SeniorsPlus sponsors Conversations about Alzheimer's Disease, an ongoing discussion group that is open to the public and welcomes new members, whether they are caregivers, family members or friends of someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. The group meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. (207) 645-3315; 1-888-234-3921 (toll-free). The Alzheimer’s Support Specialist for SeniorsPlus is also an incredible resource and can be reached at (207) 795-4010 or toll-free @ 1-800-427-1241 or [email protected].
The State-wide helpline is another excellent resource. It can be reached at 1-800-660-2871 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SeniorsPlus also sponsors a program called Partners in Caring. It is a source of information and support for families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or any type of dementia that has been diagnosed. Funding for the program is limited. Please contact Pam Averill for information on funds availability.
Partners in Caring can help pay for several hours of in-home respite each week, allowing you the time that you need to do other things that need to be done. Funds are available to help with the cost of in-home respite, overnight respite, adult day care, and home modification.
Some caregivers use respite time to rest, take a nap, go shopping, go to medical appointments, get a hair cut, go out to eat, visit with family and friends, go fishing, or resume community activities.
Partners in Caring also offers help with the cost of up to two full weeks (through the year) of overnight respite care at a residential care facility or at home. You can take a needed vacation knowing experienced care providers are caring for your loved one.
Partners in Caring providers offer companionship; supervision and personal care for your loved one while you have some time off.
Community Concepts is a non-profit agency with three different transportation programs to help people in the Franklin, Androscoggin, and Oxford County area. Contact: Star Barden, [email protected] Website http://www.community-concepts.org.
The Elder Rides Program: Provides door-to-door escorted service to medical appointments, shopping, or social activities for seniors 60 or older for free, or at a reduced rate. Seniors must apply for this service, and must meet income guidelines. Clients are encouraged to call 48 hours in advance to schedule their ride, which is provided by volunteer drivers. Phone: (207) 779-0594 or 1-877-603-0594, 124 Main St., Farmington Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
Community Concepts Inc. For Hire/Individual Fee Volunteer Drivers Program: Provides door-to-door, escorted transportation services to the general public for a fee. With rides to the airport, shopping trips, non-MaineCare appointments, and more. Phone: (207) 779-0594 or 1-877-603-0594, 124 Main St., Farmington Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
The Friends & Family Transportation Program: Provides financial reimbursement to MaineCare recipients for medically related transportation. All visits must be to a MaineCare-approved doctor or facility. Community Concepts can reimburse mileage and tolls to persons with current MaineCare eligibility who drive themselves, or have a friend or family member drive them to eligible medical appointments. First time applicants must apply for reimbursement services (one time application.) Phone: (207) 779-0594 or 1-877-603-0594, 124 Main St., Farmington Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
Farmington Taxi Service: Local and long distance taxi service. Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 2 a.m. Phone: (207) 779-8888, Contact: John.
Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS): also provides transportation through a number of programs. WMTS can be reached at (207) 364-2135 or toll free at 1-800-339-9687. There are other resources listed under the transportation category of The Community Connector as well, and rides are not limited to medical appointments.
There are many apartments in the area for seniors, the disabled or people with low income. Below is a list of subsidized housing:
Blueberry Hill Apartments: Phone: (207) 947-6795, Address: Maine Development Association P.O. Box 2219 Bangor, Location: 145 North Main St., Farmington.
Carrabec Park: Phone: (207) 265-4006, Address: R&C Management 62 West Kingfield Rd., Kingfield, Location: Main St., North Anson.
Cranberry Peak: Phone: (207) 265-4006, Address: R&C Management 62 West Kingfield Rd., Kingfield, Location: 49 Old Dead River Rd., Stratton.
Deer Crossing (Hazel Thompson): Phone: 1-800-260-0201, Address: Stanford Management LLC, 45 Casco St. Suite 100, Portland, Location: 264, Titcomb Hill Rd., Farmington.
Ethel Walton Apartments: Phone: 1-800-260-0201, Address: Stanford Management LLC 45, Casco St. Suite 100, Portland, Location: 114 Thompson-Walton Court, Farmington.
Farmington Court Apartments: Phone: (603) 669-8551, Address: Eastpoint Properties Inc. 436 South River Rd. Building B., Bedford, NH 03110, Location: 24 Middle St., Farmington.
Farmington Heights Family Housing: Phone: (207) 739-6559, 795-4065 ext 1187 or 364-3721 ext. 1187, Address: Community Concepts PO Box 278, South Paris, Location: 204 Cascade Leisure Park Road, Farmington.
Fernwold Apartments: Phone: (207) 772-8896, Address: Liberty Management, 130 Middle St., Portland, Location: 60 US Rt.2, Wilton.
Flagstaff Lakeshore Apartments: Phone: (207) 265-4006, Address: R&C Management RR1 Box 1180, Kingfield, Location: 42 Old Dead River Rd., Stratton.
