Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things a person can do. But it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and financially difficult—especially when caregiving becomes a full-time responsibility. Many Nebraska families don’t realize that there is a program that may allow them to be paid for the care they are already providing at home. That program is called the Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) Personal Care Program.
At AmanaCare, we help families across Nebraska understand this program, apply for it, and navigate the process from start to finish.
What Is the LRI Program?
The LRI (Legally Responsible Individual) Personal Care Program allows certain family members to be paid caregivers when they are providing extraordinary care for a loved one with a disability or chronic illness. This often includes parents caring for minor children with disabilities or spouses caring for their partner when care needs exceed what is normally expected in a household.
The goal of the program is simple:
- Keep families together
- Allow individuals to receive care at home
- Recognize the work family caregivers are already doing
- Provide financial support for families providing daily care
This program is part of Nebraska Medicaid services and is agency-directed, meaning an approved provider like AmanaCare oversees training, compliance, and caregiver support.
Who Qualifies for the LRI Program?
While every situation is different, families typically qualify for the LRI program if:
- The individual needing care qualifies for Medicaid
- A service coordinator is involved
- A state assessment shows the care qualifies as “extraordinary care”
- A certain number of care hours are approved each week
Once approved, the family caregiver can be hired through an agency like AmanaCare and begin receiving pay for providing personal care services at home.
Click on the link for more details on qualifications for the LRI program.
Why Families Choose the LRI Program
Families choose the LRI program for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
Staying Home vs. Facility Care
Many families want their loved ones to remain at home instead of moving to a facility. The LRI program makes that possible by supporting in-home personal care.
Financial Stability for Families
When a parent or spouse has to stop working to provide care, finances can become difficult. The LRI program allows families to receive pay for the care they are already providing.
Consistent, Trusted Care
Family members already know the routines, medical needs, and communication styles of their loved ones. Being paid to provide care allows for consistency and comfort.
Support and Guidance
Working with an agency like AmanaCare provides training, scheduling assistance, compliance support, and ongoing guidance throughout the process.
How to Apply for the LRI Program in Nebraska
While the process can seem complicated at first, AmanaCare helps families navigate each step. The general process includes:
- Apply for Medicaid (if not already enrolled)
- Work with a Service Coordinator
- Complete the state assessment for care needs
- Choose an approved provider like AmanaCare
- Complete caregiver onboarding and training
- Begin providing care and receiving pay
AmanaCare helps families through the entire process—from application to training to ongoing support—so families don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
Serving Families Across Nebraska
AmanaCare serves families across Nebraska, including Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and surrounding communities. As a faith-based, Nebraska-rooted organization, AmanaCare focuses on supporting families, honoring dignity, and helping individuals remain safely in their homes and communities.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Many families are already providing full-time care for a loved one and don’t realize there may be financial and program support available to them. The LRI program exists to support families who are already doing the work of caregiving every day.
If you are caring for a loved one with a disability or chronic illness, you may qualify for the LRI program.
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit:
https://lri.amana-care.com/
Or contact Nikky Pierce at AmanaCare, our dedicated LRI Specialist. She can guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have. Call or text her at 402-890-9917 or email nikky@amana-care.com.
