FAIRBURY, Neb. -- The cost of living is increasing all across the state, including living in a nursing home. 

Due to new guidelines and staffing shortages, people can find the cost of living in those nursing homes overwhelming. 

“They are also fighting low staffing issues and having to follow all of the guidelines that the feds and the states are handing down,” said Carla Frase, Executive Director of Blue Rivers Area Agency.

That’s where Blue Rivers Area Agency in southeast Nebraska fits into place.

Its goal? To help people, over the age of 60, continue living in their own homes, not nursing homes.

“Our mission is to use comprehensive services to keep people in their homes, safely, independent, and aging well in place because everybody wants to be in their own home,” said Frase. 

Offering services like public transportation, lifeline services, meal donations and more, the agency gives care to senior citizens in need. 

It has even seen family members, separated in different states, contacting, looking to support their loved ones in whatever way they can.

“I worked with people from California and all over because they can’t live close by and need that assistance,” said Carmen McKeever, Director of Nutrition. “A lot of times, we have family members that actually call our center and ask, ‘What kind of qualifications are there for our services that we can help them with?’”

It celebrated its 50 year anniversary Tuesday, recapping its accomplishments, with many residents and local officials in attendance.

“There’s a lot of people that rely on us. Every day I have to remember that,” said Frase. “And that’s why I go out with my care managers, go out with my nutrition manager, so I can see these people's faces.”

And those involved at the agency are grateful they get to help those senior citizens in need. 

“It’s awesome to help people and let them know that there are people out there who care about them,” said McKeever. “And that, if there is a need, maybe we can do whatever we need to do to keep them in their own home.”