Calais Regional Hospital Corporation is a home healthcare service provider based in Calais, Maine at 43 Palmer St. They provide personal home care services in addition to in-home medical care to senior clients. For almost 20 years, they have ...
Home Care in Maine
- Home Care Directory for Maine
- Home Care Costs in Maine
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in Maine
- Maine Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in Maine
Maine is a haven for retirees searching for picturesque coastal towns and quaint villages surrounded by natural wonders. The Pine Tree State has more than 6,000 lakes and more than 3,478 miles of coastline dotted with scenic pebbled beaches and rocky outcroppings. Residents have access to world-class natural areas like Acadia National Park as well as laid-back tourist destinations like Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport.
Although Maine has a crisp New England climate that's ideal for seniors who enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other wintertime pursuits, this appealing retirement destination has a SeniorScore of 68, which is just four points below the national average. The state ranks exceptionally well for Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure. Maine has a high number of Medicare-registered physicians as well as an average number of home health aides. Other meaningful ranking factors include high long-term care costs, above-average taxes and low annual temperatures.
Despite the state's high cost of living, Maine is a popular destination for retirees. More than one in five residents are over age 65, and older adults represent about 35% of the population. In this guide, seniors who want to age in place will find information about average home care costs, financial assistance programs and nonprofit resources that can help them live safely and independently.
Top Home Care Agencies in Maine
Located in Gorham, ME at 502 Main St, Home Instead Senior Care is a home healthcare company that offers in-home nursing care in addition to home care. They can provide multiple personal services such as help taking medication, reading assistance, ...
Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice is a in-home care provider located in Lewiston, ME at 15 Strawberry Ave. They offer in-home nursing services and also home care services for senior clients. For nearly 51 years, they have been helping ...
Waldo County General Hospital Home Health & Hospice
125 Northport Avenue, Suite 106
Belfast, ME 04915
Located at 125 Northport Avenue, Suite 106 in Belfast, ME, Waldo County General Hospital Home Health & Hospice is a in-home care service provider offering home health care along with in-home personal care services. Since 1983, they have ...
Comfort Keepers
18 Belvedere Rd
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Located in Damariscotta, Maine at 18 Belvedere Rd, Comfort Keepers is a senior home care company offering personal home care as well as in-home health care. They offer a variety of personal services including assistance with exercise, help with home ...
Professional Home Nursing
7 Hatch Drive, Suite 110
Caribou, ME 04736
Professional Home Nursing Inc is a home care company located in Caribou, ME at 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 110. They provide home health services along with home care services to senior clientele. For nearly 23 years, they have been ...
Valley Home Health Services
658 Main Street, Suite 2
Caribou, ME 04736
Valley Home Health Services is a senior home health care provider located in Caribou, Maine at 658 Main Street, Suite 2. They offer in-home medical care and also in-home personal care services to senior clients. For almost 23 years, ...
Sunrise County Homecare Services
43 South Lubec Rd
Lubec, ME 04652
Sunrise County Homecare Services is a senior home health care service provider located in Lubec, ME at 43 South Lubec Rd. They provide personal home care along with home healthcare to seniors. For almost 23 years, they have been ...
Gentiva Certified Healthcare Corp
175 Exchange Street, Suite 100
Bangor, ME 04401
Gentiva Certified Healthcare Corp is a in-home care company based in Bangor, Maine at 175 Exchange Street, Suite 100. They offer home health care as well as personal care services to senior clientele. Since 1994, they have been helping ...
Gentiva Health Services
881 Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04103
Located at 881 Forest Ave in Portland, ME, Gentiva Health Services is an in-home care provider that offers in-home care and home healthcare. For almost 28 years, they have been serving clients in the Portland area. They offer a variety ...
Miles and St Andrews Home Health and Hospice
40 Belvedere Rd
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Located at 40 Belvedere Rd in Damariscotta, Maine, Miles and St Andrews Home Health and Hospice is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home nursing along with personal care services. Since 1987, they have been serving seniors in ...
St Joseph Healthcare
279 Center St
Bangor, ME 04401
St Joseph Healthcare is a home care service provider located in Bangor, ME at 279 Center St. They offer in-home nursing services and also home care services for seniors. For almost 31 years, they have been helping seniors throughout ...
Home Health-Visiting Nurses Of Southern Maine
15 Industrial Park Rd
Saco, ME 04072
Located at 15 Industrial Park Rd in Saco, Maine, Home Health-Visiting Nurses Of Southern Maine is a senior home care provider offering personal home care services and also in-home health care. They have been providing care in Saco for nearly ...
Community Health and Counseling Services
42 Cedar St
Bangor, ME 04402
Community Health and Counseling Services is a senior home healthcare service provider based in Bangor, ME at 42 Cedar St. They offer home health services along with personal care for senior clients. For nearly 46 years, they have been ...
