Navigating the complexities of aging and finding the right support for yourself or your loved ones can be overwhelming. Aging Partners Nebraska stands as a dedicated resource in the eight-county region of Butler, Fillmore, Lancaster, Polk, Saline, Saunders, Seward, and York, offering a comprehensive network of services designed to empower older adults to maintain their independence and well-being. Their Personal and Family Services (PFS) are committed to helping individuals over 60 address any concerns or difficulties they may encounter, ensuring they can continue living comfortably and safely in their own homes.
Personal and Family Services (PFS): Empowering Independence
The core mission of Aging Partners’ Personal and Family Services is to be the helping hand for older adults in Nebraska. Recognizing that maintaining independence at home is a key desire for many seniors, PFS programs are built around this central goal. Staff are deeply connected to the human service resources across the eight-county area, acting as a vital link to ensure seniors receive the support they need.
The program operates with clear objectives:
- Safety and Independence: To guarantee the safety, well-being, and maximum possible independence for every older adult they serve.
- Improved Service Access: To enhance the benefits seniors receive from human services by making these services easier to access, understand, and utilize effectively.
- Comprehensive Needs Approach: To address the multifaceted needs of older individuals through strong cooperation between agencies and the active involvement of families and friends.
- Advocacy and Innovation: To be a strong voice representing the needs of older adults and to continuously develop innovative solutions to their evolving concerns.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): Your Gateway to Long-Term Care in Nebraska
Aging Partners proudly hosts an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) as part of a statewide network. The Nebraska ADRC is designed to simplify the process of finding services and support for Nebraskans with long-term care needs. It acts as a central point of contact, making it easier to navigate the often complex landscape of senior and disability services.
Who can the ADRC assist?
The ADRC is a valuable resource for a wide range of individuals:
- Seniors (Age 60+): Older adults seeking information and assistance with aging-related services.
- Individuals with Disabilities: People of any age living with disabilities who require support and resources.
- Family Members and Caregivers: Those who are caring for older adults or individuals with disabilities and need guidance and support.
- Advocates and Service Providers: Professionals working in the field who need information and referral resources.
How can the Nebraska ADRC help you?
ADRC staff are readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding long-term care. You can reach them by phone at 402-441-7070 during their operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The ADRC offers assistance in numerous crucial areas, including:
- Long-Term Care Living Options: Guidance on various living arrangements that cater to long-term care needs, such as assisted living or nursing homes.
- In-Home Support Services: Information and access to services that bring care into the home, like housekeeping, personal care assistance, respite care for caregivers, adaptive equipment, and care coordination.
- Financing Long-Term Care: Resources and advice on how to manage the costs associated with long-term care services.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Information on health promotion and preventative health services designed for older adults.
- Protection from Abuse and Exploitation: Resources to help prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Mental Health Support: Connections to mental health services and resources.
- Financial and Basic Needs Assistance: Guidance on financial aid programs, as well as resources for essential needs like food, housing, and access to Medicaid and Medicare.
- Legal Assistance: Information and referrals for legal matters relevant to seniors, including consumer rights, advocacy, power of attorney, and guardianship.
Explore the ADRC Website
For comprehensive statewide information, you can also visit the ADRC website. The website offers a wealth of resources for individuals, families, and caregivers. For toll-free assistance, call 1-844-843-6364.
The ADRC’s primary goal is to simplify the often confusing process of accessing services and programs. They work collaboratively with a wide network of community providers to gather information and connect you with the services you require. Remember, all ADRC information and assistance is provided free of charge and with complete confidentiality.
Information and Assistance: Your First Stop at Aging Partners
Aging Partners’ First Service desk serves as the initial point of contact for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as their families, within the eight-county service area. If you’re seeking information, exploring options, or need help arranging services or referrals, the First Service desk is your starting point. Experienced counselors are ready to connect you with community resources, provide information on a wide spectrum of available services, and share details about state and federal programs you may not be aware of.
Information specialists at the First Service desk are equipped to answer your questions related to service delivery and help you determine the best care options for your situation. Contact them for assistance with:
- Senior Programs: Information on the range of programs specifically designed for seniors in the area.
- Caregiver Support: Resources and assistance for individuals caring for older adults.
- Home Health Care Services: Details on available home health care options and how to access them.
- Medicare and Medicaid: Guidance and information related to Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
- Senior Housing Choices: Information on various senior housing options, from independent living to assisted care.
- Transportation Services: Details on transportation services available to seniors.
Counselors are available weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, service is available from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accommodate staff training. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment is preferred to ensure timely assistance.
Care Management and Social Work: Providing Professional Support
For more in-depth assistance, Aging Partners offers care management and social work services. These professional services are designed to assess needs, plan, and coordinate services, particularly for frail and vulnerable adults aged 60 and over. They provide crucial support to help these individuals maintain their well-being.
Care managers are professional social workers and nurses with specialized training in assessing the living situations of vulnerable older adults. They are skilled at identifying community services and resources that can best address individual care needs. To gain a comprehensive understanding of a client’s situation, care managers conduct home visits. Care planning begins with a thorough assessment of each person’s specific needs, abilities, circumstances, and existing support systems. Based on this assessment, a detailed home care plan is developed. With the client’s consent and active participation, Aging Partners Personal and Family Services then arranges and coordinates the delivery of the necessary in-home services. Care plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to ensure the client’s ongoing safety and quality of life at home over the long term.
Social work services offer similar professional support as care management but are typically shorter-term and less intensive. Social workers assist with navigating difficult transitions, re-certifications, application clarifications, and act as liaisons with other agencies on behalf of the client.
Helpful Resource Links
To further assist you in your search for information and support, Aging Partners provides links to valuable external resources:
- Publications – Housing Options: [Link to Housing Options Resources] (example link – replace with actual link if available)
- Medicare: [Link to Medicare Website] (example link – replace with actual link to official Medicare site)
- Nebraska Department of Insurance: [Link to Nebraska Department of Insurance Website] (example link – replace with actual link)
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Link to Nebraska DHHS Website
- In-Home Services: [Link to In-Home Services Resources] (example link – replace with actual link if available)
- Transportation Options: [Link to Transportation Options Resources] (example link – replace with actual link if available)
- Respite Care Resources: [Link to Respite Care Resources] (example link – replace with actual link if available)
Aging Partners Nebraska is committed to serving as your trusted partner in navigating the aging journey, providing compassionate support and expert guidance every step of the way.
