Residential and Nursing Care Services

Overview

While many services are available to assist people with their health care needs and help them stay in their homes, there are times when a person’s level of care requires a facility-based program. Maine has several facility-based programs which include: the Independent Housing with Services Program, Residential/Assisted Living, and Nursing Facility Services – each providing a different level of support.

Independent Housing with Services Program (IHSP)

The Independent Housing with Services Program (IHSP) helps older adults live independently by providing affordable housing along with supportive services. Every participant receives service coordination, and other services may include help with personal care, homemaking, and meals. IHSP is designed for older adults who have long-term care needs but do not require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. These services are governed by the Bureau of Elder and Adult Policy Services Manual, Section 62. 

Key Services/ Features:

  • Affordable housing with supportive services
  • Service coordination is always provided
  • Supportive services include:
    • Personal care
    • Homemaking
    • Meals
  • Medication management is not included
  • Five programs available across the state
  • To qualify, a person must meet:
    • Financial requirements
    • Functional needs requirements
  • Eligibility is determined by the IHSP facility through a Medical Eligibility Assessment

Independent Housing with Services (IHSP):

Direct Referral Process: Individuals may contact the IHSP directly to make a referral; however, referrals are reviewed by the IHSP facility and acceptance is based on eligibility and program availability.

Residential or Assisted Housing Facilities

Residential or Assisted Housing services include any facility or residence licensed by the Maine Division of Licensing and Certification that provides necessary assistance such as personal care, meals, medication management, lodging, and supervision.

The State of Maine requires an assessment to determine an individual’s functional and financial eligibility for Residential Care Services.

Assessments help individuals and families understand what services are available to them and to plan for service needs.

Nursing Facility Services

Nursing facility services are professional nursing care or rehabilitative services for injured, disabled, or medically compromised persons, when daily assistance is needed and can only be provided in a nursing facility. Some nursing facilities offer short-term respite stays while others provide specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Nursing facility services are less extensive than inpatient hospital services and are ordered under the direction of a physician.

Per State Law, all nursing facility admissions require a functional eligibility assessment to be completed by Maine's Assessing Services Agency, regardless of payment source.

How to Apply

Step 1: Application - Apply for MaineCare Services through the Long-Term Care application.

If you need assistance completing this application, please contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or your DHHS district office.

Step 2: Functional Assessment – If you have not already had a functional assessment by Maine's Assessing Services Agency:

Call: 1-833-525-5784

You will be asked several questions about the types of assistance a person is looking for and what the financial circumstances are for this person.

Face-to-Face Assessment – Maine's Assessing Services Agency then determines whether a face-to-face assessment is needed. There is no charge, and the assessment is private. If Maine's Assessing Services Agency determines that a face-to-face assessment is needed, you will be contacted by an assessor to schedule the assessment.