Visiting Nurses of Aroostook
14 Access Hwy
Caribou, ME 04736
Visiting Nurses of Aroostook is a home healthcare company based in Caribou, Maine at 14 Access Hwy. They offer home healthcare in addition to personal care to senior clients. They have been serving customers in Caribou for nearly 44 ...
Healthreach Homecare and Hospice
10 Water Street Suite 307
Waterville, ME 04901
Healthreach Homecare and Hospice is a senior home healthcare provider located in Waterville, ME at 10 Water Street Suite 307. They offer home health care as well as personal care services to senior clientele. For almost 51 years, they ...
Vna Home Health and Hospice
50 Foden Rd
South Portland, ME 04106
Vna Home Health and Hospice is a senior home health care service provider based in South Portland, Maine at 50 Foden Rd. They provide in-home health care along with home care services to senior clients. Since 1967, they have ...
Hancock County Homecare
441 Main Street, Suite 2
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Located at 441 Main Street, Suite 2 in Ellsworth, ME, Hancock County Homecare is a senior in-home care provider that offers home care and in-home medical care. They have been in business in the area for nearly 52 years. They ...
Kno-Wal-Lin Homecare And Hospice
170 Pleasant St
Rockland, ME 04841
Located in Rockland, Maine at 170 Pleasant St, Kno-Wal-Lin Homecare And Hospice is a home healthcare provider that offers in-home nursing services along with personal home care services. Since 1966, they have been serving customers in the Rockland area. ...
Community Health and Nursing Services
60 Baribeau Dr
Brunswick, ME 04011
Located in Brunswick, ME at 60 Baribeau Dr, Community Health and Nursing Services is a senior home health care provider offering personal home care services and also home health care. They have been serving seniors in Brunswick for nearly 52 ...
The Cost of Home Care in Maine
In Maine, the average cost of home care is $5,117 per month, which is well above the national average but slightly more affordable than other states in New England. Nationally, in-home medical support, such as respiratory therapy, IV infusions and doctor-ordered medical care, costs slightly more than homemaker services. However, in Maine and other parts of New England, rates are similar for both levels of care due to licensing regulations and other factors.
The Cost of Home Care in Maine Compared to Nearby States
According to Genworth Financial, the median monthly cost of home care in Maine is nearly $1,000 higher than the national average. However, rates are relatively affordable when compared to other states in the region. New Hampshire is slightly more expensive, with average costs topping $5,243 per month. Massachusetts is moderately more expensive with rates between $5,186 and $5,243. Vermont offers a slightly better value at $5,196 per month followed by Rhode Island at $5,148.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Maine | $5,117 | $5,117 |
United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
New Hampshire | $5,243 | $5,386 |
Vermont | $5,196 | $5,196 |
Massachusetts | $5,186 | $5,243 |
Rhode Island | $5,148 | $5,148 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Maine
In-home care is one of the more reasonably priced options in Maine, although it costs approximately twice as much as adult day health care. These community-based programs offer personal assistance and recreational activities at an average cost of $2,513, which is well above the U.S. median of $1,625. Assisted living is slightly more expensive at $5,169 per month, and nursing homes charge an average of $10,038 per month. This is almost twice as much as the average cost of in-home care, although it includes many of the same services.
- In-Home Care: $5,117
- Home Health Care: $5,117
- Adult Day Care: $2,513
- Assisted Living Facility: $5,169
- Nursing Home Care: $10,038
The Cost of Home Care in Maine's Top Cities
Within the Pine Tree State, seniors pay an average of $5,117 per month for home care. However, rates are slightly higher in Maine's largest cities. In Portland, seniors pay $5,229 per month, followed by Bangor at $5,220 and Lewiston at $5,148. With rates topping $5,291, nearby Manchester, New Hampshire, is also slightly more expensive than the state and national averages.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Maine | $5,117 | $5,117 |
Portland | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Lewiston | $5,148 | $5,148 |
Bangor | $5,220 | $5,220 |
Manchester, NH | $5,291 | $5,291 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Maine
ME Consumer-Directed Attendant Services
Maine's Consumer-Directed Attendant Services Waiver provides personal care, skills training and care coordination to medically and financially needy seniors and disabled adults. Covered services, including personal care attendants and emergency response systems, are designed to assist residents with activities of daily living and health maintenance while helping them avoid institutionalization. Members have the freedom to hire a qualified caregiver of their choice, and services are administered in accordance with an official plan of care to ensure that all of the individual's needs are met. Seniors and disabled adults must have a disability or functional impairment that affects their ability to perform activities of daily living or provide self-care, and they must meet financial eligibility criteria established by the state Medicaid program, MaineCare.
Contact Information
Seniors and disabled adults who want to receive Consumer-Directed Attendant Services must apply for MaineCare Long-Term Care first. Individuals must also contact the state's Assessing Services Agency at (833) 525-5784 to establish medical eligibility.
