PARTNERS IN CARING
RESPITE FOR CAREGIVERS

A caregiver is anyone who is providing physical or emotional support to a parent, spouse, other family member, or friend. The Partners in Caring program provides the opportunity to take time off from caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Funds allocated by the Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, and managed by the five regional Agencies on Aging, are used to reimburse the family for a portion of the cost of respite care. This respite care may be provided by a family member, friend, neighbor, adult day program, or home health agency. A licensed social worker works with the family to establish and implement a plan for respite care.

The Partners in Caring program will*:

• Reimburse up to 80% of what it costs the family for respite care, generally for a few hours per week, up to the yearly service cost cap for the program

• Help with the cost of up to two full weeks per year of overnight care in a residential facility or in the home (a daily cost cap does apply)

• Allow a caregiver to apply for a waiver of all or part of the 20% co-payment if income and assets are extremely limited

• Reimburse up to 80% for home modifications needed to promote safety and independence for the person with dementia, up to a $2000 lifetime cap

• Provide emotional support and resource information to caregivers

• A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, confirmed in writing by a physician.

• Liquid assets not to exceed $50,000 for the person with dementia, or $75,000 for a couple. Home, land, or vehicles are not counted as a liquid asset. Assets of other family members (non-spouse) are not counted.

• The person with dementia must not be receiving assistance from any other state-funded programs, such as Home Based Care or Community Support Funds, or be eligible for MaineCare Long Term Care programs.
  * all services are contingent upon the availability of state funding.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-427-7411.