Find Home Care in Maine

Home Care in Maine - Cost Comparison

For seniors who may be recovering from an illness, surgery, or who just need assistance in their homes, this care type can be the solution. Depending on if a caretaker is a licensed medical professional or a non-medical paraprofessional, your costs will vary in accordance with the specific services provided.

Hiring a home care aide is a way to provide professional help for you or your loved one with services ranging from bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, and general hygiene, to performing instrumental tasks like housekeeping, general shopping, transportation or meal preparation. 

There are a number of cities throughout Maine that have senior home care agencies but the median monthly cost ranges from.

• Highest Cost: Portland Area $4,576
• Lowest Cost: Bangor $4,004

Recreation & Attractions in Maine 

With deep sailing roots beginning in the colonial era, Maine is full of historic lighthouses and museums detailing the state's nautical way of life. Some of the most famous landmarks can be found at Casco Bay, an area for recreational fishing, sailing, and tours of the amazing lighthouses. Farther inland visitors or residents can explore the natural beauty of the Cadillac Mountain area. 

As a senior, there are many things to do and see in Maine. There are senior centers throughout the state that provide senior-friendly activities such as trivia night, movies, exercise classes, and shopping trips. Specialized senior trips are also available to places like the Portland Museum of Art, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.

Maine's Climate, Geography & Culture

The climate in Maine varies considerably depending on where you are, although the state still supports four seasons. The ocean significantly influences the coastal regions resulting in milder temperatures and precipitation compared to places elsewhere. Moving inland, the high temperatures average 79 degrees in the summer. During the winter, neither 100 inches of snow nor subzero temperatures are out of the ordinary for Maine. Mountains and forest cover a majority of the state, so those factors significantly influence the inland weather. Heavy clothing can be expected from November to April.

Maine's culture is distinct from most other New England states due to its location farther North and historic ties to French Acadia. Traditionally, this state features a large number of Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadians as reflected in its customs and festivities. 

Crime & Safety in Maine

When searching for home care in Maine, it can help to know which areas are the safest. Here are several of the least crime-infested areas of Maine.

(source: safewise.com)

Maine's Home Care Regulations & Laws

As determined by federal legislation (42 CFR 484.36), each Medicare-certified home health agency may only employ home care professionals who meet the state-approved training program requirements. 

A standard 75 hours of training, along with 16 hours of supervised clinical training and an additional 12 hours of continuing education every 12 months is needed to maintain a home care certification. Remarkably, Maine actually requires more than double the amount of training at 180 hours which is the highest in the nation!

Payment Options for Maine Home Care

Senior paying for home care can do so in a variety of different ways, each with its own advantages based on your unique financial and health situation. 

First off, seniors may look to Medicare to receive coverage for their copayment and deductibles for medical home care through the Medicare Supplemental Insurances program. However, keep in mind that Medicare does not cover non-medical home care whatsoever. If this is an issue, it may be necessary to look to the other remaining methods of payment. 

U.S. veterans can receive assistance for home care by using the Improved Pension or Homebound and Aid & Attendance Pension. To apply for these benefits, contact your local Veteran’s Association or Area Agency on Aging for more details and eligibility requirements. 

Most of the time, seniors will choose to pay for their home care privately using their own savings, assets, or pensions. Otherwise, seniors may choose to pay through a reverse mortgage, by opening a home equity line of credit or by converting their life insurance policies.

Finally, Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program for low-income seniors and their families that in most cases can be used to cover the costs of home care if it is deemed medically necessary. The rules, eligibility requirements, and benefits of Medicaid are state-specific and will vary based on your location.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Home Care in Maine

Medicare-approved home health care guarantees you a series of rights and protections designed to provide you with the best experience possible. As you move forward with your care, it is required that the agency staffing your caregiver provides you with information regarding your rights. Caretakers are to treat you and your personal property with respect at all times, minding your preferences for privacy when necessary. You are entitled to participate in decisions regarding your care and can choose the home health agency pending your managed care plan. 

Although there may be the possibility that you will lack the ability to make reasonable or informed decisions about your home health care, you can appoint a family member or legal guardian to act on your behalf.

It is also important to note that your Constitutional rights and those afforded to you by the Bill of Rights are retained throughout your care. If you believe a violation of these rights has occurred, reach out to an elder law professional to understand what actions may be possible. 

Maine Home Care: Medical Records Rules & Regulations 

While receiving home care or any other medical service in Maine, your rights to obtain written or digital copies of your medical records is possible via written request.

Although it’s a common misconception that this information cannot be disclosed due to privacy laws, the fact is that you can submit a written request to your health care provider and actually receive copies or digital versions of this information.

While some cases warrant the denial releasing your information, your healthcare provider must respect your requests and respond within 30 days, or as many as 60 days later including a statement addressing the delay. 

Details of your mental and physical health are included in your protected health information which includes medical records, billing records, claims adjudication records, and other private documents. By reviewing your information you’ll always be able to make any corrections needed with the supervision of your healthcare provider and ensure the overall accuracy of these records.