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In-Home Care in Maine

As of July 2021, seniors aged 65 and over accounted for 21.2% of the Maine population. The state has a thriving population of older adults compared with the national average of 16.5%, making it an attractive prospect for retirees. U.S. News and World Report rank Maine Medical Center as number one in the state. The hospital is high-performing in 13 conditions and procedures, and the geriatrics department scores above average for patient experience, nurse staffing and patient services.

Another reason Maine is popular among older adults is its famously low crime rate. Low violent crime, robbery and burglary rates make aging in place a safe and appealing prospect for seniors in the state. There are two options for home care: In-home care and home health care, both costing $5,720 per month on average in Maine. The former includes nonmedical services such as assistance with daily activities, companionship and housekeeping. Home health care includes additional skilled nursing or therapy services. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you or your loved one can expect from in-home care. Discover information about Medicaid and Medicare coverage for seniors, plus helpful resources to support aging in place.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Maine

At $5,720, the monthly average cost of in-home care in Maine is more expensive than the U.S. average of $4,957, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. However, it’s more affordable than New Hampshire, which is priced at $6,006 per month. Massachusetts is also a little more expensive, at $5,911. The most affordable state near Maine for home care is Connecticut, where it costs $5,243 per month on average, while Vermont and Rhode Island are priced the same, at $5,720.

Maine

$5720

The United States

$4957

Vermont

$5720

New Hampshire

$6006

Massachusetts

$5911

Connecticut

$5243

Rhode Island

$5720

When comparing the cost of home care in cities within Maine, there’s not much variation from the state average, although Lewiston is notably cheaper, at $5,339. It costs the same as the state average in Bangor, at $5,720. Portland is the most expensive part of the state, with in-home care priced at $5,840 per month on average.

Lewiston

$5339

Bangor

$5720

Portland

$5840

In-home care is usually one of the more affordable types of senior care available, although it’s usually more expensive than adult day health care, which is just $2,600 per month in Maine. A nursing home is consistently the most expensive option due to the comprehensive health care provided. In Maine, the average monthly cost of nursing care is almost double the price of in-home care, at $10,494.

Assisted living offers a similar level of care to in-home services, but costs slightly more, at $5,865-and you won’t be able to remain at home. The cost of home health care in Maine is the same as home care, costing $5,720 per month on average.

In-Home Care

$5720

Home Health Care

$5720

Nursing Home Care

$10494

Assisted Living

$5865

Adult Day Health Care

$2600

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Maine?

Medicaid is known as MaineCare in Maine, and it covers nonmedical services, including home care, to help eligible seniors age 65 and over in place. In Maine, in-home care is referred to as ‘personal assistance services.’ Regular Medicaid covers this service for all eligible seniors, including those who don’t require nursing care.

To access MaineCare, you need to make an application and take an assessment. There are several programs offering home care services, including waivers, which you can learn more about below.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Maine

ME Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services

Medicaid beneficiaries in Maine can get personal care assistance, which covers help with daily tasks such as dressing and bathing, household duties and medication reminders. You can opt for ‘consumer-directed’ services and hire a family member to perform these duties if you prefer. Eligible seniors over 65 can apply for this service, and full information about who can access the waiver is available in the MaineCare benefits manual.

ME Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver 

This Medicaid waiver is offered to all eligible older adults 65 and over and covers an array of services. If you qualify, you could get help with the following in-home care services:

  • Personal care
  • Home delivered meals
  • Assistive technology
  • Respite
  • Personal alarm system
  • Environmental modifications 

To apply for a MaineCare waiver, visit the Office of MaineCare services website or call the Office for Family independence at 855-797-4357 for assistance. 

How To Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Maine

Your financial situation determines eligibility for assistance from MaineCare. In 2022, the income limit for a single Medicaid applicant in Maine is $13,596 per year, with an asset limit of $10,000. For married couples, it’s $18,312, and the asset limit is $15,000. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Maine

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Maine

NameIncome limits*Asset limits
Single Person$13,596$10,000
Two-Person Household$18,312$15,000

* per year

You must also be:

  • A U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
  • A Maine resident

How To Apply for Medicaid in Maine

There are a few options for applying for MaineCare that help seniors with in-home care:

What Information You Will Need

You need to provide detailed information about your income and assets to apply for MaineCare. Ensure you have bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs for anyone in the household when making an application. Having your social security card and identification documents is necessary in case you need to prove your identity. You might also need to give details of your investments and insurance.

