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Investing in Our Older Neighbors:
Why the Older Mainers Act Matters Now More Than Ever
From the April 2025 Issue of THE CAIRN STONE
Contributed by Dorothy "Dottie" Martin, PhD, Fort Fairfield
Member of the Aroostook Agency on Aging Board of Directors
Dr. Dottie Martin served 46 years in the field of education, working with students from pre-K to post graduate. She has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership. She has served as a board member of several organizations, including the Maine State Board of Education, County Federal Credit Union, and the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science and Technology where she also served as President of the Board. Dr. Martin joined the Agency's Board in 2023.
Throughout my career in education – whether at Northern Maine Community College, Loring Job Corps, or the Maine School of Science and Mathematics – I’ve seen the power of investing in people. When we do it right, those investments ripple outward, lifting individuals, families, and entire communities.
I see that same principle every day in my work with the Aroostook Agency on Aging. Our team helps older adults remain independent, healthy, and connected – whether it’s through Meals on Wheels, Medicare counseling, caregiver support, or simply showing up to say, “You matter.” In 2024 alone, the Agency served over 4,200 older adults with more than 172,000 units of service. The video below tells just one story – of financial help and friendship – enabled by the public funding we currently receive.
And yet, the need is growing. Right now, more than 250 people in Aroostook County are on the waitlist for Meals on Wheels – part of over 600 Mainers statewide. These aren’t just numbers; these are our neighbors. Many are living alone, struggling to afford groceries, heat, home repairs, and healthcare on fixed incomes. These are folks who’ve contributed so much to our communities, and now they’re being told to wait for help.
That’s why I provided testimony for the March 28th legislative hearing on the Older Mainers Act (LD 814), a bill currently under consideration by the Maine Legislature that would invest $9.75 million annually into services provided by Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging. It’s a policy rooted both in compassion and common sense – especially for rural counties like ours.
In Aroostook, the impact of this bill would be immediate and profound. We have one of the oldest populations in the state, spread across hundreds of miles of rural roads and isolated communities. For many of our older residents, a hot meal and a friendly face can make the difference between staying in their homes or being forced into institutional care. LD 814 would eliminate nutrition waitlists across the state, ensuring that no one in The County has to wait to receive the support they need. But it goes beyond meals. With these funds, we could help more people age in place safely by expanding access to other supportive services.
The bill also recognizes the invisible work of family caregivers, who often juggle full-time jobs, childcare, and the needs of aging parents. In rural areas where formal caregiving services are limited or unavailable, these unpaid caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. LD 814 would offer them critical support through respite services, training, and navigation assistance. By doing so, we not only ease their burden – we also help keep them in the workforce, contributing to their families and the local economy.
The return on investment is undeniable. If just 103 Mainers can avoid nursing home placement thanks to these expanded services, the state would recover the full cost of the bill. And by helping family caregivers stay employed, the economic ripple effect could generate up to $1 billion annually in productivity. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do.
After the public hearing at the end of March, the Older Mainers Act is being reviewed by the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. In the coming weeks, the committee will hold a work session to deliberate and vote on the bill. If it receives a favorable recommendation, it will move to the full Legislature for debate and approval. Passing the bill is only part of the process, though – because LD 814 includes a $9.75 million annual appropriation, it must also be funded through the state budget. That means ongoing advocacy is essential. Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents – especially those of us living in rural areas – that supporting older Mainers is not optional. It is vital.
We need to make sure our voices are heard. That means calling our representatives, writing letters to the editor, sharing stories of neighbors and loved ones who are waiting for help. It means inviting lawmakers to ride along on a Meals on Wheels route, visit a caregiver support group, or spend time in our Access Points. The more they see the reality of aging in Aroostook County, the better they'll understand the urgency – and the opportunity – before them.
The Older Mainers Act is not just a bill. It’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the people who built our towns, tended our farms, taught in our schools, and cared for us when we were young. Let’s return the favor – and make sure that growing older in Aroostook County means growing older with dignity, security, and care.
How You Can Help
Maine’s older adults are counting on us. Here’s how you can support the Older Mainers Act:
✅ Contact your legislators – Let them know you support LD 814 and why it matters. Find their info here: maine.gov/legis/findyourlegislator
✅ Share your story – Talk about how aging services have helped you or someone you love.
✅ Spread the word – Forward this article, post on social media, and encourage others to take action.
✅ Stay informed – Follow the Aroostook Agency on Aging for updates and advocacy alerts.
Together, we can make sure no one in Aroostook – or anywhere in Maine – has to grow older without the support they deserve.