Navigating the complexities of aging and finding the right support for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. In Lincoln, Nebraska, Aging Partners stands as a dedicated resource, committed to assisting older adults in maintaining their independence and well-being. Serving the eight-county area of Butler, Fillmore, Lancaster, Polk, Saline, Saunders, Seward, and York, Aging Partners Personal and Family Services (PFS) offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to address the diverse needs of individuals aged 60 and over.
Understanding Aging Partners Personal and Family Services
The core mission of Aging Partners PFS is to empower older adults to proactively address or resolve challenges that arise after the age of 60. A central tenet of their program is to support seniors in remaining safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. To achieve this, Aging Partners collaborates with a vast network of human service resources throughout the region.
Mission and Goals
Aging Partners operates with a clear set of goals aimed at enhancing the lives of older adults:
- Safety and Independence: To ensure the safety, well-being, and maximum possible independence of older individuals within their communities.
- Improved Access to Services: To increase the benefits older adults receive from available human services by facilitating easier access, clearer understanding, and appropriate utilization of these services.
- Comprehensive Needs Approach: To holistically address the needs of older individuals through effective cooperation among various agencies and the active involvement of family members and friends.
- Advocacy and Innovation: To actively represent the needs of older adults and to develop innovative solutions to the evolving concerns they face.
Accessing Services through the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
A key component of Aging Partners is the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The ADRC serves as a central point of contact for Nebraskans seeking information, services, and support related to long-term care needs.
Who ADRC Serves
The ADRC is available to assist:
- Individuals aged 60 and over.
- Persons of any age living with disabilities.
- Family members, caregivers, advocates, and service providers supporting these populations.
How ADRC Can Help
The knowledgeable staff at the Nebraska ADRC are ready to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding long-term care. They are available by phone at 402-441-7070 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can provide assistance with a wide array of needs, including:
- Long-Term Care Living Options: Guidance on various living arrangements and long-term care facilities.
- In-Home Support Services: Information and access to services such as housekeeping, personal care assistance, respite care, adaptive equipment, and care coordination.
- Financial Assistance for Long-Term Care: Resources and guidance on navigating the costs associated with long-term care services.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Information on health promotion and disease prevention programs designed for seniors.
- Protection from Abuse and Exploitation: Resources to help prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Mental Health Services: Connections to mental health support and resources.
- Financial and Basic Needs Assistance: Guidance on financial resources, food assistance, housing options, and programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
- Legal Support and Advocacy: Information on legal rights, advocacy services, power of attorney, and guardianship.
The ADRC website, accessible at ADRC website, also offers a wealth of statewide information for individuals, families, and caregivers. For toll-free assistance, call 1-844-843-6364. The ADRC is designed to simplify the often complex landscape of services and programs, collaborating with community providers to ensure you receive the information and support you need. All ADRC services are free and confidential.
Information and Assistance Services
Aging Partners’ First Service desk acts as the initial point of contact for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as their families, within the eight-county service area. Information specialists at the First Service desk are skilled in connecting people with community resources, providing information on a broad spectrum of available services, and sharing details about relevant state and federal programs. Contact the First Service desk for assistance with:
- Locating senior programs in your area.
- Addressing caregiver support needs.
- Finding home health care services.
- Understanding Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
- Exploring senior housing options.
- Identifying transportation services for seniors.
Counselors are available weekdays, excluding Wednesdays until 12:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended for personalized assistance.
Care Management and Social Work Services
For more in-depth support, Aging Partners offers care management and social work services. These professional services provide crucial assistance in assessing needs, developing care plans, and coordinating services, particularly for frail and vulnerable older adults.
Care managers, who are professional social workers and nurses, conduct in-home assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of a client’s living situation and care requirements. Following a thorough assessment of individual needs, abilities, circumstances, and existing support systems, a detailed home care plan is created. With client consent and participation, Aging Partners PFS then arranges and coordinates the necessary in-home services. Care plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure ongoing safety and quality of life at home.
Social work services offer similar professional support as care management but are typically shorter-term and less intensive. Social workers assist with navigating significant life changes, managing application processes, and collaborating with other agencies on behalf of the client.
Helpful Resources
For further information and assistance, Aging Partners recommends exploring these helpful resources:
- Publications – Housing Options
- Medicare
- Nebraska Department of Insurance
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- In-Home Services
- Transportation Options
- Respite Care Resources
Aging Partners in Lincoln, NE, is your trusted partner in navigating the aging journey. Contact them today to learn more about how they can support you or your loved one in maintaining independence and well-being.
