LINCOLN- As a number of long-term care and child care facilities in the state continue to face challenges, including closures, a new intergenerational care grant program seeks to turn the tide. LB1178, introduced by Sen. Anna Wishart, established this new incentive program, which would allow qualified nursing homes or assisted-living facilities that are certified for Medicare or Medicaid to apply for one-time startup costs to build out child care in the same unit.

"The concept is simple: providing child care in a nursing facility and creating opportunities for shared activities between senior citizens and children," said Wishart. The $300,000 program begins with up to $100,000 per facility through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. As per the language of the bill, priority will be given to rural communities.

Wishart said she first read about the concept of intergenerational care in 2019, and was "instantly inspired" by it. Her first proposal to introduce such a system in Nebraska stalled, in part, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wishart says she hopes this initial investment into these facilities will have a positive return on investment and encourage future lawmakers to provide additional financial support.

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