Lincoln, Nebraska, is a friendly college town with plenty of senior living options. While it’s the second-largest city in Nebraska and the state’s capital, Lincoln offers seniors an unhurried, community-oriented environment. The city has multiple senior care options, including nursing homes. The term “nursing home” is sometimes used to describe all senior care facilities, including assisted living and memory care. However, a “nursing home” actually refers to senior care facilities that provide medical care, 24-hour supervision, rehabilitative services, and hospice. Assisted living and memory care facilities have restrictions in terms of the medical care they can offer.
Traditional nursing homes aren’t the only place where seniors can receive skilled nursing care. While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes, it does partner with assisted living and memory care facilities that offer skilled nursing care as an additional service. These partnering facilities are a good fit for seniors who need personal care, dementia care, or rehabilitation after a procedure or an illness. These senior care facilities may not be the best option for seniors who require indefinite skilled nursing services. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering senior care facilities provide compassionate and personalized assistance.
This guide has everything you need to know about senior care facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. We compiled updated information about senior care in Lincoln, including the average cost of care, how to pay using private and public funds, senior care regulations, local health care centers, transportation options, and senior-friendly activities.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, Nebraska, is a friendly college town with plenty of senior living options. While it’s the second-largest city in Nebraska and the state’s capital, Lincoln offers seniors an unhurried, community-oriented environment. The city has multiple senior care options, including nursing homes. The term “nursing home” is sometimes used to describe all senior care facilities, including assisted living and memory care. However, a “nursing home” actually refers to senior care facilities that provide medical care, 24-hour supervision, rehabilitative services, and hospice. Assisted living and memory care facilities have restrictions in terms of the medical care they can offer.Read more
Traditional nursing homes aren’t the only place where seniors can receive skilled nursing care. While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes, it does partner with assisted living and memory care facilities that offer skilled nursing care as an additional service. These partnering facilities are a good fit for seniors who need personal care, dementia care, or rehabilitation after a procedure or an illness. These senior care facilities may not be the best option for seniors who require indefinite skilled nursing services. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering senior care facilities provide compassionate and personalized assistance.
This guide has everything you need to know about senior care facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. We compiled updated information about senior care in Lincoln, including the average cost of care, how to pay using private and public funds, senior care regulations, local health care centers, transportation options, and senior-friendly activities.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Lincoln, NE
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about nursing homes in Lincoln
- Costs of nursing homes in the Lincoln area
- How people pay for a nursing home in Lincoln
- Understand Nebraska laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Care and amenities in Lincoln nursing homes
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Lincoln? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Lincoln
- Transportation for seniors in Lincoln
- Senior activities in Lincoln
What families are saying about nursing homes in Lincoln
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Lincoln
Aviva Woodlands in Lincoln, NE
Yankee Hill Village in Lincoln, NE
Bailey Pointe on Van Dorn in Lincoln, NE
Costs of nursing homes in the Lincoln area
On average, a private room in a Lincoln nursing home costs $8,745 per month, and a semi-private room costs $7,908 per month.[01] Skilled nursing care is considerably more expensive than other senior care types, because it requires extensive staff training, 24-hour supervision, and specialized equipment. The monthly fee for a Lincoln nursing home generally includes the following services:
- Rent for a private or semi-private room
- Daily meals and snacks
- Medical and rehabilitative care
- 24-hour access to caregivers
- Social activities
- Housekeeping and maintenance
Costs of assisted living and memory care in Lincoln
If your loved one doesn’t require the level of care provided in a nursing home, you might find that assisted living or memory care facilities in Lincoln are a better fit. Both assisted living and memory care are considerably less expensive than skilled nursing care. According to A Place for Mom’s 2023 proprietary data, the median monthly amount that families pay for assisted living care is $4,913 and $6,099 for memory care.[02]
Most services, such as personal care and meals, in assisted living and memory care communities are included in the monthly fee. Others, like pet rent or covered parking, may have an additional fee. The monthly fee for assisted living and memory care facilities typically includes the following services:
- Rent for a room or suite
- Utilities and housekeeping
- Daily meals and snacks
- Personal care, like bathing and mobility assistance
- Activities and entertainment
- Access to amenities, such as a gym or pool
The cost of living in Lincoln
Lincoln has a lower cost of living than most of the United States.[03] Groceries, housing, and transportation tend to cost less than in other similarly sized cities, while the cost of nursing homes in Lincoln aligns with the national average at $7,908 a month for a semi-private room.[01] The cost of assisted living and memory care in Lincoln are slightly above the national average.
