Care Partner Supports

As a person providing care for an older adult or a person with dementia you are faced with an enormous amount of responsibility and work. Often there is no one else there to help you, and you have little time to take care of your own needs.

The programs and services described below allow care partners the time to do things other than providing care, such as: practicing self-care, running errands, visiting family members and friends, going to medical/dental appointments, and resting.

The five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Maine, with support from the Office of Aging and Disability Services, administer federal and state programs that help the care partners of older individuals and the care partners of individuals living with dementia and related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Respite for ME Grants

Thousands of Mainers care for family members who are older, have a disability, or are not their biological child. Caregivers can also be neighbors extending a helping hand to an older adult, or someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Respite for ME Grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, will allow caregivers to access respite care as well as other services not currently covered by existing programs. Eligible caregivers may receive up to $5,171 to access needed services.

Services that eligible caregivers may access include, but are not limited to:

  • Respite Care
  • Assistive Technology
  • Self-Care
  • Legal Consultation

Local Area Agencies on Aging will assist eligible caregivers by assessing their service needs and navigating available resources.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Respite for ME Grants (Word)

Caregiver Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Respite for ME Grants, caregivers must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Adult family member or other informal caregiver 18 years of age or older providing care to individuals 60 years of age or older.

  • Adult family member or other informal caregiver 18 years of age or older providing care to individuals of any age living with dementia and related diseases, including Alzheimer's.

  • Relative, not including parent, 55 years of age or older providing care to children under 18 years of age.

  • Relative, including parent, 55 years of age or older providing care to adults 18 to 59 years of age with disabilities.

COVID Impact on Caregivers

To be eligible for Respite for ME Grants, caregiver must also be able to prove or attest that they were negatively impacted and/or suffered economic hardship directly or indirectly associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Your local Area Agency on Aging is available to answer your questions and help you navigate the application process. Call 1-877-353-3771 to find your local Area Agency on Aging and start accessing services.

National Family Caregiver Program

The National Family Caregiver Program is targeted to families caring for older individuals and persons of any age living with dementia and related diseases, including Alzheimer's, and to older relatives who are the primary caregiver for a minor or an adult with a disability.

State Respite Care Program

The Caregiver Respite Program is supported by state funding and is targeted to families caring for individuals living with dementia and related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Services Offered

  • Information and Assistance
  • Individual Counseling
  • Education and Training
  • Support Groups
  • Respite Care (in and out of home)
  • Adult Day Services
  • Homemaker
  • Personal Care