Programs & Services
Partners In Caring
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Our Partners in Caring Program helps to fund respite care for people who are taking care of family members or friends with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Caregivers need a break and we’re here to help!
How it Works
A licensed social worker helps to establish and implement a plan for respite care. Respite care may be provided by a family member, friend, neighbor, adult day program, or home health agency. Funds allocated by the Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, and managed by the five regional Agencies on Aging, are used to reimburse the family for a portion of the cost of respite care.
Benefits of Partners in Caring
- Reimbursements for ongoing respite care. Partners in Caring reimburses up to 80% of what it costs the family for respite care. Typically this provides for a few hours of care each week. An annual cap and a contribution of 20% applies. See below for waiver of co-payment.
- Annual overnight respite care. Each year, Partners in Caring helps with the cost of up to two weeks of overnight care in a residential facility or in the home. A daily cost cap does apply.
- Reimbursements for home modifications. Partners in Caring reimburses up to 80% of the cost of home modifications needed to promote the safety and independence for the person with dementia. There is a lifetime cap of $2,000 and families are expected to contribute 20% of the costs. See below for waiver of co-payment.
- Waiver of co-payments. Families with extremely limited income and assets may apply for a waiver for all or part of the 20% co-payment, as mentioned above.
- Emotional support. Partners in Caring provides emotional support to caregivers.
- Resources and information. Partners in Caring provides resources to help caregivers access the information needed to assist them in caring for their loved one—and for themselves.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for reimbursement under the program are:
- A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, confirmed in writing by a physician.
- Liquid assets of $50,000 or less ($75,000 for a couple) for the person with dementia. Home, land and vehicles are not counted as liquid assets. Likewise, assets of other family members (except spouse) are not counted.
- Persons receiving assistance from any other state-funded program such as Home Based Care or Community Support Funds and presons eligible for MaineCare Long Term Care programs are not eligible for Partners in Caring.
- Please note there may be a wait list for services.
All services are contingent upon the availability of funding.
