The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Lincoln, NE for 2024

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 - Caring.com offers a free service to help families find senior care and authentic reviews to help you in your decision. On average in Lincoln, NE, residents and their loved ones rate In Home Care agencies 4.7 out of 5 stars across the 21 options below.

In Lincoln, the $5,148 per month that agencies charge for nonmedical home care is standard in most areas of the state, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. It matches the state average and is just $191 higher than the national median. The only other area in Nebraska with higher home care rates is Omaha, where costs are $381 more per month. Across the state line into Missouri, seniors can save on home care in St. Joseph, where costs average $381 less than Lincoln. In Cheyenne, across the western border, costs are $477 more expensive than Lincoln. 

The cost of home care is $5,148 per month in Lincoln. Home health care agencies charge the same average rate for their services and include some skilled nursing services. Assisted living, which offers similar services to home care but also includes room and board, averages $4,715 per month, which could allow seniors to save $433 per month. The most affordable option for senior care is adult day health care at $579 per month. However, seniors may need a live-in caregiver to make this a safe solution for after-hours care. Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive level of care and are the most expensive, at $7,908 per month. 

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.