An estimated 35,000 seniors in Nebraska were living with Alzheimer's in 2020, and data from the Alzheimer's Association projects that that number will rise by 14.3% to 40,000 by 2025. According to information from the CDC, Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the state, and in 2019 alone, 768 seniors lost their lives to Alzheimer's and other dementia-related disorders. Across the United States, almost one-third of senior deaths are related to those conditions.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in Nebraska, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Nebraska.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
We added 25% to the cost of assisted living as reported by the 2021 Genworth Cost of Survey to calculate the cost of memory care.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Nebraska is $5,095, which is about 10% lower than the national average of $5,625. Communities in Nebraska, in general, charge lower monthly fees than those in the nearby states of Kansas ($5,725), Iowa ($5,459) and Colorado ($5,938). The exception is South Dakota, where the state average is much lower at $4,188 per month.
Cost data is available for three cities in Nebraska, and the cost of care varies by more than $2,000 between them. Seniors in the state capital of Lincoln pay the highest fees at an average of $5,894 per month. Omaha is slightly lower in cost at $5,815, and the most affordable option in the state is Grand Island at a monthly average of $3,633.
Although Medicaid doesn't cover the cost of memory care in Nebraska, seniors may be able to get some financial assistance through the state's Aged and Disabled Waiver Program. Medicaid does ensure that low-income seniors are able to cover some of their health care costs.
Aged and Disabled Waiver Program
The Aged and Disabled Waiver Program helps seniors cover the costs of care in an assisted living or memory care facility. The program is provided on a sliding scale, with benefits depending on the senior's income and care requirements. Some of the services that may be covered include personal assistance with the tasks of daily living, housekeeping, nonmedical transport, recreational activities, health monitoring and medication reminders. Unfortunately, the waiver does not cover the costs of room and board.
Medicaid benefits are available to seniors who have limited financial resources available and may be unable to afford the health care they require. In Nebraska, single applicants are limited to an income level of $13,596 per year and married couples may not earn more than $18,312 on an annual basis. Assets may not exceed $4,000 for individuals and $6,000 for dual applicants.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nebraska
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $13,596 | $4,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $13,596 for applicant | $4,000 for applicant and $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $18,312 | $6,000 |
To qualify for the long-term care benefits offered by Medicaid, seniors must meet certain other criteria:
A list of items that may be required at the time of application include:
Seniors and their family members who require help completing the Medicaid application form may contact one of the agencies or departments listed in the table below.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
DHHS Public Assistance Offices | 402-471-3121 | Seniors can contact the DHHS call center for telephonic assistance or visit their local DHHS Public Assistance Office to be guided through the application process in person. |
ACCESS Nebraska | 855-632-7633 | ACCESS Nebraska is the official application portal for Medicaid and all other state benefit programs. Seniors can contact the helpline to be guided through the online application process. Agents can also tell seniors if they are eligible for a program and check application statuses. |
Medicaid Appeals | 877-667-6266 | The Division of Developmental Disabilities handles all Medicaid appeals. If an application for Medicaid or a waiver program was denied, seniors can contact their case managers at the division to lodge an appeal. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) that offer memory care services are licensed and regulated through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit. ALFs provide shelter, meals and care for a minimum of four residents, and may contain an Alzheimer’s special care unit (ASCU), which is a secure, segregated area for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a related cognitive disorder. ASCUs may also be freestanding facilities that specialize solely in memory care.
As part the initial licensing process, and each subsequent renewal, ALFs must file a written document with the DHHS that includes:
ALFs that are marketed as offering memory care must file a separate statement that details the facility’s:
To receive and maintain a license in Nebraska, ALFs must pass initial and periodic inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations. The DHHS randomly inspects up to 25% of all ALFs each year, and may make an unscheduled inspection when an accident, resident injury or death or other concerning incident occurs, or if a complaint is filed against a facility. All ALFs are inspected at least once every five years.
ALFs and ASCUs must provide services that promote the well-being, safety and health of seniors in a residential setting. At minimum, the scope of care should include admission and continued-stay assessments, accommodations, three daily meals, 24-hour access to staff and support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Facilities may also provide:
Residents or their legal representatives may also arrange for care services through a licensed hospice or home health agency, or from private duty personnel, if they assume responsibility.