Jay Elderly Housing: Phone: (207) 743-7961, Address: Speedway INC. 2 Madison Ave., Oxford, Location: 17 Lavoie St. Jay.
Jay Hill Apartments: Phone: (207) 743-7961, Address: Speedway INC. 2 Madison Ave., Oxford, Location: 446 Main St., Jay.
Kingfield Elderly Housing: Phone: (207) 265-4006, Address: R&C Management 62 West Kingfield Rd., Kingfield, Location: 62 West Kingfield Rd., Kingfield.
Livermore Falls Terrace: Phone: (207) 775-0852, Address: Vosmus Association, PO Box 1442, Windham, Location: Depot St., Livermore Falls.
Margaret Chase Smith Apartments: Phone: (207) 772-8896, Address: Liberty Management, 130 Middle St., Portland, Location: 195 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington.
Meadowbrook Apartments: Phone: (207) 784-0446 or 1-800-414-7239, Address: Grady Management, 56 Birch St., Lewiston, Location: Meadowbrook Rd., Livermore Falls.
Park Street Apartments: Phone: (207) 743-7961, Address: Speedway INC. 2 Madison Ave. Oxford, Location: Park St., 166 park St., Livermore Falls.
Rangeley Elderly Apartments: Phone: (207) 773-2906, Address: Ray Lambard, PO Box 1299, Naples, Location: 10 Pleasant St. Rangeley.
Rangeley Town House Apartments: Phone: (207) 621-7700, 1-866-621-7705, Address: C&C Realty Management PO Box 2506, Augusta Location: 4 School St., Rangeley.
Saddleback View Apartments: Phone: (207) 773-2906, Address: Ray Lambard, PO Box 1299, Naples, Location: Allen St., Rangeley.
Shadagee Apartments: Phone: (207) 621-7700 or 1-866-621-7705, Address: C&C Management PO Box 2506, Augusta, Location: Steward St., Phillips.
Sherwood Apartments: Phone Phone: (207) 772-8896, Address: Liberty Management, 130 Middle St., Portland, Location: Middle St., Farmington.
Valley Brook: Phone: (207) 265-4006, Address: R&C Management RR1 Box 1180, Kingfield, Location: 122 North Main St., Strong.
Village Squire: Phone: (207) 778-0607, Address: Carolyn Smith (Foothills Management) PO Box 975, Farmington, Location: 164 Weld Rd., Wilton.
Village View Apartments: Phone: (207) 743-7961, Address: Speedway INC. 2 Madison Ave. Oxford, Location: 101 Village View St., Wilton.
Wilton Senior Housing: Phone: 1-800-539-0142, Address: PropSys, PO Box 660 Lewiston, Location: 11 Eastern Ave. Wilton.
HealthReach Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Part of Senior Corps (a network of national service programs) that provides older Americans the opportunity to apply their life experiences to meeting community needs. Volunteers serve in a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based groups.Among other activities, volunteers mentor at-risk youth, organize neighborhood watch programs, test drinking water for contaminants, teach English to immigrants, and lend their business skills to community groups that provide critical social services.
People age 55 and over can apply to become a volunteer. Local organizations, both public and private, receive grants to sponsor and operate RSVP projects in their community. Most volunteers are paired with local community and faith-based organizations that are already helping to meet community needs. Projects recruit seniors to serve from a few hours a month to almost full time, though the average commitment is four hours a week.
Volunteers are not paid, but sponsoring organizations may reimburse them for some costs incurred during service. RSVP provides appropriate volunteer insurance coverage, and volunteers receive pre-service orientation and in-service training from the agency or organization where they are placed. Volunteers receive reimbursement for mileage to and from the place where they volunteer, but not for any travel done for the volunteer job. RSVP Volunteers also receive personal injury, automobile and liability insurance while volunteering.
There are many other places that you can volunteer. Please check out the Volunteer Opportunities section accessed from the category section of this website.
A very good state-wide resource, they can be contacted at: 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102, (207) 774-6273; 1-800-715-0097 (toll-free) or e-mailed at [email protected]. Their website is: http://www.mcbvi.org/default.htm.
The Iris Network has helped thousands of people meet the challenge of vision loss. Adjusting is a learning process that takes time and patience. The Iris Network designs a range of services and programs to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. While the range of services is broad, there are five primary programs on which the Iris Network focuses.
Rehabilitation Center - offers a comprehensive training program and temporary residence to assist clients in managing day-to-day needs, acquire communication skills, explore career options and learn to travel safely and independently.
Community Rehabilitation Services - a free service, The IRIS Network reaches clients in their homes, helping them adapt to vision loss, acquire blindness skills and access resources in order to work and live independently.
Maine AIRS - broadcasts newspaper information not typically available in audio form, such as community calendars, store ads and obituaries. This is a vital link for individuals who are print disabled.
Residence Program - provides temporary and long-term housing for individuals who are visually impaired and multi-disabled, and seek a supportive environment.
Computer Access - provides one-on-one training on computers and adaptive equipment in workplaces, schools, and homes across the state.