While Lincoln may be at or slightly under the national average for living costs, Nebraska doesn’t have the same tax benefits for seniors as some Sunbelt states, such as Florida or Arizona. Nebraska taxes income, including Social Security benefits and pensions. As of 2023, graduated income tax in Nebraska is between 2.46% and 6.64%.[04] Additionally, Nebraska taxes retirement accounts such as 401(k) and IRA accounts.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Lincoln, NE vs. nearby cities
Lincoln, NE
How people pay for a nursing home in Lincoln
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for paying for nursing homes or other senior care facilities in Lincoln. Many families use a combination of private savings, income from work, and public assistance. Read on to learn how to use private funds and public funds to pay for senior care near you. A few examples of public funds include veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Every family’s financial situation is unique. Some families rely on retirement savings accounts to pay for senior care, others focus on investments, and others use a combination of insurance plans, property, and Social Security. Whatever your preferred payment method is, you can learn to leverage it by reading the following articles.
Number of veterans over 65 who live in Lincoln
About 19% of Lincoln veterans are 65+
Veterans and family members living in Lincoln may be able to pay for some of their senior care costs using veterans benefits. There are many different kinds of veterans benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and many have strict eligibility requirements. One of the most generous is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used to pay for anything that improves veterans’ quality of life, including senior care costs.
Tax benefits for Nebraska veterans
Veterans in Nebraska are eligible for two tax relief benefits: the Military Retirement Benefits Exclusion and the Nebraska Homestead Exemption. The first excludes retirement benefits from the military from state income tax. The second limits the property taxes seniors and veterans pay in Nebraska.
How to apply for veterans benefits
Consider speaking with a veterans benefits counselor to help you or your loved one apply for benefits. Local veterans service organizations (VSOs) provide VA-vetted and professional benefits counseling, and they’re a helpful place to start when beginning the application process.
VSOs can help you determine which benefits you could be eligible for, help you apply, and may be able to help you appeal denied benefits. In Lincoln, the only VSO is through the Lincoln Regional Office (VA). Other nonprofit organizations, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) can provide reliable, compassionate benefits counseling through their local chapters.
Lincoln veterans can contact the following VSOs and nonprofit organizations for benefits counseling:
- Lincoln Regional Office (VA). This is the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it offers a range of services to veterans and their families. They provide veterans benefits counseling and help with the application process. You can contact a member of the Public Contact Team via phone to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. Or, you can schedule an appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). All services from the VA come at no cost to you or your family.
- Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office. This office is part of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, and provides benefits counseling and application assistance to veterans and their loved ones. VSOs from the office can help manage or appeal claims. The best way to contact a VSO through the Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office is through the live chat feature on the official website. This service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST from Monday to Friday.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). VFW and DAV are nonprofit organizations that aren’t associated with the VA. They provide independent and compassionate benefits counseling services to local veterans, in addition to other services. Both organizations offer their services at no cost to local veterans. Contact your closest chapter to learn more or get involved.
Resources for Lincoln veterans
Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office.
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Phone: 402-420-4021
Fax: 402-471-7070
Email: ndva.sso@nebraska.gov
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
P.O. Box 95083
301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor
Lincoln, NE 68509-5083
Phone: 402-471-2458
Fax: 402-742-1142
Email: ndva@nebraska.gov
3800 Village Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516
Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for seniors and individuals with low income. Nebraska Medicaid covers most skilled nursing services, but doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living or memory care.
Will Nebraska Medicaid cover the cost of a nursing home?
Yes, Nebraska Medicaid will cover skilled nursing care if the individual receiving care is eligible for Medicaid and the nursing home is Medicaid-approved. Individuals are eligible for Nebraska Medicaid if they are over 65, disabled, or are responsible for an individual under 18 years of age and they meet the income requirements. Only those considered low-income or very low-income receive Medicaid benefits. The income cutoff for Medicaid eligibility is updated every year. As of 2023 in Nebraska, the annual pre-tax income is $19,392 for a single person.[06]
Nebraska Medicaid covers the full cost of nursing home care, including rent for a private or semi-private room, meals, and all health care services.
Will Nebraska Medicaid cover other senior care services?
No, Nebraska Medicaid won’t cover the cost of assisted living or memory care. However, if a senior is eligible for Medicaid and receives skilled nursing care — such as wound care or rehabilitation services after a procedure — from their home or assisted living facility, Nebraska Medicaid may cover the cost of the skilled nursing care only.
Medicaid assistance programs in Nebraska
Some seniors may need additional financial assistance. Nebraska Medicaid offers three different programs for seniors with financial and health needs:
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE covers some long-term care costs, including meals, prescription drugs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy. Eligible seniors must be 55 years or older and be in need of skilled nursing care.
- Aged and Disabled program. This program can cover care costs in assisted living or memory care, such as grooming, medication management, and dementia-specific therapy. It also covers some assistive technology, companion care, and transportation services. However, it doesn’t cover room or board in a senior care facility.
- Personal Assistance Services program. This program is for seniors who need an assisted living-level of care but prefer to receive this care at home. Seniors over 60 are eligible.
How to apply for Nebraska Medicaid
You can apply for Nebraska Medicaid by completing the forms on the program’s application portal. If you need help applying for Medicaid benefits, consider reaching out to The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This department offers benefits counseling to seniors and their loved ones at no cost. Additionally, the local senior care ombudsman can take any complaints or concerns you may have about your Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid resources for Lincoln residents
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Medicaid assistance: 855-632-7633
Contact the department
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
Phone: 402-471-2307
Email: DHHS.Aging@nebraska.gov
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that covers some health care costs for seniors 65+ and for individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is based on age and whether you or a spouse paid Medicare taxes. Medicare doesn’t pay for room or board in senior care facilities in Lincoln or elsewhere.
A breakdown of what Medicare covers
Medicare covers only short-term and medically necessary health care costs for eligible seniors. Generally, a physician and a Medicare representative need to agree that the service is both medically necessary and short-term before providing Medicare coverage. It’s important to note that what’s considered medically necessary for one person may not be for another.
To make this clearer, here are some examples of services that Medicare tends to cover:
- Medically necessary procedures, such as appendectomies, knee replacement surgeries, and in-patient hospital stays
- Medically necessary items, such as walkers and hearing aids
- Medically necessary medications, such as prescription drugs
- Preventative tests, appointments, and treatments, such as vaccines
- Short-term stays in skilled nursing facilities to rehabilitate after a procedure or an illness, including room and board
Here are some examples of what Medicare doesn’t cover:
- Prolonged or indefinite stays in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility
- Elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgeries
- Personal care, such as grooming, bathing and mobility assistance
- Any fees associated with assisted living or memory care
Medicare assistance programs in Lincoln
Seniors enrolled in Medicare are asked to contribute some funds toward their care. Medicare Savings Programs can help seniors pay for these additional expenses.
Navigating Medicare can be stressful, especially if you’re doing so in the midst of a health care emergency. If you need help understanding Medicare benefits for you or a loved one, reach out to the Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Counselors can help you apply and answer your questions. You can also direct all complaints or concerns about your Medicare coverage to the long-term care ombudsman.
Lincoln Medicare resources
Understand Nebraska laws and regulations for nursing homes
Nursing homes in Lincoln are regulated by both the federal and state government. When choosing a senior care facility, the safety of your loved one and their ability to maintain their dignity are some of the most important considerations. All partnering senior care facilities in Lincoln provide compassionate, ethical, and high-quality care.
Federal regulations for Lincoln nursing homes and other senior care facilities
Nursing homes are often eligible for federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. As a result, the federal government offers some oversight for nursing homes. The federal government outlines all requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations for long-term care facilities. In general, all nursing homes are required to provide the following:
- A safe, secure environment
- Sufficient staff training
- Regular family contact
- An updated care plan for each resident
The federal government publishes inspection results for all Medicare- and Medicaid-approved nursing homes on their provider search tool. You can search by location to find reports about nursing homes near you.
Assisted living facilities and memory care facilities don’t undergo the same type of scrutiny from the federal government. There are no federal requirements for these senior care facilities.
State regulations for Lincoln nursing homes and other senior care facilities
In Nebraska, nursing homes and other senior care facilities are regulated and licensed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This department provides licensure to both nursing homes and other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care. To maintain their licensure, Nebraska senior care facilities have to meet staffing, care, safety, and quality of life standards. They also undergo regular inspections. All inspection reports are available to the public.
While senior care facilities including nursing homes ensure appropriate staffing levels, the state doesn’t provide a specific resident-to-caregiver ratio. All caregiving staff must complete initial and ongoing senior care training. Nursing homes in Nebraska are required to have a certain number of registered and licensed nurses on staff.
Most state regulations for senior care facilities are focused on maintaining resident safety, dignity, and autonomy. Some of the most important regulations include the following:
- Residents must be allowed to make their own care decisions.
- Residents must be allowed to manage their finances.
- Residents must be informed about any changes to care, charges, or fees.
- Residents must be allowed to receive visitors at any time.
If you or your loved one don’t require round-the-clock medical care, consider reading about the laws and regulations for Lincoln’s assisted living and memory care facilities.
Nebraska Department of Health contact information
Visit the Nebraska Department of Health website to learn more about assisted living facilities.
Search for licensed assisted living facilities.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
COVID-19 regulations for Lincoln nursing homes
Nebraska doesn’t enforce any COVID-19 mandates in senior care facilities, but all senior care facilities including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities follow CDC guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among residents and staff.
Individual facilities can ask residents, staff members, and visitors to mask but can’t prevent anyone from entering if they decide not to. Nebraska senior care facilities must also accept visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Most senior care facilities have a quarantine wing for sick residents, and all maintain high hygiene and cleanliness standards.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services updates COVID-19 vaccination and treatment center information on the COVID-19 Nebraska Guidance Documents webpage. The department also updates a Respiratory Illness Dashboard to inform the public about the spread of influenza.
Facility cleanliness. All senior care facilities in Lincoln maintain high cleanliness standards to mitigate the spread of disease.
Staff safety. Staff members are encouraged to stay home if they’re feeling ill.
Quarantining. Many senior care facilities have quarantine wings for ill residents.
Number of people we have referred to Lincoln’s assisted living and memory care facilities
Average age of resident we referred to Lincoln’s memory care and assisted living facilities
Gender split: 62% female
Care and amenities in Lincoln nursing homes
Lincoln’s unhurried, community-focused culture is one reason why so many seniors choose to stay there during their retirement. In addition to the quiet neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere, Lincoln also outperforms other similarly sized cities in the quality of its senior care facilities. As the capital of Nebraska and home of the state’s flagship university campus, Lincoln is the best of both worlds for seniors who want to stay near family, maximize their senior years, and enjoy excellent senior care.
Skilled nursing care in Lincoln
Lincoln offers a few different options for seniors in need of skilled nursing care. Seniors who need short-term nursing care to recover from a procedure or an illness are good candidates for one of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living or memory care facilities. Around 38% of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living communities, and 33% of memory care facilities offer on-site skilled nursing services to serve the short-term needs of residents.[02]
Seniors who need 24-hour skilled nursing care for the rest of their lives are better suited for traditional, stand-alone nursing homes. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with traditional nursing homes.
Assisted living and memory care in Lincoln
A Place for Mom partners with seven assisted living facilities and eight memory care facilities in Lincoln.[02] With a population of about 300,000, Lincoln has an average density of senior care facilities for a city of its size[07], and those communities offer above-average facilities and care. Almost all facilities were built or updated within the last 20 years, which means seniors can expect excellent amenities, stylish decorations, and updated security features.
Facilities tend to be moderately sized, accommodating between 25 and 75 residents. Lincoln senior care facilities also offer larger rooms for residents than facilities in denser cities. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering senior care facilities in Lincoln are on the east side of the city, close to great health care options and mostly surrounded by quiet suburbs and green parks.