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Applying for Medicaid can be complicated because there are often caveats and exceptions. If you don’t feel confident about filling out an application or have any questions about MaineCare, there are a number of organizations that can help.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Area Agency for Aging(207) 396-6500Entire StateYour local AAA can help by answering questions related to MaineCare and supporting you when filling out an application. A network of experts and volunteers are on-hand to guide you through the process of determining eligibility and getting the help and care you need.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services(207) 287-3707Entire StateThe Department of Health and Human Services oversees Maine's Medicaid program, and the team can provide advice about the application process. Whether you have questions about qualification criteria or require an update on your application, the DHHS can help.
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program(800) 262-2232Entire StateThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversee Maine's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It's a comprehensive service designed to help beneficiaries understand and access the federal health care benefits they're entitled to.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Maine?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Maine

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Maine

In-home care may be a viable solution for older adults who want to remain in their homes even as their needs change. However, finding affordable care can be a challenge. Through the following resources, older adults in Indiana can find free and low-cost services to bring down the overall cost of their care. These resources can also help seniors identify ways to pay for monthly care costs. 

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Community Aging in Place(207) 626-2357Entire StateQualifying seniors in Maine can get help with modifications and repairs to help them stay safe at home. Shower wands, handrails, doorbells, winterization, storm door installation and gutter work are just a few services older adults can access. Eligibility criteria include being over age 55, owning your home and having a very low income.
Home Energy Assistance Program(877) 544-3271Entire StateThe Home Energy Assistance Program offers financial aid to homeowners with a low income so they can pay for heating. Your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the state poverty level.
Property Tax Relief(207) 626-8475Entire StateIf you are over 65, a veteran or disabled, you might qualify for property tax relief. Seniors who are eligible for homestead exemptions in Maine can receive tax relief of $25,000. To qualify, you must have owned the homestead property for at least 12 months and it must be your primary residence. Veterans over 62 who have served in a war can get $6,000 in tax relief, while paraplegic veterans can access up to $50,000.
Meals on Wheels(800) 427-7411Entire StateGetting to the shops, putting groceries away and cooking meals can be a lot of work for older adults. Meals on Wheels takes care of up to five meals per week for eligible seniors in Maine, and a friendly visit and wellness check included are in the services.
Seniors Mobility(207) 784-0157Entire StateSeniors Mobility is a nonprofit that helps seniors in Maine stay fit and active. It oversees a coordinated transport network in Maine, offering free rides to qualifying older adults in the state.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Maine

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification licenses home health care in the state. The regulations are intended to ensure seniors receive quality services that have safe outcomes.

TopicRule
Scope of CareHome health care providers are entities that provide health services through professional nursing or therapeutic services. They can also provide non-clinical support such as personal care services.
Care Plan RequirementsA care plan must be developed by a registered nurse or, where appropriate, by a licensed professional such as a physical therapist or social worker. Clients who are under physician supervision must have the care plan reviewed at least every 90 days.
Medication Management RequirementsMedication can be administered by licensed professionals. Records must be kept of the medication provided, the patient's response and any changes in physical or mental status.
Staff Screening RequirementsProviders must obtain criminal history information of employees and must not hire those who are prohibited from working in home care. This includes individuals who have abused, neglected or misappropriated the property of individuals in a health setting.
Staff Training RequirementsCaregivers hired to perform health services must be licensed to practice their health care discipline in the state of Maine. Home health aides and certified nursing assistants may perform personal care services and must have basic certified nursing assistant training and orientation, and receive at least 12 hours of on-the-job training annually.
Medicaid CoverageThe Community Directed Attendant Services program and the Elderly and Adults with a Disability Waiver can cover some or all of the costs associated with in-home care.
Reporting AbuseAbuse should be reported to the Home Health Hotline on 1-800-383-2441. If an investigation is undertaken by the provider, reports must be made available to the Department upon request, and any complaints involving a certified nursing assistant must be reported to the Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Maine

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Download
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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