Family Caregiver Resources for Nebraska

Posted on 09/20/24 by AARP

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Caregivers Screen Hands Touching-01.png

Caregiver Support

Nebraska Caregiver Coalition
Provides support and education for family caregivers, raises awareness and addresses issues that family caregivers face. Members include the Nebraska Stroke Association, the Alzheimer’s Association and more

Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network (866-737-7483)
Services and resources for family caregivers include education, individual counseling, support groups, respite care, caregiver training programs and workshops, transportation and home modifications.

Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program (855-260-3274)
Provides caregivers of eligible veterans with resources, education, support, a financial stipend, health insurance and beneficiary travel.

Finances

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (402-471-3121)
Helps eligible households with home energy expenses, which may include heating and cooling bills, crisis bill payment, and heating and cooling equipment purchase, repair and replacement.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (402-471-3121)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Nebraska Caregiver Tax Credit (402-471-5729; 800-742-7474)
Provides a nonrefundable tax credit for out-of-pocket costs incurred by the unpaid family caregiver for a limited set of services effective January 1, 2025 for the 2025 tax year. Expenses must be directly related to assisting the family caregiver in providing care to an eligible family member. The tax credit is $2,000 per year for most participants; caregivers for veterans or those with a dementia-related diagnosis will receive up to a $3,000 tax credit.

Couple with Heart Recolored-01.png

    Legal

    Legal Aid of Nebraska 877-250-2016; 800-527-7249 Elder Access Line)
    Provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income Nebraskans for issues including debt, finance, housing, benefits and more.

    Health

    State Health Insurance Assistance Program (800-234-7119)
    Provides free one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare as well as their families and caregivers. The agency helps with understanding health care options, obtaining benefits and filin(g claims.

    ACCESSNebraska (855-632-7633 Medicaid; 800-383-4278)
    Apply for Medicaid and economic assistance programs and manage benefits via the site.

    NeedyMeds (800-503-6897)
    Provides information on health care programs and connects people to programs that can help them afford medications and other health care costs.

    Housing and Care Facilities

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (402-492-3100)
    Provides information about programs that enable older adults to stay in their homes, find an apartment and protect themselves from housing discrimination and reverse mortgage scams.

    Long-Term Care Ombudsman (800-942-7830)
    Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.

    Information and Services

    Aging and Disability Resource Center (844-843-6364)
    Helps adults age 60 and older, individuals with disabilities and family caregivers find information, referrals and assistance accessing community services and long-term care options.

    Wheelchair-01.png

    Answers4Families (800-746-8420)
    Connects special-needs Nebraskans to resources and support in the categories of caregiving, aging, abuse and neglect, basic needs, disabilities and others.

    Nebraska Public Transit (402-479-4871)
    Provides accessible public transportation for all residents, especially older adults, people with disabilities and anyone who would otherwise be without affordable transportation.

    Nebraska Resource and Referral System (800-746-8420)
    Database providing 800 numbers, websites and email contacts to help residents connect faster to services such as respite care, veterans benefits, Native American resources, assisted living information and more.

    Hugging Couple Heart Recolored-01.png

    State Unit on Aging (402-471-2307)
    Free services to residents age 60 and older, people with disabilities and caregivers include congregate and home-delivered meals, health information, nutrition education, in-home assistance, social outreach, legal services, transportation, long-term care ombudsman assistance and more.

    End of Life

    Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association (402-477-0204)
    Provides hospice patients and their families resources to help make better choices regarding serious illness and end of life care.

    This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the AARP Nebraska page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

    Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide

    Upcoming AARP Events

    View All AARP Events

    Explore the free AARP Now App
    image of two AARP membership cards
    Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal
    • Immediate access to your member benefits
    • Discounts on travel and everyday savings
    • Subscription to AARP The Magazine
    • FREE second membership
    Join AARP
    Already a member? Renew or Print Card

    Contact AARP
    in Lincoln