ALFs in Nebraska may accept residents with a range of care requirements and conditions, but must follow state regulations regarding who may be admitted. The following table offers details about the conditions that determine if a person may or may not receive care in an assisted living setting:
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Seniors and adults with:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Individuals who:
An ALF must evaluate each new resident to determine their care needs. A care plan or resident services agreement must be then drawn up that outlines the services the facility will provide to meet the person’s needs, and details the cost of these services. This plan must be reassessed and updated as the resident’s condition and care needs change.
Each resident entering or living in an ALF or ASCU must provide the facility with an annually updated list of all prescription drugs, biologicals, supplements and devices used or taken. The dosage, reported use and instructions for use must be included.
Facilities responsible for providing access to or administering medications may accomplish this in one of three ways:
ALFs and ASCUs must meet the state fire codes and standards to ensure resident safety. Each facility is inspected by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal and the specific requirements for fire alarms, sprinkler systems and fire drills are determined by the evacuation capabilities of its residents.
Resident accommodations in an ALF or ASCU may consist of a single bedroom or an apartment. If apartments are provided, they must feature separate sleeping and kitchen areas, and a private bathroom containing a sink, toilet and tub or shower.
ALFs built before 2007 may house four residents per unit, while a maximum of two residents are allowed per unit in facilities constructed after that date. Older facilities must have a sink and toilet for every six residents, and a bathing room for every 16 residents. Newer facilities must provide one sink and toilet for every four resident beds, and one bath or shower for every eight residents. With new construction, a toilet room with a handwashing sink is required for each bedroom, and a minimum of one bath or shower room to serve every eight bedrooms.
ALFs and ASCUs in Nebraska are required to employ an administrator who is responsible for the facility’s overall day-to-day operations, as well as a substitute to act in the administrator’s absence. Facilities must have sufficient direct care staff on duty to provide adequate personal care to residents, and trained medication aides to administer medications. Each ALF must also appoint a registered nurse to review the facility’s medication administration policy and procedures annually, and oversee medication aide training.
Administrators must complete 30 hours of relevant training during the first six months of their employment, while an orientation and training related to their duties is required for direct care staff. All staff must complete a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing training per year.
The administrator and care staff of an ASCU or memory care facility must receive training in the Alzheimer’s disease process, and the facility’s dementia care and supervision philosophy. Skills training in providing care for those unable to perform personal care, who may wander or have behavior issues is also required. All staff must receive a minimum of four hours of dementia care continuing education annually.
Nebraska’s state Medicaid plan does not pay for care in ALFs and ASCUs as an entitlement. However, the state offers the Medicaid Aged and Disabled waiver to help cover the cost of provided services, certain assistive technology and some supplies in these care settings. Nebraskans who qualify for the waiver are responsible for paying the room and board portion of their facility fees. The A & D waiver is also subject to an enrollment cap, and depending on availability, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list before being accepted into the program.
Nebraska residents have several available options to report an incident of abuse or neglect in an ALF or ASCU. If the incident occurred in a facility that receives Medicaid payments, concerned individuals may file a complaint with the Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit of the Nebraska Attorney General’s office. Alternatively, they may report the incident to the DHHS Licensure Unit, or call 800-942-7830 to contact the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
The following organizations provide information and support services for seniors with dementia and their loved ones in Nebraska.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter serves seniors who have been affected by this disease. The program hosts support groups and educational workshops and raises funds for research projects and hosts community awareness events. |
Area Agencies on Aging | 844-843-6364 | There are eight Area Agencies on Aging offices located across the state. These agencies can assess the long-term care needs of seniors and provide information about facilities that can cater to each senior's specific needs. In addition, they can connect seniors to services in the area and help them apply for federal and state benefits. |
211 Nebraska's Aging and Disability Resource Center | 211 | Seniors can call this helpline at any time to learn more about senior resources available in their area. The service maintains an up-to-date list of all senior resources in the state, and this list is available online. |
Memory Cafe | 402-466-3777 | The Alzheimer's and Memory Cafe is located in Lincoln and provides an interactive social event for seniors. The event takes place once a month. It includes dementia-friendly activities such as arts and crafts and social time. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Nebraska | 800-942-7830 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has six regional offices and one central office, giving seniors across the state easy access to services. The program gives seniors living in long-term care facilities, such as memory care communities, a voice. It provides information to seniors who are considering long-term care and advocates on behalf of seniors in facilities. The main aim of the program is to resolve disputes and complaints lodged by seniors and their family members regarding care services. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |