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)
IHSP provides both affordable housing, as well as supportive services, which increase opportunities for independence and freedom of choice. Supportive services include personal care, homemaking, service coordination, and meals. Please note: within this model, medication management is not a covered service.
There are currently five Independent Housing with Services Programs throughout the State. Their purpose is to address both the housing and service needs for older adults who have long-term care needs but do not require the same level of care one would receive at a nursing facility.
A person must meet financial eligibility requirements and functional needs eligibility requirements. Eligibility will be determined by the IHSP facility. List of facilities (Word)
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.