Caregiver Respite Program 

senior woman

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging.

Memory loss, or dementia, presents unique challenges for families. Our professional staff supports families and caregivers with a wide range of options from information and assistance to our Alzheimer's Respite Program and counseling. We are dedicated to meet the individualized needs of patients who are experiencing memory loss and those who love them.

Caring for someone is a 24/7 full-time job. The Caregiver Respite Program offers several options for individuals and their caregiver's needing a break.

For example:

Someone you feel comfortable with can provide In-home respite to help with things such as bathing, housekeeping, or just keeping your loved one safe so you can have stress and worry free time to yourself.

    • You can use up to two full weeks of overnight respite care at a residential facility or nursing home. Some caregivers choose this option so they can go on vacation or because they need a surgery and time to recover.
    • Your loved one can go to an Adult Day Care center to do activities and socialize, while you do something just for yourself.
    • There is a once-in-a-lifetime $2,000 allowance that caregivers can use to make home modifications (install a ramp, modify a bathroom, install door alarms, etc.)

    Call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241 to find out if you're eligible to receive respite services. Typically, a family is allowed an annual cap of $3800 in services. The family is responsible for a co-payment of 20% and SeniorsPlus funds the remaining 80%. Waivers of co-payments may be requested.

    Alzheimer's Education and Support

    The Alzheimer's Respite Coordinator is available to provide educational information about Alzheimer's Disease. We work with caregivers and their families to understand the disease and its progression and we can also connect you with a local support group of caregivers or an educational seminar.

    For a list of support groups in Maine click here.

    For more information about Alzheimer's disease, click here to go to the Maine Chapter Alzheimer's Association website or call their 24-hour help line 1-800-272-3900 to talk with a licensed social worker.