Finding Help : Home repair and heat
A directory of assistance programs focused on basic home maintenance, home repair, and heating fuel subsidies. Most of these services are limited to income-eligible households.
A directory of assistance programs focused on basic home maintenance, home repair, and heating fuel subsidies. Most of these services are limited to income-eligible households.
Support groups and assistance programs for the health and well-being of caregivers.
Resources for the diagnosis and care of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Resources to help identify and respond to the abuse of vulnerable seniors.
Financial calculators, legal services, and advance directive forms to assist with planning for retirement and end-of-life care.
These clearinghouse organizations provide a good point of entry for seniors and caregivers looking for help.
Fitness and wellness programs focused on diet, disease management, and physical health.
Assistance programs focused on basic home maintenance and heating bill assistance subsidies.
Specialized end-of-life care for the terminally ill, with a particular focus on pain relief and patients' emotional well-being.
Age-restricted apartments and communities for independent living.
"Aging in place" resources to assist seniors in their own homes.
Resources to assist in interpreting and utilizing health insurance benefits, including Medicare.
Resources for seniors no longer capable of living independently.
Listings of food pantries, meals for seniors, and grocery assistance programs.
Volunteer opportunities, group meals, senior colleges, and other social outlets.
Listings of transit agencies and volunteer ridesharing organizations.
Q: We’ve always heated our home with a wood stove, but can no longer keep up with our wood supply. We’re considering using heating oil as our main source of heat, but the cost may be too much for us given our fixed incomes. How do we know if we’re eligible for heating assistance?
A: MaineHousing provides heating assistance to eligible low-income seniors through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The eligibility process starts with a telephone call to a local community action agency (CAA) to set up an appointment and fill out an application. CAAs begin scheduling appointments for the upcoming heating season in August.
Some seniors may need additional assistance, such as repairs or replacements of their heating systems, or weatherization of their homes. MaineHousing offers a couple of programs to seniors who already are eligible for LIHEAP and who live in a home that’s in good structural condition. To determine if you are eligible for these programs, MaineHousing’s partners at the community action agencies can help you through the application process.
One is MaineHousing’s Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), which provides grants to repair or replace central heating systems that serve low-income households. CHIP funds may be used to repair or replace dangerous, malfunctioning or inoperable heating systems that pose a threat to health or safety. The maximum grant is $3,000 for an owner-occupied home. Limited CHIP benefits of up to $300 may be available for rental properties occupied by LIHEAP eligible tenants.
Another is MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program, which provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. Improvements may include insulation, weather-stripping and some safety-related repairs. Local community action agencies know the people and the towns in which they serve, and MaineHousing appreciates on our partnership with them to assist low-income seniors in need.
Email us at aging@pressherald.com with your questions. We’ll find an expert who can offer advice and post their response here.
Visit The Challenge of our Age on Facebook to talk with other seniors and caregivers and share advice about issues you’ve faced.