ...
Homestead Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 173 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located in the Colonial Hills neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 40,000 individuals residing in the 68516 ...
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 ...
The Rehabilitation Center of Omaha is a 70 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 4835 South 49th St in Omaha, Nebraska. The community is in a generally middle income area, with a median per-household income of ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Dunklau Gardens is located at 450 East 23rd St in Fremont, Nebraska. It is a 112 unit senior housing community. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 31,000 residents in the zip code of 68025. ...
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 ...
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 Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nebraska
Nebraska offers fairly affordable nursing home care for seniors that need more complex medical oversight with an average monthly bill of $7,194, which is $562 below the national average. However, compared to nearby states, Nebraska is on the high side. Colorado tops the list at $1,323 more than Nebraska, but the Cornhusker state is solidly in second place. South Dakota is comparable at $7,011, while Kansas and Iowa round out the low end at $6,692 and $6,570, respectively.
- Nebraska: $7,194
- United States: $7,756
- South Dakota: $7,011
- Colorado: $8,517
- Kansas: $6,692
- Iowa: $6,570
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nebraska's Top Cities
Nebraska is home to three areas with nursing home cost data points. In Grand Island, the cost of nursing home care is well below the state and national averages at $6,608. In Lincoln, costs are comparable to the state average at just $60 more per month. Omaha is the most expensive are in the state at $8,182, but across the border in cities located in neighboring states, the costs can be as low as $5,735 or as high as $9,277.
- Grand Island: $6,608
- Lincoln: $7,254
- Omaha: $8,182
- Sioux City: $6,509
- Manhattan: $5,735
- Greeley: $9,277
- Sioux Falls: $7,650
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Nebraska
Cost of care is often tied directly to the complexity of care a senior requires and the amount of time needed to provide that level of care. Nursing home care is the most expensive option at $7,194, but it is also the only option for those with complex medical needs that require round-the-clock care. Memory care and assisted living are slightly more affordable for those who qualify. In-home healthcare may be an option for seniors who don't meet the clinical requirements of nursing home care. Adult day care is the most affordable option for senior care, but it is only a solution for those who can provide at-home care during non-day care hours.
- Memory Care: $5,235
- Assisted Living: $4,188
- In-Home Care: $4,862
- Home Health Care: $4,957
- Adult Day Care: $1,560
- Nursing Home Care: $7,194
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Nebraska
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Nebraska.
Medicaid in Nebraska
Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program that often has no or very low out-of-pocket costs, covers primary preventive health services, emergency care, and long-term supports for the elderly or disabled. Nebraska voted to expand its Medicaid enrollment in 2018. As of 2017 according to the KFF Fact Sheet, Medicaid was the insurer for 247,000 Nebraskans out of a total population of 1.9M. Approximately half of all nursing home residents depend on Medicaid for financial assistance with the cost of care and, while seniors and the disabled make up only 27% of Medicaid enrollees, their cost of care is 69% of the total expense.
Medicaid Eligibility in Nebraska
Heritage Health Adult is the name of the expansion program originally approved in Nebraska. As of 2021, the HHA is being phased out and all enrollees are members of the state Medicaid program. For long-term care benefits, the elderly or disabled must meet both financial and functional need eligibility requirements. To qualify, an applicant must:
- Earn a maximum of $2,147 per month with no premium payments or $2,685 with premium payments.
- Retain no more than $4,000 in liquid, countable assets as an individual, excluding a home, personal vehicle, certain burial expenses, and property used to operate a business. For married couples, the asset maximum is $6,000.
- Apply all of their income, barring any set aside in accordance with spousal impoverishment rules, to their cost of care. Accepted applicants may retain up to $60 per month as a personal needs allowance.
- Be a legal resident of Nebraska that is eligible for benefits such as a legal permanent resident, refugee, or U.S. citizen.
- Complete a functional needs assessment performed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the senior requires a nursing home level of care.
Applications for Medicaid are available online at AccessNebraska or at a local Department of Health and Human Services office.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Nebraska Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Nebraska, all nursing homes or facilities that offer skilled nursing care must be licensed by the state. Licenses are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to opening, all nursing homes are subject to an inspection and re-inspection is performed periodically to ensure facilities continue to meet minimum standards for facilities and care. Below are some of the rules and regulations that govern day-to-day nursing home operations.
