10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Lincoln, NE

Seniors and their families typically use multiple resources to pay for assisted living. The most common include savings accounts, insurance policies, and retirement income. Many seniors also take advantage of federal and state programs. This includes veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Here’s an in-depth look at how to use different payment options to keep your dream assisted living facility within reach.

Lincoln’s assisted living facilities offer safe, secure, and compassionate care. The Department of Health and Human Services licenses Lincoln’s assisted living facilities. Licensure, inspections, and report cards help ensure that Lincoln’s assisted living facilities provide high-quality care to every resident.

Licensure for assisted living facilities in Lincoln

Any facility that provides assisted living services to at least four residents must be licensed as an “ALF,” or Assisted Living Facility. ALFs provide meals, housing, and personal assistance, but not skilled nursing care. In some cases, a facility may provide on-site memory care or skilled nursing care. However, this requires an additional license.

Before a facility receives its license, it undergoes an initial inspection. Afterwards, the department conducts annual inspections. You can view inspection results on the License Information System Search. Before signing a contract with a community, it’s helpful to look at their most recent inspection results.

If you’d like to learn more about nursing homes or memory care in Lincoln, you can read our Lincoln nursing homes and Lincoln memory care pages.

Assisted living facility requirements in Lincoln

All assisted living facilities in Nebraska follow building and safety codes. There are also additional, senior-specific requirements, such as the following:

• Equip stairways and ramps with handrails.
• Install fully functioning doors on private rooms. These need to open easily in an emergency.
• Ensure passageways are wide enough to accommodate assistive devices.
• Have an outdoor area for resident recreational use.
• Keep facilities and grounds clean and hygienic.
• Furnish common areas and private rooms.

Resident rights in Lincoln assisted living facilities

All Nebraska assisted living facility residents have the right to safety, autonomy, and dignity. In assisted living facilities, residents have the following rights:

• Written information on pricing and rates, including when they change
• Choice of physician
• Personal visitors at any time
• Respectful treatment by all staff

Nebraska Department of Health contact information

Visit the Nebraska Department of Health website to learn more about assisted living facilities website.

Search for licensed assisted living facilities

301 Centennial Mall South

Lincoln, NE 68509

Phone: 402-471-3121

COVID-19 regulations for Lincoln assisted living facilities

Lincoln doesn’t have any COVID-19 mandates for assisted living facilities. However, assisted living facilities do follow CDC guidance. Assisted living facilities can determine how to mitigate COVID-19. Some facilities may use quarantine measures or ask staff to mask. All visitors are allowed into Lincoln assisted living facilities at any time, regardless of vaccination status.

Updated COVID-19 guidance, vaccine, and treatment information is on the COVID-19 Nebraska guidance documents page. There’s also a respiratory illness dashboard with information about the spread of influenza throughout the state.

ncoln, Nebraska, is the state’s capital and home to the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska. Ultimately, the quiet, community-oriented culture is what appeals to seniors. Many seniors have lived in Lincoln or the surrounding communities their entire lives. When it’s time for assisted living, most seniors find no reason to leave.

The city has a population of 292,627. It’s growing around 25% each year. The low cost of living, low crime, and friendly people contribute to this growth. The median gross rent in Lincoln is $1,200, which is 34% below the national average.^[02] The average cost of assisted living in Lincoln is $5,350 a month.^[01]

Assisted living facilities in Lincoln offer residents a comfortable living situation and nonmedical help. Facilities in Lincoln provide home-cooked meals, snacks, daily social activities, and attentive care from professional caregivers. In fact, this holds true for the rest of the state. Nebraska’s assisted living was one of the top-ranked states in 2023.^[01]

Assisted living is a good option for seniors who would benefit from medication management, personal care assistance, or mobility assistance. If your loved one wants a social environment with other seniors, independent living in Lincoln is likely a better fit.

Seniors who need or want more socialization or planned activities may enjoy the community structure of assisted living facilities. Seniors with dementia or medical needs, however, may be a better fit for Lincoln’s memory care facilities or nursing homes.

