Did You Know Maine Has Programs That Help Pay for Care at Home?
Learn about available programs, who may qualify, and how to get started.
When you or someone you love needs help with everyday activities, figuring out how to pay for care can feel overwhelming. You do not have to figure it all out on your own.
Maine offers MaineCare-funded and state-funded home care programs that may help eligible older adults remain in their own homes. This guide explains the process step by step, from the first phone call to understanding your care options.
1. Start with a Phone Call
If you are unsure where to begin, your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can help you understand available programs and find assistance with the application process.
Call 1-877-353-3771
Follow the prompts for your county to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging. Explain that you are looking for help paying for in-home personal care. An interpreter is available at no charge if needed.
Not sure what to say? Try this:
“My mother needs help with bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. She wants to remain at home. We would like to find out whether she qualifies for help paying for care.”
2. Apply for Financial Assistance
For MaineCare-funded home care, Maine DHHS directs applicants to complete a Long-Term Care application. Despite its name, this application also covers services that help eligible people remain at home.
Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or DHHS district office can help you complete the application and explain which supporting documents are needed.
Get organized before you begin
It may help to gather information about income, bank accounts, insurance, and other financial resources. Ask the person helping with your application which records are required for your situation.
Keep a copy of your application and a record of when and how you submitted it.
Unsure whether you qualify for MaineCare? Ask about state-funded home care programs, too. These programs have different eligibility rules. Your local resource center can help you understand which options to explore.
3. Request an Assessment of Care Needs
An assessment helps determine what assistance you or your loved one needs with everyday activities. Maine contracts with Maximus, Maine’s Assessing Services Agency, to carry out this part of the process.
Call Maximus at 1-833-525-5784
If an assessment has not already been completed, explain that you are seeking help at home and ask for a long-term care assessment for community services. You can contact Maximus to begin this process while working on the financial application.
Maximus will ask questions about the help needed and the person’s financial circumstances, then determine the next assessment steps. If a face-to-face assessment is needed, an assessor will contact you to arrange it. The assessment is confidential and free.
Prepare a few notes before the assessment
- Which everyday activities are becoming difficult?
- What help do family members or friends already provide?
- When is needed help unavailable?
- Have there been recent changes, falls, or other safety concerns?
Describe the assistance actually needed, including help that someone already provides. For example, if a family member helps with bathing, explain what would be difficult or unsafe without that help.
The care assessment and financial review are separate parts of determining eligibility. Completing an assessment does not by itself mean funding has been approved.
Learn about home care applications and assessments — Maine DHHS
4. Understand Your Results and Care Options
Once your care needs and financial eligibility have been reviewed, ask which program you qualify for and what happens next. The services available depend on the program and your individual circumstances.
For eligible people entering a SeniorsPlus Care Coordination program, a care coordinator will contact you to review your assessment and service options. The coordinator can help you understand the support plan and explore providers for your care.
Questions to ask before care begins
- Which program has approved my services?
- What kinds of help and how many hours are authorized?
- Will I need to pay any part of the cost?
- Is there a waiting list or anything else that could delay services?
- How do I choose a provider and arrange a caregiver?
- Who should I contact if my needs change?
Ask for a clear explanation of any decision you do not understand. If you receive a denial or disagree with a decision, ask about review or appeal options and any deadlines that apply.
5. Talk with Us About Care at Home
Home Support Services, LLC is a family-owned Maine company helping older adults remain safe and independent at home since 2002.
Our Personal Support Specialists provide help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship.
If you would like to receive care from our company, tell your care coordinator and contact us to discuss your location, care needs, and caregiver availability.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility, funding, and authorized services are determined by the responsible program agencies. Approval does not guarantee an immediate service start date. Contact the agencies linked above for current requirements.