10/21/2026
💰 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WEDNESDAY 💰
How Do Families Pay for Home Care?
One of the first questions families ask us is:
“How are we going to pay for this?”
The answer isn't always the same for every family. There are several ways home care services may be funded, depending on your loved one's situation, eligibility, and coverage.
At Cornerstone Caregiving, we work with families using several different funding options. ❤️
🏠 HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS TO KNOW ABOUT:
🔹 LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE
If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may help cover qualifying care received at home.
Important tip: Don't wait until you need care to find the policy!
Pull out the policy and look for:
• What services are covered?
• Does it cover in-home care?
• Is there an elimination/waiting period?
• How many days or hours are covered?
• What is the daily or monthly benefit?
• Who needs to submit the paperwork?
📋 Not sure what your policy means? Start by contacting the insurance company or your insurance professional.
And if you're thinking about purchasing long-term care insurance before you need it, talk with a qualified insurance professional about your options and what type of policy may make sense for you.
🔹 PRIVATE PAY
Some families choose to pay for home care directly using their own funds.
This can provide flexibility when other funding sources aren't available or while a family is waiting for another benefit or authorization.
🔹 VA AUTHORIZATIONS 🇺🇸
Veterans may have access to home and community-based services through the VA when they meet the applicable clinical and eligibility requirements.
VA programs can include services such as Homemaker/Home Health Aide and Respite Care. Eligibility, approved hours, services, and availability can vary.
Cornerstone Caregiving works with VA-authorized care.
🔹 NEBRASKA DISABLED PERSONS & FAMILY SUPPORT (DPFS)
Nebraska's DPFS program helps eligible people with severe, chronic disabilities maintain independence and remain in their homes.
Services that may be available include personal care assistance, housekeeping, medication management, medical mileage, adaptive equipment, and other disability-related supports.
Nebraska currently lists a maximum support amount of $400 per month per eligible person, or $4,800 over a 12-month eligibility period, subject to program requirements.
🔹 MEDICARE GUIDE PROGRAM
For people living with dementia, the Medicare GUIDE Model is another resource families should know about.
GUIDE is a Medicare model designed to provide coordinated dementia care, caregiver education and support, care navigation, and qualifying respite services. CMS says GUIDE respite services can be covered up to $2,500 annually per eligible patient, and GUIDE services themselves cannot be subject to patient cost-sharing. Eligibility requirements apply.
🤔 SO WHERE DO YOU START?
If you're overwhelmed by insurance paperwork, VA benefits, Medicaid programs, or figuring out what your loved one may qualify for…
Start asking questions BEFORE you are in a crisis.
📁 Find the insurance policies.
📞 Call the VA if your loved one is a Veteran.
🏠 Talk with your loved one's care team.
📋 Ask about state programs and waivers.
💬 Talk with a trusted insurance or financial professional about long-term care planning.
⭐ THINKING ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE?
Not sure where to start?
Go see our friends at the Knights of Columbus Trade Center here in Lincoln. They can help you learn more about long-term care insurance and your planning options.
We always encourage families to speak directly with a qualified insurance professional about whether a policy is appropriate for their individual situation.
❤️ AND REMEMBER…
You don't have to figure out the home-care journey all by yourself.
Cornerstone Caregiving is here to help families understand their care options and find the support that fits their loved one's needs.
📞 Cornerstone Caregiving Lincoln
402-875-5511
📧 [email protected]
🏡 The earlier you ask questions, the more options you may have.