ME Elderly and Adults with Disabilities
ME Elderly and Adults with Disabilities is a comprehensive home- and community-based services waiver available to senior citizens and disabled adults. It covers a wide range of residential services, including in-home personal care, delivered meals, home health care, assistive technology, wellness programs and care coordination. This program is managed by the Office of Aging and Disability Services, and applicants must meet financial and medical eligibility criteria. Certain individuals who earn too much to qualify for MaineCare may still receive services once they pay a deductible.
Contact Information
Individuals who may qualify for this waiver can determine eligibility by completing a MaineCare Long-Term Care application and calling (833) 525-5784 to schedule a functional needs assessment. Application assistance is available through local Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Department of Health and Human Services offices.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Maine Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home health care agencies operating in Maine are licensed and overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification. This agency is responsible for developing long-term care regulations and ensuring compliance.
Scope of Care | Home health agencies in Maine may provide skilled nursing, physical, occupational or speech therapy, medical-social work, nutritionist services and nurse-supervised personal care delivered by licensed practical nurses, home health aides or certified nursing assistants. |
Care Planning | Home health agencies must develop an individualized written plan of care for each patient or client. Documents must be prepared by a qualified medical professional or therapist in conjunction with the patient or patient's family. The plan of care must be reviewed or updated periodically as the individual's needs change. |
Medication Management | Noninjectable medications can be administered in a residential setting by a nurse-supervised certified nursing assistant – medications (CNA-M) who has completed a state-approved medication management course. |
Staff Screening | Home health agencies must conduct a statewide background check on all direct-care workers before employment. The state also requires periodic reevaluations. |
Staff Training | Maine has strict training requirements for certified nursing assistants, home health aides and personal support specialists. Direct-care workers must complete a 180-hour state-approved certification program that includes 90 hours of theory, 70 hours of clinical training and 20 hours of labs. Employers must provide 12 hours of in-service continuing education annually. |
Medicaid Coverage | MaineCare offers several Home- and Community-Based Services waivers that can help low-income, medically needy adults with the cost of personal assistance, meals, therapy and other supports that are provided in a residential setting. |
Reporting Abuse | Reports of abuse, exploitation or neglect can be made by calling the Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Adult Protective Services hotline at (800) 624-8404. |
Free Home Care Resources in Maine
Seniors in Maine have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Area Agencies on Aging
Maine is home to five Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers that serve seniors, disabled adults and caregivers in designated geographic regions. These government-supported nonprofits serve as single points of contact for a wide range of state, local and federal programs. Trained staff members provide information and referrals, long-term care counseling and insurance comparisons. Regional AAAs also offer caregiver services, including respite care, support groups and training.
Contact Information
Maine residents can call the statewide ADRC hotline at (877) 353-3771 to find their local AAA.
Catholic Charities of Maine
Catholic Charities of Maine is a state-recommended source for free or low-cost personal assistance. In addition to operating food banks, thrift stores and clinics that provide dental care and mental health services, this long-standing nonprofit offers independent support services to low-income seniors and disabled adults statewide. This charitable program can provide help with household chores, including cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation and light personal care.
Contact Information
For more information about the Independent Support Services program, individuals can call Catholic Charities of Maine at (888) 477-2263.
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
The state's Bureau of Veterans' Services is based in Augusta and operates seven regional field offices statewide. This agency helps veterans, family members, survivors and caregivers access state and federal benefits. It provides information and application assistance related to health care, education, employment, housing, tax breaks and other programs available to current and former service members.
Contact Information
Military families in Maine can call the bureau's main office at (207) 430-6035 to learn more.
MaineHousing Home Accessibility and Repair Program
Sponsored by the Maine State Housing Authority, the Home Accessibility and Repair Program provides grants to low- and moderate-income homeowners who are unable to afford repairs or improvements. Funds can be used to restore critical systems and structures, including walls, roofs, windows, doors, siding and HVAC equipment. Homeowners can also use their grants for energy-efficient upgrades, lead paint mitigation or accessibility modifications. Funds are available to homeowners who have owned their property for at least one year and earn no more than 80% of the median income for their area.
Contact Information
Seniors can learn more about the state's Home Accessibility and Repair Program by calling (207) 624-5744.
Maine Home Energy Assistance Program
Maine's Home Energy Assistance Program provides critical funding to families and individuals who are struggling to pay their heating bills. Applications are accepted from late August through mid July, and emergency assistance is available from November through April. Funds are available to households that earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of their area's median income, whichever is greater. The complementary Low Income Assistance Plan can help residents with the cost of electricity and cooling.
Contact Information
Families and individuals who need help paying their utility bills can learn more about HEAP by calling (877) 544-3271.
Maine Weatherization Assistance Program
The Maine State Housing Authority also operates a Weatherization Assistance Program and Central Heating improvement Program that can help low-income seniors reduce their energy bills and heating use. Funds for repairs and energy-efficient improvements are available to homeowners and renters who have been approved for the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Contact Information
Individuals can call (207) 626-4639 to learn more about this program or (207) 624-5708 to locate a Community Action Agency in their area.
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