Assisted living and memory care facilities in Lincoln receive overwhelmingly positive reviews from residents and family members. The quality of care, amenities, food, and cleanliness are cited as strengths in all of Lincoln’s senior care facilities. A focus on social activities such as card clubs, gardening groups, and movie nights are a main feature of the local senior care communities.
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Unfamiliar with Lincoln? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Lincoln
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Lincoln population
Median annual income for Lincoln seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Lincoln
Transportation for seniors in Lincoln
Seniors in Lincoln’s senior care facilities don’t need to worry about transportation often, as most communities offer complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee. The most common reasons why a senior needs to leave their community is for health appointments or going to events. Family members and friends can help transport seniors to and from their appointments if the community’s transportation services aren’t available.
For seniors who don’t drive and wish to explore Lincoln on their own, the StarTran Bus Service may be a good choice. This local bus system is operated by the city government and provides an affordable, yet fairly reliable way to move around Lincoln. Routes and fee information are on the StarTran website. Seniors should sign up for the Senior Saver program to get a 50% discount on bus fees.
Visiting family and friends will appreciate Lincoln’s low traffic. It generally takes no more than 45 minutes to drive across the city.
Senior activities in Lincoln
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from 2023, 100% of Lincoln’s senior care facilities offer daily activities and programming to keep residents engaged.[02] This means few seniors need to leave their community to find something to do. This is especially true for seniors living in a nursing home or memory care facility. However, Lincoln still maintains plenty of excursions and activities for active seniors and their family and friends. Many of these activities make a great day trip for seniors and their families, and require very little planning or driving.
Museums in Lincoln
Lincoln has an unusually high number of excellent museums. This is partly because of its status as Nebraska’s state capital, and because of the local University of Nebraska campus, which houses many of the city’s best museums. All museums in Lincoln offer discounted admission to seniors.
- The Museum of American Speed. NASCAR fans will enjoy this large facility that showcases race cars from both the United States and international tracks. Founded in 1992, the Museum of American Speed aims to preserve racing history. Be sure to double check their hours online because they change seasonally. If needed, a wheelchair is available for guests upon request.
- University of Nebraska State Museum. Based on The University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus, the State Museum is a natural history museum appropriate for people of all ages. It makes an excellent day trip for seniors, but family members with young children may find this especially engaging. The museum reserves accessible parking along 14th street, and seniors can use one of the complimentary wheelchairs at the museum.
- Kiechel Fine Art. This is a small private art museum located in downtown Lincoln, near the Lincoln Children’s Museum. It primarily highlights American artists and the international collections of a select number of private collectors. It has pieces from world-famous artists, such as Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Albrecht Durer, Andy Warhol, and more.
- Eisentrager-Howard Art Gallery. Also located on the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus, the Eisentrager-Howard Art Gallery highlights both professional and student pieces. Visitors are limited to weekdays only during normal business hours, and hours may change seasonally.
- International Quilt Museum. Found on University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus, the International Quilt Museum has the largest quilt collection in the world. It displays works from all over the world, from the Renaissance to the present period. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and seniors receive discounted admission.
Cultural and outdoor activities in Lincoln
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This institute is organized by the University of Nebraska and aims to make learning accessible for all. All adults 50 years of age or older can become members and access a wide variety of university classes, events, and travel opportunities. All classes are non-credited, and a membership costs $75 each year.
- Nebraska State Capitol. All Lincoln locals should plan at least one visit here. There are free and guided tours every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors and their families can learn about the famous architecture of the building and the history of Nebraska.
- Sunken Gardens. National Geographic named the Sunken Gardens one of the best gardens to visit in the United States. This Lincoln icon was first built in 1930, and visitors can enjoy strolling through groomed gardens and by large lily ponds. It’s open all day throughout the year, although the best times to visit are during the warmer months. Restrooms are available at the park, and admission is free for everyone.
- Memorial Stadium. Memorial Stadium is home to Lincoln’s beloved Huskers. It’s known for being one of the most attended stadiums in the nation, and it’s a great option for seniors and family who enjoy sports or a competitive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Lincoln, NE. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Lincoln is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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