Scope of Care | A skilled nursing facility works with doctors, nurses, rehabilitative therapists, pharmacists, and a variety of other care providers to develop and implement personalized care plans for each patient. Nursing and other direct care staff follow written orders for dispensing medications, managing continence care, monitoring vitals, and perform many other critical care activities as needed. Some facilities also offer memory care wings where staff are specially trained to assist patients with Alzheimer's or dementia. |
Care Planning | Nebraska takes a particularly comprehensive approach to care planning, requiring facilities to perform a nursing care plan within the first 24-hours of admission that ensures patients continue to receive high-quality medical care consistent with physician treatment orders. Following the original care plan, the facility must create a multidisciplinary care plan that includes input from a dietician and social/activities director within seven days. Additional changes to the care plan should be considered quarterly or care plans should be revised following any change to regular patient care. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must continue providing any prescribed medications to residents following admission. Medications may be obtained through an in-house pharmacy or from a licensed, third-party, but all medications must be reviewed by a Nebraska-licensed pharmacist. Oral, topical, inhaled, and droplet medications may be provided by direct care staff where medication administration is not a recognized part of their scope of practice provided all medication aides receive the appropriate training in medication administration. |
Staff Screening | Prior to employment, Nebraska nursing homes must perform background checks that include licensure and certification verification, health screenings, and criminal records searches. Prehire, all direct care staff must be checked against the Nurse Aide Registry, Adult Protective Services Central Registry, Central Register of Child Protection Cases, and Nebraska State Patrol Sex Offender Registry. |
Staff Training | Ongoing training is required for all nursing home staff. Nurses must meet state minimums for continuing education to retain their licenses, and nursing homes must provide nursing assistants with a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per year on topics related to resident care. The director of food service is required to complete 15 hours of continuing education related to dietetics and sanitation while medication aides must demonstrate a continued ability to meet the competencies laid out in 172 NAC 95. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nebraska offers Medicaid coverage to the aged and infirm based on income levels. Currently, one out of two nursing home residents is enrolled in Medicaid and uses the benefits to pay for some or all of their nursing home costs. Most nursing home facilities in the state accept Medicaid. |
Reporting Abuse | In cases of suspected senior abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Nebraska, those concerned can contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling (800) 942-7830. In emergencies, reports can also be made to local law enforcement by calling 911 or via the Adult Protective Services hotline at (800) 652-1999. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Nebraska
Nebraska Aging & Disability Resource Center
The Nebraska Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers streamlined access to a variety of long-term care and support services. The ADRC works with state agencies to develop systems that give seniors access to all potential benefits and supports through a single access point. By putting all benefits and supports in one place, the ADRC better allows seniors and those with disabilities to make informed decisions about their ongoing care and benefit applications. The ADRC works with all questioners to provide information and access to assistance for individuals who may already be disabled or those seeking to plan for the future.
Administered by Nebraska Legal Aid, the ElderAccessLine offers aged 60 and older assistance with many types of legal advice or help. Seniors often need help with matters such as collections, wills, power of attorney, Medicare/Medicaid, and a plethora of other legal concerns. To help, Legal Aid offers assistance in all 93 Nebraska counties and seniors can speak to legal experts by calling (800) 527-7249.
Nebraska Agencies
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Address: 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Phone Number: (402) 471-3121
Website: dhhs.ne.gov
State-funded public health programs and other assistive services are administered primarily by the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid enrollment, SNAP benefits, cash assistance, and other programs designed to help with out-of-pocket expenses for the very low-income are all administered through one of the dozens of local offices located throughout the state.
Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska
Nebraska maintains 8 area agencies on aging, each with a designated region in which is provides services. AAAs are often the first point of contact for seniors seeking assistance at home or with the transition to a nursing home. Long-term care planning is just one of the many services available through a local AAA. Seniors can seek legal advice, apply for benefits, get help with appeals, or find insurance counseling help at their nearest AAA.
Veteran Affairs Office in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs offers former servicemen and women, along with their dependents, a one-stop location for information about a variety of possible benefits. The aid & attendance benefit available to qualifying service members is one of the few government programs that offers direct, cash assistance that can be applied to a variety of senior support services, including nursing home residency. Get in contact with the local office for more information about available benefits.
Social Security Offices in Nebraska
The Social Security Administration, a federal government agency, is responsible for the administration of a number of senior-centered benefits, including Social Security benefits. For those in the low-income category, the SSA also administers Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. For information about when to enroll in Medicare and how to start receiving retirement benefits, a local SSA office is often the place to go.
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