Family Caregiver Resources for Maine

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier. 

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey. 

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

**Many of the resources referenced in this guide are not offered by AARP, and any information you provide to the host organizations will be governed by their privacy policies.

Caregiver Support

Care Partner Supports

Provides links to programs and services that allow eligible caregivers time to practice self-care, run errands, visit family members and friends, go to medical and dental appointments, and rest.

Finances

Efficiency Maine (866-376-2463)

Offers programs and incentives to help residents upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes or businesses.

CA$H Maine

Offers free tax preparation to qualified filers and provides information about community resources that can help them meet their financial needs and goals.

General Assistance Program (800-442-6003)

Helps residents pay everyday living expenses. Individuals and families may be eligible for help from this fund if they don’t have the income to cover basic needs. Contact your town office to learn more.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (855-797-4357)

Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Legal

Legal Services for Maine Elders (800-750-5353 | 207-623-1797)

Provides free legal advice for people over age 60 regarding Medicare (including Part D), MaineCare (Medicaid), Social Security and other public benefits, pension and retirement benefits, powers of attorney, consumer matters including creditor and bankruptcy problems, physical and financial abuse, guardianship defense and other issues.

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Pine Tree Legal Assistance (207-9428355)

Provides free civil legal aid for eligible Mainers in cases that impact basic human needs or human rights, including access to housing, food, income, safety, education and health care.

Health

Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter (800-272-3900 | 207-772-0115)

Provides people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their caregivers a 24-hour telephone helpline, family education and outreach programs, financial and legal planning information, support groups and care navigation tools.

Department of Health and Human Services (207-287-3707)

Provides health care and social services to those in need, including children, families, older Mainers and individuals with disabilities, mental illness or substance use disorders. It offers a wide range of programs, from MaineCare health insurance, child support payments, water testing, disease control and background checks.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care (800-965-7476)

Nonprofit advocacy organization helps residents understand their healthcare options and enroll in coverage.

Maine Primary Care Association (207-621-0677)

Made up of Maine’s Community Health Centers, which provide primary and preventive medical and behavioral health, dental and pharmacy services for underserved areas or populations regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay.

Housing and Care Facilities

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (800-499-0229 | 207-621-1079)

Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

MaineHousing (800-452-4668 | 207-626-4600)

Provides information about housing programs for low- and moderate-income residents, as well as the Home Energy Assistance Program for qualified homeowners and renters to help pay for heating costs and energy-related repairs.

Information and Services

Adult Protective Services and Guardianship (800-624-8404 | 207-287-1234)

Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

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Community Action Partnership

Provides various resources to low- and mid-income families including early childhood programs, family support, health care, housing, prevention and wellness, workforce development, education and training, financial services, health and nutrition, energy and utilities, and transportation.

Aroostook: 800-432-7881 | acap-me.org

Androscoggin, Franklin & Oxford: 800-866-558; 207-795-4065| community-concepts.org

Hancock and Washington: 800-834-4378; 207-664-2424 | downeastcommunitypartners.org

Kennebec Valley: 800-542-8227 | kvcap.org

Midcoast: 800-221-2221; 207-442-7963 | midcoastmainecommunityaction.org

Cumberland: 888-568-1112; crisis line 877-429-6884; 207-523-5049 access and intake; 207-874-1175 administrative offices | Opportunityalliance.org

Penquis: 800-215-4942; 207-973-3500 | penquis.org

Western Maine: 800-645-9636; 207-645-3764 | wmca.org

Waldo: 207-338-6809 | waldocap.org

York: 800-965-5762; 207-324-5762 | yccac.org

Non-Emergency Transportation (800-977-6740)

Eligible MaineCare members receive transport from select transportation brokers to covered appointments.

Bureau of Rehab Services (207-623-6799)

Provides access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities.

Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine (207-782-3554)

Regional food bank network distributes food to households throughout Maine and offers healthy cooking and nutrition classes, as well as discounts on select fresh foods when using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging (877-353-3771)

The five Area Agencies on Aging serve as one-stop shops to answer questions from older adults, people with disabilities and their care partners about a wide range of in-home, community-based and institutional services.

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End of Life

Compassion and Choices (800-247-7421)

Offers planning tools and advance planning consultation services related to end-of-life options, including access to medical aid in dying.

Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine (207-213-6125)

Statewide nonprofit trade association supports the need for affordable, accessible, quality home care and hospice services.