Last month, the Panhandle Dementia Coalition continued its mission of bringing together those passionate about improving dementia care, supporting caregivers, and expanding local resources for families across Western Nebraska. This collaborative network meets monthly to share updates, learn from community partners, and build stronger support systems for the growing number of Nebraskans affected by dementia. Everyone is welcome! These monthly Dementia Coalition gatherings are open to the public.

These monthly gatherings offer more than information — they offer connection. Attendees enjoy lunch, networking, peer support, and a community forum-style presentation designed to equip families and professionals with practical tools, resources, and hope. Whether it’s discussing new training opportunities, highlighting available services, or brainstorming ways to strengthen advocacy efforts, the coalition remains a place where meaningful collaboration truly happens.

A Meaningful November Presentation from AmanaCare

In November, the coalition invited Susanna Rogers, our Western Nebraska Business Development Specialist, and Heather Schanou, Director of Marketing at AmanaCare, to lead the month’s presentation.

Their session opened with an overview of AmanaCare’s mission, our faith-based approach, and the services we provide across the state. The presentation then shifted into a topic that sparked significant interest: the Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) Program.

Understanding the LRI Program

Heather and Susanna explained what the LRI program is, how it works through Nebraska’s Medicaid Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver, and why it has become a life-changing support option for so many families. The LRI program allows:

• Parents of minor children with disabilities, and
• Spouses of adults who qualify for the A&D Waiver

to be paid for the care they are already providing at home.

This is especially meaningful for families navigating dementia. When a spouse is struggling with memory loss, daily functioning, or safety concerns, the caregiving responsibility naturally falls on their partner. Through the LRI program, that spouse may be compensated for providing essential daily care — a benefit that can ease financial strain and provide much-needed support.

Real Testimonials, Real Impact

During the presentation, participants heard heartfelt testimonials from Nebraska families currently enrolled in the LRI program with AmanaCare. These stories highlighted how the program has brought financial relief, emotional stability, and a renewed sense of hope. Attendees asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful conversations about how this benefit could transform the lives of those they serve.

Why These Meetings Matter

Dementia touches the lives of thousands of Nebraskans, and navigating care can feel overwhelming. The Panhandle Dementia Coalition continues to lead the way in:

• Connecting caregivers, professionals, and families
• Increasing awareness of available services
• Offering education that supports both practical care and emotional well-being
• Creating a collaborative environment where solutions and support grow together

AmanaCare is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these efforts and to provide clarity and support around programs like LRI that can make a profound difference.

Want More Information?

If you would like details about upcoming coalition meetings, dementia resources, or the topics covered during our November presentation, please reach out to:

📧 Susanna Rogers – susanna@amana-care.com

She can provide meeting dates, Zoom links, or additional information about the LRI program and how AmanaCare supports families throughout Nebraska.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Scottsbluff, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878 | For Central Nebraska, Call 308-663-3828

AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.

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AmanaCare Staff

The word Amana means “faithfulness, loyalty, constancy, devotion, integrity, trust.” It also means “support, confirmation; a guardian.” At AmanaCare, our goal is to confirm the inherent value of our clients and to support them through their unique circumstances. By providing constant, reliable care tailored to each person, we seek to be the guardian that they and their loved ones can trust. Every person is a unique gift from God, and therefore care is not one-size-fits-all. We craft our care plans to assist with your specific needs, the way you want them done. We set your care plan according to family needs and help you remain an active member of your family and community.

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