Is a medical alert program which can be installed by NorthStar. The equipment (which takes about 1/2 hour to install), provides a waterproof "Personal Help Button" on either a wristband or as a pendant. If there is an emergency or other need, the subscriber simply presses the button. The Lifeline Home Unit dials Lifeline and the Lifeline representative immediately responds through a speaker on the unit. After assessing the situation, Lifeline then contacts either a local friend or relative or immediately summons a NorthStar ambulance, local law enforcement, or fire department.
Included in the basic price (at no additional charge) are features such as:
Remote call answering - use the built-in speaker phone to answer incoming phone calls with just a press of the Personal Help Button. Battery backup of up to 30 hours assures continuation of service during a power failure. Adjustable volume controls.
TelAssure - reminds subscribers to connect with the Lifeline Call Center once a month to assure uninterrupted service. Voice prompts for troubleshooting. Adjustable neck cords with quick release clasps. Fees: Installation for the normal system is a one-time fee of $30.00. NorthStar’s current monthly charge is $39.50 for the Home Unit Communicator, Personal Help Button and 24/7 response. Just a little more than a dollar a day. This monthly charge can also be paid annually ($474.00) or by credit card. NorthStar will waive the installation charge if the fee is paid annually. Installation charges may be waived under other circumstances as well.
Other features such as a separate telephone unit, additional subscribers in the home, or an inactivity alarm are available for an additional charge. Unfortunately, Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies do not cover this program but a subscription makes an excellent gift from a loved one. Service for broken equipment or battery replacement is provided at no charge by NorthStar.
Home health care agencies in the area can provide help with daily living skills.
Weekly home visits by a nurse or therapists are coordinated under a care plan approved by a physician. Along with caregiver support from family and friends, services from AHCH social worker, home health aide or visiting volunteers are also provided when needed. Accepted insurance: all insurances accepted, including MaineCare, Medicare, and private pay. Phone: (207) 645-5344, (207) 897-6502 or 1-800-482-7412, 74 Allen St., PO Box 797, Wilton, Hours: Monday-Friday 8-4:30 p.m. Website: http://www.ahch.org.
Care and Comfort helps clients maintain their independence. Care & Comfort provides medically trained professionals to assist individuals with daily living skills and personal care so they can stay in their homes. Accepted insurances: all insurances, including MaineCare and private pay. Phone: (207) 778-5515 or 1-866-397-3350, PO Box 310, West Farmington, Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Website: http://care-and-comfort.org.
Do you need someone you can trust to lend a hand with a few chores around the house? Home Care for Maine can provide the assistance and services tailored to meet your needs.
Services include: preparing dinner, doing laundry, planning visits and outings, shopping for clothes and groceries, vacuuming, providing assistance with shower & shampoo, paying bills, or just having someone to talk to. Phone: 1-800-639-3084, PO Box 358, Gardiner, website: http://www.homecareforme.org
Elder Independence of Maine is a statewide home care coordination agency, which works locally with SeniorsPlus, an Area Agency on Aging. EIM connects people throughout Maine to home care services. EIM finds the best services that are available for the clients through the extensive network of providers. EIM helps clients stay in their homes to live a happier and healthier life. Phone: (207) 795-7213 or 1-888-234-3920, PO Box 659, Lewiston, ME 04243-0659, Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Website: http://www.elderindependence.org/
For a listing of private home care providers please visit, www.TheCommunityConnector.org or call the Healthy Community Coalition at (207) 645-3136 x 5103.
The State of Maine's Community Assessment Program provides health care assessments to individuals over 18 years of age, through a referral from a medical service provider. In 1998 GHS took over management of the program, when it made the transition from paper to electronic assessments. The GHS Community Assessment Program team is comprised of more than 60 nurse assessors and supported by administrative staff who coordinate the assessments from hospitals, nursing facilities, individuals' homes, and other health care facilities. We also staff a toll-free help desk to receive referrals from medical providers and answer questions about existing or past cases. Each of our nurse assessors carries a laptop computer. After each assessment, the information collected is directly relayed to our office and to the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, via a statewide network of secure dial-in locations. Phone: 1-800-609-7893, PO Box 1090, Augusta, ME 04332, website: www.ghsinc.com/health.php.
Nurses reach out to members of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic parish community to serve others in a time of need. Nurses will provide spiritual comfort, emotional support and caring. Nurses also provide information, however, they do not provide clinical nursing or perform medical procedures. Nurses promote and support spiritual healing and wellness. Phone: (207) 778-2778 or 778-4773, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 133 Middle St., Farmington
Nurses reach out to members of the St. Rose of Lima parish community to serve others in a time of need. Nurses will provide spiritual comfort, emotional support and caring. Nurses also provide information, however, they do not provide clinical nursing or perform medical procedures. Nurses promote and support spiritual healing and wellness. Phone: (207) 897-2173, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 1 Church St., Jay
