South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging

South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging is one of the eight Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska and is located in Kearney. The office was established in 1973, in accordance to the Older Americans Act. The mission of the South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging is: To advocate and provide supportive services and programs to the elderly, which will allow them to live independently, and in their own homes, as long as possible. 

 The following services are provided through South Central
Nebraska Area Agency on Aging:

Health and Nutrition-

Nutritional services primarily consist of the congregate
and home delivered meal programs, offered through senior centers. There is a suggested contribution for the meals, for individuals age 60 plus.Persons under the age of 60 are charged the full cost of the meal.

Living Well and Healthy Eating are two programs provided
by the Agency’s Health/Nutrition Coordinator. Program participants meet once a week for six weeks and learn how to eat and live healthy productive lives as they age. Contact the Agency to schedule either of the programs.

Legal Services-

Legal services are available to persons age 60 and over
and their spouses. There are no fees for the service; however, contributions are accepted. The program specializes in the area of Elderlaw. The program can
help individuals with wills, advance directives (living wills and powers of attorney for health care), and many other issues.

Senior Care Options-

The purpose of Senior Care Options is to assure
appropriate utilization of long-term care services covered by Medicaid. Senior Care Options will evaluate the long-term care needs of persons over the age of 65 who are seeking Medicaid coverage for nursing facility care, to determine if
such care in needed, or if other options are viable. Senior Care Options counselors evaluate individuals to determine his or her needs and then help the individual set up services to meet those needs.

Medicaid Waiver-

Home and community based services through Medicaid for
Aged Persons (Medicaid Waiver) provides service coordination options for persons age 65 or older. Choosing to use Medicaid Waiver means that an individual will receive services in his/her own home or assisted living facility and Medicaid will pay for those services. Clients must be eligible for Medicaid, as well as having needs that would otherwise require them to live in a nursing home.

Care Management-

Care Management helps seniors find in-home services and care providers to allow them to live independently for as long as possible, preventing premature nursing home
placement. The senior makes all decisions with regard to what services he/she desires – the services are completely based upon client choice. This program is not income based. Payment for services is determined on an individual basis.

Senior Health
Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)-

This program has trained volunteers to help older persons
with health insurance related issues. This may include: assistance in choosing a Medicare Prescription Drug Card, choosing a Medicare Supplemental policy or a Long -Term Care policy; the program helps older persons with Medicare and other health insurance claims. SHIIP does not offer products or policies for sale, does not conduct market research, and is not related to any insurance company
or companies.

Family Caregiver Support-

The Family Caregiver Support program offers various ways
to provide support to caregivers. Grant monies are available to pay for respite care and for emergency medical response systems (i.e. Lifelines). The program also provides information/referral, as well as education for caregivers.   

Information and Assistance- 

The Agency works with many different businesses and
organizations. The Agency can assist individuals in securing needed information and/or assistance that may not be offered through the Agency. The program offers information, answers to questions, and appropriate referral services to
anywhere in the United States.