AmanaCare Team Members Pursue Mental Health First Aid Certification Through Region 5
At AmanaCare, we believe compassionate care goes far beyond helping with physical needs. True support means recognizing the emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of the individuals and families we serve every day.
That’s why two members of the AmanaCare leadership team — Nancy Smolik, Director of Operations in Kearney, and Mikah Christensen, Director of Operations in Lincoln — are currently becoming certified through Region 5 in Mental Health First Aid.
Mental Health First Aid is designed to help individuals recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to signs of mental health or substance abuse challenges. The training provides practical tools for identifying concerns early, supporting individuals in crisis, and encouraging ongoing mental wellness and connection.
For Nancy Smolik, the opportunity to participate aligned naturally with her passion for growth and learning.
“While I was initially unaware that the training included a certification, I was excited to participate because I believe there is always value in learning new skills and gaining knowledge that may help someone in the future,” Nancy shared. “Earning the certification was an added benefit that reinforced my commitment to professional growth.”
Why Mental Health Training Matters in Home Care
In the home care industry, caregivers often support individuals navigating far more than physical health challenges alone. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities experience loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, isolation, cognitive decline, or emotional stress related to changing health conditions and life transitions.
According to Nancy, this type of training helps caregivers provide more informed, compassionate support.
“In home care, we work with individuals who have a wide range of needs, disabilities, and life experiences,” she explained. “This training helps caregivers better understand those needs, provide appropriate support, and improve the quality of care and compassion we offer to our clients and their families.”
Mental wellness is deeply connected to quality of life — especially for aging adults who may spend long periods alone or who are adjusting to physical limitations, loss of independence, or major life changes.
The Importance of Connection & Companionship
Mikah Christensen emphasized how vital human connection is to emotional well-being.
“Human beings crave connection,” Mikah said. “We are wired to desire love and belonging. Having a trusted person in your life is vital to maintaining mental wellness.”
For many clients, caregivers provide more than assistance with meals, transportation, or household tasks. They also provide companionship, conversation, consistency, encouragement, and emotional presence.
“If you don’t have someone you trust to spend time with and socialize with, you are likely to isolate and do or experience less,” Mikah explained. “And science tells us that the less stimulation we have as we age, the faster we decline. The more compassionate we are and the deeper our level of understanding becomes to those needs, the better we can serve our clients.”
This understanding is one of the reasons AmanaCare places such a strong emphasis on relationship-centered care and meaningful connection.
Preparing Caregivers & Leaders to Respond Appropriately
Mental Health First Aid training also helps prepare caregivers and leaders to recognize warning signs early and respond appropriately during difficult situations.
“This certification will assist us in identifying early on if a client might be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis and how to respond appropriately,” Mikah shared. “It also prepares us as leaders on how to care for ourselves after tending to someone in crisis.”
In caregiving professions, emotional strain and burnout can impact not only families and clients, but caregivers themselves. Training like this reinforces the importance of caring for both others and ourselves.
Supporting Families Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Nancy also offered encouragement for family caregivers navigating the challenges of supporting aging parents or loved ones at home.
“Be open to continuously learning new ways to support and care for your aging loved ones, as their needs may change over time,” she advised. “Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help or utilize respite care when needed. Taking care of yourself is essential to being able to provide the best care for others.”
Many family caregivers spend so much time focusing on loved ones that they neglect their own emotional and physical needs. Support systems, respite care, and community resources can make an enormous difference in preventing caregiver burnout.
Communities Play an Important Role
Both Nancy and Mikah emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting emotional wellness among seniors.
“Communities can play a vital role by maintaining senior centers and other gathering spaces that encourage social interaction and engagement,” Nancy said. “Providing opportunities for seniors to connect with others can help reduce feelings of isolation, build meaningful relationships, and create supportive environments where they feel comfortable discussing emotional challenges.”
This aligns closely with AmanaCare’s Care360 philosophy, which focuses on supporting the whole person through four pillars:
- Community & Family Involvement
- Active Body & Mind
- Religious & Spiritual Engagement
- Safety & Stability in the Home
“All four principles of Care360 are connected to mental well-being in some way or another,” Mikah explained. “If we are not active in our community, moving our body, having our spiritual needs addressed or honored, and we are not safe in our home, our mental health will suffer every time.”
What This Says About AmanaCare
For Mikah, this training reflects something important about AmanaCare’s culture and mission.
“I think it shows just how truly dedicated we are to seeing and taking care of the whole person,” she said.
At AmanaCare, we believe home care should never feel transactional. Compassionate care means paying attention not only to physical needs, but also to emotional wellness, meaningful connection, dignity, and belonging.
Because care isn’t just about helping someone remain at home.
It’s about helping them continue feeling seen, valued, connected, and supported in every part of life.
About Amana Care in Lincoln, NE
- You’re Invited: Join Us for the Free Empowered Caregiver Conference in North Platte - July 16, 2026
- What’s New in North Platte? AmanaCare Supports Alzheimer’s Awareness and Celebrates Community at Golden Games - July 9, 2026
- Travel Tips for Older Adults: How to Prepare for Safe and Enjoyable Adventures - July 8, 2026
