State Respite Care Program

State Respite Care Program

Overview: Help provided by unpaid family and friends is often the reason that people with conditions that cause dementia can continue to live at home. Although there are many rewards, these family caregivers can become stressed, and even exhausted, over time. Respite, the opportunity to take a break and have someone else provide the care, is vital to caregiver wellbeing.

Funding Source: The Caregiver Respite program is supported by funds allocated by the State of Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services.

Program Coverage

The Caregiver Respite Program can:
• Allow family caregivers to submit up to $4,500 in respite expenses per fiscal year
• Help with the cost of in-home care, adult day care, and/or up to two weeks of overnight care in a facility per fiscal year
• Reimburse for home modifications needed to promote independent living (up to $2,000 lifetime) with prior approval from the Program Coordinator

Eligibility Requirements

• Written diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease/dementia from a physician
• Not receiving assistance from any other state subsidized programs
• Caregiver must be at least 18 years old and a Maine resident

Important Notes

• There is often a waiting list for these funds

Contact Information

• Address: 30 Barra Rd, Biddeford, ME 04005
• Email: info@smaaa.org
• Phone: 207.396.6500 or 1.800.427.7411