In-Home Care in Maine

As of July 2021, seniors aged 65 and over accounted for 21.2% of the Maine population. The state has a thriving population of older adults compared with the national average of 16.5%, making it an attractive prospect for retirees. U.S. News and World Report rank Maine Medical Center as number one in the state. The hospital is high-performing in 13 conditions and procedures, and the geriatrics department scores above average for patient experience, nurse staffing and patient services.

Another reason Maine is popular among older adults is its famously low crime rate. Low violent crime, robbery and burglary rates make aging in place a safe and appealing prospect for seniors in the state. There are two options for home care: In-home care and home health care, both costing $5,720 per month on average in Maine. The former includes nonmedical services such as assistance with daily activities, companionship and housekeeping. Home health care includes additional skilled nursing or therapy services. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you or your loved one can expect from in-home care. Discover information about Medicaid and Medicare coverage for seniors, plus helpful resources to support aging in place.

At $5,720, the monthly average cost of in-home care in Maine is more expensive than the U.S. average of $4,957, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. However, it’s more affordable than New Hampshire, which is priced at $6,006 per month. Massachusetts is also a little more expensive, at $5,911. The most affordable state near Maine for home care is Connecticut, where it costs $5,243 per month on average, while Vermont and Rhode Island are priced the same, at $5,720.

When comparing the cost of home care in cities within Maine, there’s not much variation from the state average, although Lewiston is notably cheaper, at $5,339. It costs the same as the state average in Bangor, at $5,720. Portland is the most expensive part of the state, with in-home care priced at $5,840 per month on average.

In-home care is usually one of the more affordable types of senior care available, although it’s usually more expensive than adult day health care, which is just $2,600 per month in Maine. A nursing home is consistently the most expensive option due to the comprehensive health care provided. In Maine, the average monthly cost of nursing care is almost double the price of in-home care, at $10,494.

Assisted living offers a similar level of care to in-home services, but costs slightly more, at $5,865-and you won’t be able to remain at home. The cost of home health care in Maine is the same as home care, costing $5,720 per month on average.

Medicaid is known as MaineCare in Maine, and it covers nonmedical services, including home care, to help eligible seniors age 65 and over in place. In Maine, in-home care is referred to as ‘personal assistance services.’ Regular Medicaid covers this service for all eligible seniors, including those who don’t require nursing care.

To access MaineCare, you need to make an application and take an assessment. There are several programs offering home care services, including waivers, which you can learn more about below.

There are a few options for applying for MaineCare that help seniors with in-home care:

• Use My Maine Connection to create an account and apply online
• Visit your local Office for Family Independence in-person and apply
• Download the MaineCare application and send it in the mail to: Office for Family Independence, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938
• Initiate email correspondence at: farmington.DHHS@Maine.gov
• Fax the completed application to (207) 778-8429   

What Information You Will Need

You need to provide detailed information about your income and assets to apply for MaineCare. Ensure you have bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs for anyone in the household when making an application. Having your social security card and identification documents is necessary in case you need to prove your identity. You might also need to give details of your investments and insurance.

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.