AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature passed a joint resolution Wednesday recognizing the exceptional efforts of long-term care facilities and workers. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, honors the dedication of workers in long-term care facilities to provide quality care for older individuals and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The work that is happening in facilities that provide long-term care, senior care, rehabilitation and assisted living is incredible," said Mathieson. "As a dietician, I have been able to provide care for my patients during the pandemic using telehealth. But over the last two years, long-term care workers have never had this privilege. They have had to risk their own health and make countless sacrifices to keep their residents safe and cared for."
Lauren Scogin, an administrator at Durgin Pines, a long-term care and rehabilitation facility in Kittery, was at the State House on Wednesday when the joint resolution was passed.
"These continue to be extremely challenging times," said Scogin. "We have persevered due to the incredible strength, endurance and devotion of each and every member of our Durgin Pines team."
Patricia Cummings, one of Mathieson's constituents and an administrator at The Edgewood Center, a long-term care facility in Portsmouth, voiced her support for the joint resolution.
"The past nearly two years have stretched the endurance of those who work in long-term care beyond the point imaginable," said Cummings. "Yet, the level of love and devotion felt towards the residents in our care far exceeds the challenges we have faced. This love and devotion have motivated the long-term care workforce to continue to show up for our residents at a time when they need us the most. We are grateful that the Maine Legislature is recognizing all those who have dedicated their lives to caring for those in need."
Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, a cosponsor of the joint resolution, spoke to the importance of the Legislatures work on issues related to long-term care workers and providers.
"Long-term care workers and providers do work that is often overlooked, yet is critically important to the wellbeing of older Mainers, people with disabilities and their loved ones," said Fay. "With other members of the Maine Legislature, I have worked hard to develop and pass policies that honor this work by helping people stay in the long-term care sector by improving compensation and recruiting more people to fill these roles. I'm proud of the progress we've made, but of course, there is a lot more work ahead of us in order to ensure that long-term care workers and providers are set up for success."
"As my colleagues in Augusta continue to work on policies to support these facilities and their workers, I am proud that we were able to come together today to recognize that the work that has been happening in these facilities is nothing less than heroic," said Mathieson.
Mathieson is in her first term in the Maine House of Representatives, serving part of Kittery. She is a licensed and practicing dietician and a co-owner of an integrative medical practice. She is a member of the Legislature's Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Mathieson, Fay], c. 812-1111
Photo: From left to right, Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, is joined by Lauren Scogin, an administrator at Durgin Pines, and cosponsors of the joint resolution, Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, and Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham.