When Dineas reflects on the support she has received from Southern Maine Agency on Aging, she talks less about programs and paperwork and more about people. 

“All these people are so busy,” she said, “and they just keep helping me.” 

For Dineas, who lives alone in rural Sanford after losing her husband four years ago, that support has made it possible to remain independent, connected, and secure during a difficult chapter of life. 

Originally from southern Maine, Dineas built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. She and her husband built their home together in Shapleigh after marrying in the early 1990s. He worked as a carpenter in York, while Dineas spent nearly two decades working for the Town of Sanford as a bus driver. 

After retirement, life changed gradually and then all at once. The loss of her husband brought overwhelming grief, anxiety, and loneliness. Living alone became increasingly difficult, especially as paperwork, bills, technology, and healthcare decisions began piling up. 

“I don’t have organizational skills anymore,” she admitted. “Paperwork and me are not friends.” 

That’s when Southern Maine Agency on Aging became an important part of her life. Over the years, Dineas has turned to the organization again and again for guidance, support, and reassurance as she navigated the challenges of aging alone. 

One of the first programs to make a difference for Dineas was Money Minders, a volunteer-based service that helps older adults stay organized with bills, budgeting, and financial paperwork. Dineas was matched with Bill, a volunteer who visits once a month to review documents, sort through mail, and help ensure important tasks don’t fall through the cracks. 

“He helps me focus and sort things out,” she said. “Bill goes over everything in detail, lists of what I spent, budgeting, all of it. I need his help, and I appreciate it.” 

The support became especially important when Dineas started receiving confusing medical bills following several emergency room visits in Sanford. 

“I was scared,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do.” 

Bill stepped in immediately, helping her contact the insurance company, explain her situation, and navigate the billing confusion. 

“He got on the phone with them and explained everything,” she said. “He took it over because he understood what to do.” 

For Dineas, the relief went beyond solving a billing issue. Having someone patient and trustworthy beside her during stressful moments gave her confidence. 

Dineas also found critical support through Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s care coordination and resource specialist team. When she needed help understanding Medicare, applying for benefits, navigating complex paperwork, or simply figuring out her next steps, staff members Melissa and Alyssa were there to help. The process often felt overwhelming, especially because Dineas says she struggles with technology and complicated forms. 

“I don’t do very well on my phone,” she said. “I don’t know how to use it.” 

Melissa first helped Dineas apply for the Medicare Savings Program and other benefits. The process felt overwhelming at first, but Dineas said Melissa’s expertise and attention to detail made all the difference. 

“Melissa helped me get everything done,” Dineas said. “She went above and beyond. She knew exactly what paperwork I needed. She helped me fill everything out and got it submitted. I got the call the next morning.” 

Dineas has been utilizing services and supports at Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Springvale Center since it opened in 2024. Alyssa initially connected her with the Money Minders program and has continued to help her renew her benefits. She also helped connect Dineas with Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Medicare team whenever questions arose throughout the year. During Medicare Open Enrollment, Dineas received additional support reviewing her coverage options and selecting a plan that met her needs. 

Dineas has become a familiar face at the Springvale Center, frequently stopping in with questions and seeking guidance. She says staff has always taken the time to listen, answer questions, and help her move forward with confidence, whether she needed help understanding benefits, navigating Medicare, organizing paperwork, figuring out her phone, or simply reassurance that she was on the right track. The assistance saved her significant money and gave her peace of mind about her healthcare coverage and benefits. 

“I needed Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s expertise,” she said. “They were amazing. I will never forget what they did for me.” 

While practical support continues to help Dineas remain stable at home, she says another program has been just as important for her emotional well-being: the Community Café. 

About a year ago, Dineas started attending the Community Café hosted through the Springvale Center. At first, she simply wanted to get out of the house. Over time, it became a way to rebuild her social connections and find a sense of community after the loss of her husband. 

“I’m so glad I went,” she said. “We just laugh and have a good time.” 

Living alone can be difficult, Dineas said, and the opportunity to gather regularly with others has made a real difference. Today, she looks forward to seeing familiar faces, sharing meals, and spending time with friends she has made through the program. 

“The socialization is so important to me,” she said. “Living alone causes a lot of anxiety. I feel lonely sometimes.” 

She especially appreciates the welcoming atmosphere created by staff and volunteers. 

“Jenn, who hosts the café, is so friendly and always has something positive to say,” Dineas said. “She’s a ray of sunshine, and it’s so nice to see her smiling face as soon as I walk in.” 

Without the café, she said, “I just walk around in circles at home. I get into a funk.” 

Together, the services, supports, staff, and volunteers at Southern Maine Agency on Aging have helped Dineas navigate the many challenges that come with aging alone. Through a combination of practical assistance, trusted guidance, and meaningful social connection, she has received support with everything from managing bills and accessing benefits to building friendships and staying engaged in her community. 

Rather than addressing a single need, the organization has provided the kind of wraparound support that has touched nearly every part of her life. 

Most importantly, it has helped her continue doing what matters most to her: remaining independent in the home she loves. 

“I want to stay in my home as long as I can,” she said. “These programs help me do that.” 

Dineas hopes more people in the community learn about the resources available through Southern Maine Agency on Aging and reach out before challenges become overwhelming. 

“A lot of people don’t know just how much Southern Maine Agency on Aging offers,” she said. “But they’ve helped me so much.”