Assisted Living in Norfolk, NE

Assisted Living Costs in Norfolk

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study offers a reliable metric for comparing senior care costs across the state and nation. It shows that at $3,240, assisted living rates in Norfolk are significantly lower than both the state ($3,844) and national ($4,000) averages. They’re also about $1,000 less than monthly rates in Omaha ($4,285) and $2,200 less than prices in Lincoln ($5,429). Rates in neighboring Des Moines, IA, and Kansas City, MO, are somewhat closer to those in Norfolk at $3,950 and $4,050, respectively.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Norfolk, so data for the closest city, Grand Island, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The level of care required and where it’s received are two of the major influences on senior care costs in Norfolk. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are both residential environments that typically provide room and board, but care in a nursing home costs roughly $2,500 more per month due to the availability of round-the-clock skilled services.

In-home services, such as homemakers and home health aides, cost over $1,300 more per month than assisted living. The convenience and enjoyment of remaining at home may justify the extra expense, but seniors considering these options also need to take regular household operating costs, such as utilities, upkeep and food, into account.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Norfolk

Medicaid in Nebraska

Each state administers its own Medicaid program to ensure basic health care services to the most vulnerable among the population: low-income families with children, pregnant women, disabled and blind adults and the elderly. These programs are made possible through regulation and joint funding from the federal government.

The Nebraska state program is administered through the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care of the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides a wide range of essential services including inpatient and outpatient hospital care, doctor and specialist visits, diagnostic services, mental health care, prescription drugs and nursing home care.

To qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes long-term care, Norfolk residents must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and:

• Be disabled, blind or aged 65 and older
• Have a monthly income below $1,041 for single applicants and $1,409 if married and both spouses apply
• Have no more than $4,000 in assets if single and $6,000 if married and applying jointly
• Be assessed as needing a nursing-facility level of care

Income from all sources counts, but some assets are excluded, such as a primary residence, household furnishings, personal belongings, one vehicle and a burial trust.

Married couples are given some leeway with the above limits if only one spouse applies:

• A non-applicant spouse’s monthly income is disregarded
• An applicant can transfer up to $3,160.50 of income per month to their spouse as a maintenance needs allowance
• A non-applicant spouse can keep up to $126,420 in joint assets as a resource allowance

Those who need assistance with long-term care expenses but have income above the limit may also qualify through a share of cost. This requires an applicant to pay for their care down to the allowed income limit, which is currently $392 per month.

Seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage online, by visiting the local DHHS office at 209 N. 5th St. or by calling (402) 370-3120.

Aged and Disabled Waiver

Nebraska Medicaid offers the Aged and Disabled waiver program to limit nursing home admissions and help seniors stay in their homes or the community. To qualify, Norfolk residents must meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid long-term care but be assessed as able to safely live in a community setting. The program can cover:

• Assisted living services
• Laundry, housekeeping and shopping services
• Prepared meals
• Assistive technology
• Medical appointment transportation
• Respite care

While the waiver covers services received in an assisted living facility, it doesn’t cover the room-and-board portion of facility fees. Additionally, the ADW isn’t a Medicaid entitlement program, so there may be a waiting list to receive services.

To learn more about the ADW program or apply, Norfolk seniors should contact the Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging at (402) 270-3454.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Aged, blind and disabled Norfolk residents eligible for the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit program may qualify for an additional state-funded monthly payment. Nebraska’s Optional State Supplementation can provide an extra $438 for individuals and $1,213 for married couples living in assisted living facilities. To qualify for both programs, applicants must:

• Have a monthly income of $771 or less if single or $1,157 as a married couple
• Have $2,000 or less in total assets if single or $3,000 as a couple

Seniors can apply for the OSS program by calling DHHS at (402) 370-3120 or visiting the local office at 209 N. 5th St. To apply for SSI benefits, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit the Norfolk SSA office located at 605 Iron Horse Dr.

VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Elderly Norfolk veterans and surviving spouses currently receiving a regular VA pension may qualify for an additional monthly payment through either the Aid and Attendance or Housebound top-up program.

To qualify for the housebound benefit, an applicant must be largely confined to their home due to a permanent disability.

To receive A&A benefits, applicants must have one of these qualifying conditions:

• Require help to complete basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or eating
• Live in a nursing home due to a physical or mental impairment
• Be confined to bed
• Have significant, disabling vision loss even with correction

Applicants must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty, with at least one during wartime, and received an honorable discharge. Applicants must have an annual income below $22,577 and can’t be currently receiving a VA disability pension.

Due to the complexity of the application process, those who’d like to apply should contact the Madison County Veterans Service office at (402) 370-3578 for assistance. Completed applications can be filed in person at the VA Regional Benefit office located at 3800 Village Dr. in Lincoln.

Assisted Living Resources in Norfolk

Senior Citizens Center

The Norfolk Senior Center provides a welcoming atmosphere where area residents aged 60 and over can foster friendships and explore common interests. Here, seniors can enjoy delicious, healthy lunches, stay fit with sit down exercises, aerobics or tai chi, join a quilting or crocheting class, take part in board and card games or play billiards and weekly bingo. The center also offers educational and health programs, transportation services and special social events such as dances and concerts.

Norfolk Senior Citizens Center
307 W. Prospect Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
(402) 371-8299

Area Agency on Aging

The Northeast Nebraska AAA exists to help area residents aged 60 and older retain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life. The agency provides a wide array of services specifically aimed at the older population, such as care management, educational programs, wellness clinics, legal assistance, qualifying assessments and counseling regarding health and long-term care benefits and available resources.

Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging
119 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
(402) 270-3454

Veterans Resources

Norfolk senior veterans and their survivors can receive knowledgeable help applying for pensions and benefits at the Madison County Veterans Service office. Those in need of health care services can access primary care, laboratory services, prescriptions and referrals to specialty care in Omaha at the Norfolk VA Clinic.

Madison County Veterans Service Office
130 S. 4th St., Norfolk, NE 68748
(402) 370-3578

Norfolk VA Clinic
710 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
(402) 370-4570