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Famous for its annual sandhill crane migrations, Kearney is a historic community in south-central Nebraska, with roots dating back to the Westward Expansion. This city of 33,867 is home to 4,500 senior citizens who represent about 13.5% of the population, which is slightly lower than the national average. Retirees and assisted living residents in the area benefit from a competitive cost of living and a climate that’s sunnier and more comfortable than other parts of Nebraska.
Quality healthcare is readily available at major hospitals, such as CHI Health Good Samaritan and the Kearney Regional Medical Center, which are also among the city’s top employers. Seniors can choose from six assisted living facilities in Kearney proper and six nearby. These communities offer a variety of amenities, floor plans and levels of care. According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average paid for assisted living in Kearney is $4,380 per month, which is slightly higher than the state and national averages.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
At $4,380 per month, assisted living in Kearney is $80 higher than the national average and $192 higher than the state median of $4,188. Rates are similar in neighboring states. Seniors in Colorado pay $195 more than their peers in Kearney, and prices rise to $5,090 in Kansas, an increase of $710. In contrast, assisted living is $307 cheaper in Iowa, at $4,073, and $742 less expensive in South Dakota at $3,638 per month.
According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Kearney is more affordable than in Omaha and Lincoln. Seniors in these communities pay $143 and $375 more per month, respectively. Rates in Manhattan, Kansas, increase by $1,358. However, residents in Sioux City, Iowa, save about $630 per month at $3,750, and rates drop to $3,488 in Sioux City, South Dakota, a saving of $892.
Note: Data for Kearny was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Grand Island, was used instead.
Older adults in Kearney who meet Nebraska Medicaid’s financial requirements and need a nursing home level of care may qualify for free assistance through the state’s Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver. This program can cover assisted living services, such as personal care, shopping, laundry, transportation and recreational activities, depending on the applicant’s needs.
For more information about this program and other financial assistance options, see our page on Assisted Living in Nebraska.
| Contact | Description | |
| South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging | (308) 234-1851 | The South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging is a one-stop shop for seniors who are ready to plan for the future. Staff members offer individualized care management consultations to give seniors more information about assisted living and other alternatives. The long-term care ombudsman provides advice about residential care facilities, resolves disputes and encourages seniors to establish resident and family councils to protect their rights. Other programs help those who have questions about Medicare, insurance billing issues and healthcare fraud. |
| Peterson Senior Activity Center | (308) 233-3278 | Operated by the City of Kearney, the Peterson Senior Activity Center, situated in Yanney Heritage Park, provides educational and recreational programs for older adults. The calendar of activities includes yoga, line dancing, walking clubs, men’s meetings and support groups. Seniors can visit the center for social events, such as cornhole tournaments, open mics and party nights with themed music. |
| Buffalo County Veteran Services | (308) 236-1253 | This county office helps veterans in Kearney and the surrounding communities access benefits provided by the local, state and federal governments. These include health care, life insurance, pensions, disability payments and supplements such as VA Aid and Attendance benefits that can help with the cost of assisted living care. Senior veterans may qualify for tax breaks, medical transportation and long-term care at one of the state’s veterans homes. |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska, Grand Island | (308) 381-0517 | Legal Aid of Nebraska offers free legal information and advice to low-income families, seniors and vulnerable adults online, over the phone and at select walk-in locations. Its areas of expertise include government benefits, insurance denials, healthcare access, tax issues, powers of attorney and legal documents. Seniors can also access free online self-help resources through the nonprofit’s website. |
| Senior Volunteer Program | (308) 865-5675 | Kearney residents who want to stay active in the community can join the Senior Volunteer Program sponsored by the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska. Volunteers visit seniors who live alone or are at risk of isolation. In return, the program provides training, annual physicals, transportation stipends and certain insurance coverage. Seniors can also request free emotional support and social visits through this organization. Additionally, CAP funds nutrition and transportation programs. |
Assisted living facilities in Kearney that provide accommodations and 24-hour care for four or more residents must be licensed by the Nebraska Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit. This agency inspects facilities before and after licensure. See our page on Assisted Living in Nebraska for more information about these requirements.
