January 21, 2025
Caregiver assessments and flexible benefits contributed to the pilot’s success.
The final evaluation of the Respite for ME pilot program has been submitted to the Legislature. Launched under Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, this innovative pilot program provided critical resources to family caregivers, helping them continue their caregiving journey while also prioritizing their own well-being. The evaluation found that caregiver burden was reduced in several domains, and flexibility of benefits was a key factor.
The program ran from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2024, utilizing a thoughtful approach to alleviating the burden and stress faced by family caregivers of older adults. With oversight from the Office of Aging and Disability Services and administration by Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging, the program served 782 caregivers, distributing $3.4 million in grant funds over two years. The maximum grant allowed was $5,171. This financial assistance enabled caregivers to access:
- 56,373 hours of Respite Care, including overnight stays and adult day services
- 1,506 items of Assistive Technology/Devices, including durable medical equipment, general technology, and personal response systems
- 2,525 hours and 304 items of Self-Care, including health and wellness services, fitness equipment, and fitness classes/memberships
- 10,187 hours of Chore Services, including services such as yard work, snow removal, lawn mowing, and home maintenance
- 1,067 Home Modifications/Repairs, including ramps, handrails, and walk-in showers
- 2,650 items of Consumable Supplies, including personal supplies
The Catherine Cutler Institute, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine conducted the external evaluation of the Respite for ME pilot program (PDF) using data collected by the Area Agencies on Aging.
One of the standout achievements of the program was its flexible benefits. The Respite for ME Grants have allowed caregivers to choose services that best meet their needs based on a comprehensive assessment and care planning process, a critical component that sets this program apart from traditional respite services. Caregivers have reported that this flexibility has significantly reduced their stress, enabling them to manage both their caregiving responsibilities and personal well-being more effectively.
Another significant outcome of the Respite for ME Grants program has been the empowerment of caregivers. Many participants reported feeling more supported and less isolated. Access to funding for respite care and supplemental services allowed caregivers to take much-needed breaks, reducing burnout and increasing their overall well-being. For instance, several caregivers shared that they could attend events and socialize with friends, which had a rejuvenating effect on their mental health.
Participant feedback has illuminated the need for expanded coverage of services offered. Many caregivers have turned to self-care programs, fitness classes, and chore assistance—resources that often go beyond simple respite care and are often not covered by typical caregiver programs. This holistic approach acknowledges the importance of overall wellness for caregivers, recognizing that when caregivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to continue their important work.
The Respite for ME program evaluation also highlighted how respite care and supplemental services are part of the workforce solution. Forty-one percent of family caregivers enrolled in the pilot program were working at some level. The proportion of working caregivers who said caregiving had negative impacts on their ability to work decreased by 22%. The proportion of working caregivers who reported caregiving having negative impacts on their job performance decreased by 9%. This finding demonstrates that respite care and supplemental services help family caregivers remain in the workforce while continuing to provide care for their older loved ones.
The data from the final evaluation report offers a clear picture of success, yet it is the personal stories that truly resonate. Participants have shared how financial assistance made available through the Respite for ME Grants program has enabled them to take much-needed breaks, reduce their anxiety, and even re-energize their enthusiasm for caregiving. Many caregivers, who are often overwhelmed by their responsibilities, were equipped with tools and services to focus on self-care practices for themselves, creating a healthier balance in their lives. Here are some quotes from participants:
“I would have never taken those classes. I would have never gone for a massage. I would not have done the self-care stuff. That’s huge for me. That’s my respite.”
“The time spent with my parents is more visiting now, instead of me trying to [do all the chores, yard work, etc.]. Now I’m not as tired.”
“I’m able to hire care to come into the home and be with my mother while I’m at work, so I can be focused at my job and not be distracted.”
The success of the Respite for ME Grants Program pilot serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting caregivers. The positive outcomes highlight the program's potential to change lives, bring families closer, and create communities that value and uphold the well-being of their caregivers. Based on the pilot program’s success, the Department is introducing a bill to amend its existing Respite Care program, adopting Respite for ME’s successful features and aligning the program with the federally funded National Family Caregiver Support Program to simplify administration for caregivers, Area Agencies on Aging, and the Department.