elderly woman and younger daughter hugging in a lincoln nebraska living room

Becoming a Caregiver for Your Elderly Parent in Nebraska: What You Need to Know

Caring for an elderly parent is one of the most meaningful acts of love and devotion you can offer. In Nebraska, where family values run deep and communities are close-knit, many adult children step up to care for aging parents. But while it’s an act of love, it’s also a major responsibility that can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.

At Genuine Global Care, we work with families just like yours every day. Families who never expected to find themselves in the role of caregiver. Families with questions, uncertainties, and worries. We’re here to tell you that you can do this—and you don’t have to do it alone.

This guide will walk you through the key things to consider as you become a caregiver for your elderly parent in Nebraska. Whether you live in Lincoln, Omaha, or a rural community, this information will help you prepare for the journey ahead.

1. Understand What Kind of Care Your Parent Needs

The first step is getting a clear picture of your parent’s current health and daily needs. This might involve:

  • Medical Needs: Caregiving involves medication management and staying on top of doctor’s medical orders for your loved one. Are they managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dementia? What medications do they take, and how often?
  • Personal Care: Do they need help bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom?
  • Mobility & Safety: Can they move around on their own, or do they need help walking, transferring from bed to chair, or using mobility aids?
  • Household Tasks: Are they able to cook, clean, do laundry, and manage finances?

Start by making a list of the tasks they can handle independently and those where they need help. A visit to their doctor can also provide valuable insights. If your parent has memory issues or cognitive decline, a neurological evaluation may be necessary.

2. Make the Home Safe and Comfortable

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors in Nebraska and across the U.S. You can make the home safer by:

  • Removing rugs that slip or bunch up
  • Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs
  • Ensuring good lighting in hallways and entryways
  • Using non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
  • Rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths

Consider whether your parent’s home is still the best place for them to live. If not, moving them into your home or finding an assisted living arrangement may be the next step.

3. Learn Basic Caregiving Skills

You don’t need a nursing degree to be a great caregiver, but a few basic skills will make a big difference:

  • Medication Management: Keep a schedule and use pill organizers to avoid missed or double doses.
  • Personal Care Techniques: Learn how to assist with bathing, toileting, and dressing while maintaining your parent’s dignity.
  • Transfers & Mobility Assistance: Practice safe techniques for helping your parent in and out of bed or a chair without injuring yourself.
  • Meal Preparation: Ensure your parent gets nutritious meals that are appropriate for their dietary needs.
  • Monitoring Health: Watch for signs of new health issues, such as changes in appetite, mood, memory, or mobility.

Search for free resources online and local caregiving courses available to help you gain confidence and feel supported as you learn these important skills.

4. Get Legal and Financial Affairs in Order

Part of caregiving involves helping your parent manage their legal and financial matters:

  • Power of Attorney (POA): Allows you to make financial or healthcare decisions on their behalf if they can’t.
  • Healthcare Directives: Outline their wishes for medical treatment, including end-of-life care.
  • Estate Planning: Ensure wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations are up-to-date.
  • Benefits & Assistance: Explore Nebraska’s Medicaid programs, veterans’ benefits, and other assistance your parent may qualify for.

It’s best to consult an elder law attorney to make sure everything is properly documented.

5. Prioritize Self-Care and Know When to Ask for Help

Caregiver burnout is real. Taking care of your parent is a big job, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own health and well-being. Make time for yourself, whether it’s a walk outside, coffee with a friend, or simply a few minutes of quiet time to recharge.

And when things become too much, remember: you don’t have to do this alone.

We’re Here to Help

At Genuine Global Care, we support family caregivers across Nebraska by providing:

  • Respite Care: Take a much-needed break while we care for your loved one for a few hours, days, or longer.
  • Home Care Services: Our trained professionals can assist with personal care, housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship—right in the comfort of your parent’s home.
  • Skilled Nursing & Specialty Care: For more complex medical needs, our licensed nurses provide in-home healthcare services.

Whether you need occasional help or ongoing support, we’re ready to step in whenever you need us.

6. Build a Support Network

Connect with other caregivers, either in person or online. In Nebraska, you’ll find caregiver support groups in cities like Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, and Kearney. These groups are safe places to share your experiences, learn from others, and find emotional support.

You can also reach out to:

And, of course, our team at Genuine Global Care is always here for you as part of your support system.

7. Plan for the Future

As your parent’s needs change, you may need to adjust the care plan. Talk with your family about long-term care options and finances. Consider whether assisted living, memory care, or full-time in-home care might be necessary down the road.

We offer free in-home assessments to help you evaluate your parent’s current needs and plan for the future. Together, we can create a customized care plan that works for your family.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Becoming a caregiver for your elderly parent in Nebraska is a big responsibility—but it’s also a profound opportunity to give back. There will be days that are hard and days that are deeply rewarding. Through it all, you do not have to do it alone.

Call us today at (531) 207-3545 or contact us to learn how we can support you with home care services. Together, we’ll ensure your parent receives the compassionate, dignified care they deserve—while giving you the peace of mind you need.