October gave AmanaCare's Kearney team plenty of reasons to celebrate! From statewide caregiver recognition to community festivals, Buddy Bowling, and Meals on Wheels, our team continued finding ways to connect with and support the people around us.
This month, we’re also highlighting a service that may be especially meaningful to families who are already providing care for a loved one.
Celebrating Excellence at the Nebraska Home Care Conference
AmanaCare participated in the two-day Nebraska Home Care Conference in Kearney.
Tim Martens, Chief Growth Officer; Nancy Smolik, Kearney Director of Operations; and Heather Schanou, Director of Marketing, attended educational sessions and connected with other home care professionals from across Nebraska.
Our vendor table featured home care-themed buttons, home care survival kits, and festive ghost-shaped soaps with the message, “A Little Boo from Our Crew!”
The biggest highlight was celebrating our very own Hollie Barrios, who received the Nebraska Caregiver of the Year Award!
We’re incredibly proud of Hollie and grateful for the compassion, dedication, and care she brings to her work.
And to top off the conference, Heather even won a gift basket in the closing raffle!
Supporting Buddy Bowling
Chelsea Jensen, Authorization and Compliance Coordinator, continued supporting Buddy Bowling in Kearney by attending the final session of the fall season.
Many bowlers got into the Halloween spirit, making it an especially fun way to wrap up the season.
Activities like Buddy Bowling bring people together through recreation, friendship, and shared experiences. We’re grateful for opportunities to be involved.
Connecting at United Way CommUNITY Fest
Nancy and Chelsea also represented AmanaCare at United Way’s CommUNITY Fest in Kearney.
Community gatherings give our team opportunities to introduce AmanaCare, learn about other local resources, and connect with families who may benefit from home care services.
Meals on Wheels Adventures
Mayra Flores, Kearney Receptionist, and Kathy Quail, Scheduler, had quite the adventure delivering Meals on Wheels!
The two shared plenty of laughs, struck some fun poses, and even delivered meals to some of AmanaCare’s current and former clients.
The following week, Chelsea and Kathy teamed up to continue the deliveries.
We love seeing our team members give back while reconnecting with familiar faces and making new connections throughout the community.
Service Spotlight: Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) Personal Care
For some families, caregiving is already part of everyday life.
A spouse may be helping their husband or wife with personal care, or a parent may be providing extensive assistance to a child with disabilities.
Through Nebraska’s Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) Personal Care program, certain eligible family caregivers may be able to receive payment for authorized care they provide.
LRI Personal Care is a specific Medicaid service that may allow qualifying spouses and parents of minor children to be paid for personal care that goes beyond ordinary family responsibilities.
Eligibility, caregiver qualifications, and authorized services are determined according to applicable Medicaid program requirements.
AmanaCare helps families understand the services we provide, the requirements involved, and the next steps for exploring this option.
LRI Personal Care recognizes that some families are already providing significant support at home and may have an opportunity to receive payment for qualifying care. Find out if this could help your family: lri.amana-care.com
Celebrating Those Who Care
Whether we’re honoring an award-winning caregiver, supporting community activities, or helping families learn about LRI Personal Care, our Kearney team believes caregivers deserve recognition and support.
We’re proud to serve Nebraska families and help them explore care arrangements that fit their circumstances.
- Keeping Up with Kearney: Celebrating Caregivers & Supporting Family Care Through LRI - November 6, 2026
- Broken Bow Happenings: Family Caring for Family - November 5, 2026
- Power Partner Spotlight: Endless Journey Hospice — Compassionate Care for Every Step of the Journey - November 3, 2026
