Lincoln is the capital and second-largest city of Nebraska (after Omaha) in the southeastern part of the state. Out of 291,082 residents, approximately 13.4% or 39,000 are seniors, attracted by a lower cost of living that is about 7% below the national average, excellent medical facilities and many recreational activities. Proximity to the University of Nebraska and a booming local economy means that Lincoln is growing and an exciting place to live.
Assisted living facilities support seniors who can no longer live independently and need some help with day-to-day tasks, such as personal care, housekeeping and transportation. Seniors in the Lincoln area pay an average of $4,715 per month for assisted living care, which is above the Nebraska average of $4,076.
This guide offers an introduction to assisted living in Lincoln. It includes information about monthly care costs, the pros and cons of retiring in the city and free local resources available to support seniors.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Nebraska. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average cost of assisted living in Lincoln is $4,715 per month, but this can vary depending on location and services provided. While less expensive than nursing home facilities, assisted living settings can offer luxurious living with on-site medical and memory care or limited amenities for more independent seniors.
On average, assisted living care in Lincoln is $639 higher than the statewide cost of $4,076 and $215 higher than the national average of $4,500 according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Assisted living costs in other cities vary. The monthly median cost in Omaha is on par with Lincoln at $4,652. Average costs are much lower at $2,906 in the smaller community of Grand Island to the west. In the nearby just-out-of-state cities of Sioux City, Iowa, and Manhattan, Kansas, average costs for assisted living average $4,148 and $5,398, respectively. And in neighboring Cheyenne, Wyoming, monthly average costs for assisted living are $5,538.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lincoln
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Nebraska.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Aging Partners | (402) 441-7070 | The Area Agency on Aging in Lincoln is known as Aging Partners and offers extensive resources, including access to information and referrals, legal services, help with Medicaid waivers and home-delivered meals. Other programs are delivered through senior centers located across the city, including the NeighborLNK program, designed to facilitate personal connections by directly linking volunteers with seniors for extra support during the pandemic. |
UNMC Health Clinics | (402) 559-4000 | The University of Nebraska Medical Center Health Clinic in nearby Omaha offers free services to people aged 60 and over. Clinics are conducted at specific times and include comprehensive foot care; blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis screenings; ear wax removal and health promotion education. The University is a leader in geriatric health care for the entire state and country. |
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services State Unit on Aging | (402) 471-2307Hotline: (800) 652-1999 | The Unit on Aging has a wealth of resources, including lists of local senior centers and care providers in Lincoln and the state. Other services aimed at seniors include online fitness and education sessions and a hotline for adult protective services. |
Aging and Disability Resource Center | (402) 441-7070 | Hosted by the Aging Partners program, a local branch of the ADRC helps senior residents with information and counseling on a wide range of topics, including care providers and facilities, nutrition education and medical and legal issues. |
Bridge to Better Living | (402) 802-3301 | This organization offers a free resource listing for seniors in Lincoln and provides a consultation service for seniors relocating to assisted living. |
AARP Nebraska | Online | The local chapter of American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers seniors online information on a range of topics, including COVID-specific advice and assistance for veterans and their families. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Lincoln area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.