Support services for those who care for seniors and the disabled. Includes resources that can assist with caregiving responsibilities, support groups, and respite programs that are designed to preserve the health and well-being of the caregivers themselves.
Blogs, “ask an expert” advice, and support lines for adults managing the care of older loved ones.
A statewide listing of adult day services, which offer social activities for seniors and respite for caregivers. Many are tailored to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
One of Maine’s Agencies on Aging — a regional hub of resources, programs and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults and their families. Programs include a wide range of support services for older adults and their family caregivers.
A Biddeford-based support group for caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
One of Maine’s Agencies on Aging — a regional hub of resources, programs and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults and their families. Programs include Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, social programs and transportation services to medical appointments.
City of Portland Adult Day Services Program is designed to offer supportive, daytime care that enables individuals living alone or with family to remain at home, help individual clients rediscover and expand their abilities, friendships and interests, provide a specialized program for clients with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and provide much-needed respite for caregivers. Services include: Light breakfast and hearty noon meal, health and medication monitoring by an R.N., therapeutic activities such as music, art, exercise, and much more.
Administered by the regional Agencies on Aging, the Savvy Caregiver program is a 12 hour evidence-based training program that helps caregivers take care of family members or friends with dementia who are living at home.
SCP volunteers provide companionship to fail seniors in order to provide socialization, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other essential errands, and respite for family caregivers. Volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend in return for volunteering, meal and travel support.
Western Maine’s Agency on Aging — a regional hub of resources, programs and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults and their families. Programs include in-home care services, Meals on Wheels, counseling and support groups.
One of Maine’s Agencies on Aging — a regional hub of resources, programs and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults and their families. Programs include Meals on Wheels, social worker consultations, family caregiver support, and the Maine Senior Games.
Central and Midcoast Maine’s Agency on Aging — a regional hub of resources, programs and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults and their families. Programs include Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, social programs and transportation services to medical appointments.
The Stein Institute for Research on Aging provides a series of videos on issues including caregiver stress.
Q: My wife has had diabetes and migraines for three years. She feels she needs to hold my arm whenever she walks because she is afraid of falling. I love my wife dearly and want very much to care for her but wish I occasionally could have a break from all this. She seems to rely on me more and more and tells me she can’t cope with her conditions. Is there any help for someone like me?
Director of Community Services at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
A:As a caregiver, it sounds as though you are experiencing the stress that goes along with that challenging and important role. The Family Caregiver Support Program at your local Agency on Aging offers support groups for caregivers in person, over the phone, or online.
There also are respite care options that will give you a short break. For instance, your wife might be able to spend some time in an Adult Day Services program, or someone can come to your home and care for her for a short time, while you can leave and do things you need to do.
Finally, your wife may benefit from classes designed to help her cope with both her chronic medical conditions and her fear of falling. Your local Agency on Aging, 877-353-3771, can provide you with information about these classes, the caregiver support and respite care options.
The regional Agencies on Aging are also listed on our General Info page.
Email us at [email protected] 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.