Types of assisted living facilities in Lincoln

A Place for Mom partners with a handful of assisted living communities in Lincoln. All of these are on the east side of the city. About one-third of communities offer assisted living services, and one-third offer assisted living and memory care. The remaining third offer assisted living, memory care, and independent living. All facilities offering assisted living in Lincoln have room for between 25 and 75 residents. Seniors receive personalized care from a group of dedicated caregivers. This makes it easier for them to get to know staff members and fellow residents.

Quality of life in assisted living facilities in Lincoln

Our partner communities either have had renovations or are in buildings less than 20 years old. As a result, residents enjoy state-of-the-art security systems, insulation, amenities, and stylish interiors. Rooms are spacious and tend to have excellent natural light. It’s more common for residents to have a private room in a Lincoln assisted living facility than in other cities.

Social activities in assisted living facilities in Lincoln

Community is king in Lincoln. It’s even notable in Lincoln’s assisted living facilities. All of the assisted living facilities in Lincoln offer on-site activities. And, most facilities reflect the interests of their residents through clubs such as gardening, birding, and billiards.

Best hospitals for seniors in Lincoln

Lincoln offers a few different hospitals that provide quality health care for seniors. Read on for more information about local options.

Transportation for seniors in Lincoln

Most seniors in assisted living facilities in Lincoln typically don’t worry about transportation. It’s often a complimentary service or available for a fee through the community. Seniors often need transportation for visiting physicians or going to events. Often, the community’s transportation services cover these trips. Visiting family and friends can also take seniors to appointments, trips, and outings. Residents who prefer to drive can use community parking, but there may be a fee.

Seniors who do not drive and want to travel around Lincoln independently can use the StarTran Bus Service. The bus is an affordable and reliable way to get around Lincoln. You can find routes, updates, and other information on the StarTran site. Seniors can use their Senior Saver status for a 50% reduction in their bus fees. Ride-sharing services and car rentals are also widely available in Lincoln.

The lack of traffic in Lincoln might surprise visiting family and friends. It generally takes no more than 45 minutes to drive across the city through downtown.

Things to do in Lincoln for seniors and their families

Seniors living in Lincoln’s assisted living facilities don’t need to go far to find something to do. All of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living facilities offer on-site activities and classes. Game nights, visiting performers, social hours, and dances are common activities. Physical activities such as chair yoga, tai chi, and walking clubs are also popular. Lincoln also offers a host of local senior-friendly activities outside of the communities.

Museums in Lincoln

As the state capital, Lincoln has several exceptional museums. Seniors receive discounted admission to all museums in Lincoln.

• The Museum of American Speed. Founded in 1992, this museum highlights racecars from the United States and international tracks. Hours change seasonally, and both guided and self-guided tours are available.
• University of Nebraska State Museum. This natural history museum has something for all ages. Seniors can enjoy going alone, but it’s also a good option for visiting family with young children. You can find accessible parking along 14th Street. The museum offers a limited number of wheelchairs to use, free of charge.
• Kiechel Fine Art. This small, private museum showcases American artists and the collections of a few local private collectors. It has pieces from Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Albrecht Durer, Andy Warhol, and more.
• Eisentrager-Howard Art Gallery. This gallery, run by the University of Nebraska, highlights professional and student art. Hours are limited to weekdays only, and may change seasonally.
• International Quilt Museum. Also run by the University of Nebraska, the International Quilt Museum has the largest quilt collection in the world. The museum’s goal is to celebrate the artistic achievements in quilt making. Many seniors appreciate the history and receive a discount on admission. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may change seasonally.

Cultural and outdoor activities in Lincoln

• Nebraska State Capitol. Visitors can attend free guided tours daily, typically from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Nebraska’s history.
• Sunken Gardens. Since 1930, this Lincoln landmark has offered enjoyment. National Geographic named it one of the best gardens to visit in the U.S. Visitors enjoy a tranquil experience through lily ponds, groomed paths, and gazebos. It’s open all day throughout the year, and restrooms are available at the park.
• Memorial Stadium. All true Lincoln locals attend at least one Husker’s game at Memorial Stadium. Renowned for filling its seats at record rates, Memorial Stadium is perfect for sports-loving seniors.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This institute is part of the University of Nebraska’s goal to make learning accessible for all. Adults over 50 are eligible to become members. Members enjoy access to a range of non-credit courses, events, and even travel opportunities. An annual membership costs $75.