AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted to unanimously advance two pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would permanently establish and fund the Respite for ME Program to support Maine caregivers.
Together, these measures would give the nearly one in eight Mainers who provide caregiving support the resources they need to fill Maine’s gaps in care. Studies have shown that Mainers provide up to $2.9 billion annually in unpaid care, which includes taking care of aging parents, spouses or children with disabilities.
“I know personally what family caregivers sacrifice to provide care for their loved ones, especially those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease,” said Cloutier. “Respite for ME will help to preserve the dignity of those needing care by enabling them to stay home with family, while also supporting the caregivers' well-being. These dedicated family members deserve the recognition, support and resources to continue filling the gaps in Maine’s unmet need for care.”
A Respite for ME pilot program was created in 2022 and funded through Gov. Mills' Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. The program utilized $5.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds and offered up to $5,171 to Mainers providing care to loved ones at home. The program ended in September 2024.
LD 709 would permanently establish the Respite for ME Program. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to administer the program for the purpose of providing respite care and supplemental services for family caregivers and older relative caregivers. Codifying this program permanently into state law is critical in order to utilize all available federal, state and local resources.
LD 815, as amended, would work in partnership with LD 709 and provide ongoing funding to the Office of Aging and Disability Services within DHHS for respite care and supplemental services for family caregivers and older relative caregivers.
These bills face additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Kristen Cloutier is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents House District 94, which includes part of her hometown of Lewiston. She is the House chair of the Taxation Committee and serves as a member of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Cloutier) | 305-965-2744