In-Home Care in Nebraska

More than 1.9 million residents called Nebraska home as of July 2021, and more than 16% of those living here were seniors aged 65 and above. A cost of living that’s more than 10% below the national median makes the state financially comfortable for many seniors, particularly those with limited incomes. Those living here can also feel secure knowing that Nebraska Medical Center is nearby — the hospital was named one of the best in the world by Newsweek in 2019.

Many seniors in Nebraska require extra help at home. While in-home care can provide services such as housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care, home health care offers the added benefits of physical or occupational therapy, health monitoring by a licensed nurse and medication administration. In Nebraska, the average cost of in-home care is $5,148 per month while home health care costs approximately $5,339.

This guide provides an overview of in-home care costs in Nebraska and surrounding states, as well as programs such as Medicaid and Medicare that can help cover associated costs. It also includes a list of resources that are offered in Nebraska to help seniors live independently and with dignity.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Nebraska seniors pay an average of $5,158 per month for in-home care. This is just under $200 more than the national average, and a little over $500 more than the cost in Kansas. Surrounding states have seniors paying more for in-home care. In Iowa and Wyoming, the average cost is the same at $5,529 per month. In South Dakota, seniors pay a much higher rate of $5,911, which is $763 higher than what those living in Nebraska pay for in-home care.

Within Nebraska, costs vary depending on the location. While Grand Island doesn’t have any reported costs for in-home care or home health care, seniors in Lincoln paid an average of $5,148 per month in 2021. Conversely,  Omaha’s senior residents paid a higher monthly rate of $5,529.

In-home care is less expensive than nursing care in Nebraska. Nursing home residents in the state pay an average of $7,483 for their care and residential costs. At $5,148 per month for home care and $5,339 per month for home health care. This is a less affordable option than assisted living, which costs seniors an average of $4,076 per month, including room and board. Adult day health care is the least expensive option for seniors at $1,842 per month; however, this type of care doesn’t provide the same high-level support as in-home care or residential senior care options.

Although regular Medicaid doesn’t offer coverage for standard home care services in Nebraska, the state does offer one Medicaid waiver to help seniors access the care they need to remain safely in their own homes.

To apply for Medicaid in Nebraska, seniors can visit ACCESSNebraska online.

What Information You Will Need

Nebraska’s Medicaid application requires several official documents that prove who you are and your economic situation. These documents include:

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Federal tax returns or other proof of income
• Proof of resources and assets
• A detailed list of monthly expenses

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.