OUR SERVICES
We offer a broad array of programs and services focused on meeting your needs. As a non-profit, most of our services are provided at no charge. All services can be accessed by calling 1-800-439-1789 or emailing information@aroostookaging.org.
The Aroostook Agency on Aging complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability, race, color, creed, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, or national origin in admission to, access to, or operation of its services, programs, or activities.
It all starts with one call. Have a question or need help? Our toll-free, confidential Answer Line provides information and assistance on all Agency services and a variety of important topics.
Call us today at 764-3396 or
1-800-439-1789.
ANSWER LINE
TRUSTED INFORMATION
We are here to help you understand important and sometimes complex topics. We have specialists on staff who can provide education and explain available community resources and services. We partner with other community agencies to make sure your needs are met.
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Aging & Disability Resources
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Aging Well Speaker’s Bureau
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Benefits Checklist
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Maine Legal Services for the Elderly
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Medicare and Insurance Counseling
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Outreach Services
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Preventing Fraud and Scams
WELLNESS
Staying well allows us to live better lives. Through group classes and events, we share information and techniques that will help you age well.
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Aging Well Expo
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Bingocize
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Bone Builders
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Brain Builders
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Falls Prevention Informational Session
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Living Well with Chronic Conditions
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Matter of Balance
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Tai Chi
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The Conversation Project
STAYING AT HOME
Where do you call home? Home is where you are comfortable and can live most independently. We can provide or connect you to services as you need them to remain living independently.
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Aroostook Regional Transportation System
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Care Partner Education and Support
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Eldercare Homecare Services
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Friendly Volunteers
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MaineCare Toolkit
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Money Minders
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Nutrition Services
• Community Dining
• Easy Meals
• Meals on Wheels
• USDA Food Box Program
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Planning for the Future
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Technology Assistance Program
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The Gathering Place Adult Day Service
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TRUSTED INFORMATION
We are here to help you understand important and sometimes complex topics. We have specialists on staff who can provide education and explain available community resources and services. We partner with other community agencies to make sure your needs are met.
Aging & Disability Resource
All people have questions or need assistance from time to time. Our toll-free, confidential Answer Line provides information and support on all Agency services and a variety of important topics. In addition, we encourage our community to visit our Aging & Disability Resource Center, which is located at 260 Main Street, Presque Isle, Maine.
Aging Well Speaker’s Bureau
People of all ages have a desire to learn and experience new things. It is said, “with information comes power.” With over 20 programs and services for older people, those with disabilities, and their care partners, the Agency has experts available to provide presentations to community groups.
Benefit Checklist
We all need occasional support as we age. Public benefit programs were created to help people live independently. Persons age 60 and over may qualify for a variety of helpful programs. We have a Benefits Checklist to guide people to services they may qualify for and be able to use. Use our Singles Benefits Checklist or Couples Benefits Checklist to identify which programs may be available to you.
You may also use the National Council on Aging’s Benefits Check Up Tool. This is a free, national website that identifies programs available to help older adults. You will complete a confidential online questionnaire. Then a customized report will be generated and will provide you with programs you may be eligible for as well as application information for each.
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE)
There are times when we all need a strong advocate who can provide good advice and help us represent our interests. Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides free, high quality legal assistance to older people in social or economic need. Topics include healthcare, health insurance, Medicare, MaineCare, Social Security, public benefits, pension/retirement benefits, powers of attorney, credit/bankruptcy problems, physical and financial abuse, guardianship defense and other civil (non-criminal) matters. Contact the LSE Helpline (1-800-750-5353) or visit www.mainelse.org for more information.
Medicare and Insurance Counseling
Quality healthcare services are important to people of all ages. Matching coverage to an individual’s needs can be challenging. Education and counseling help people to know all the options available so they can select the best plan for them. Trained health insurance and Medicare counselors are available to guide those in need of assistance as they choose their coverage during the Medicare open enrollment periods or any time though our “Welcome to Medicare” seminars.
Outreach Services
Sometimes we need someone to guide us as we confront life’s changes and challenges. Trained outreach specialists are available to work with older people in the community or their care partners to answer questions, connect them to resources, assist them with applications for services, or be their advocates. Bilingual services are available.
Preventing Fraud and Scams
We all work hard for our money and try to protect our resources. Older people often have saved large sums of money for retirement. Fraud and scams have many forms, such as Grandparent Scams, Identity Theft, and Government Grant Scams. Education on fraud and scams is available for both individuals and groups, as well as assistance for people who have been the victim of scams.
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WELLNESS
Staying well allows us to live better lives. Through group classes and events, we share information and techniques that will help you age well.
For a complete list of classes or to make a referral, visit Healthy Living for ME.
Aging Well Living Well Expo
Each May, friends from across Aroostook come together to celebrate aging and living well. Hear from over twenty presenters as they share knowledge, tips, and skills to remain independent, active, and involved in your community. Visit the exhibition area to connect with key area resources and services. Have lunch, enjoy local talent, and much more!
Bingocize
It is widely accepted that exercise and physical activity can help people continue to live at their best as they age. If we have fun while moving our body, we are much more likely to do it. Bingocize is an evidence-based class that combines exercise, falls awareness, healthy lifestyle information and Bingo in one package.
Bone Builders
Having strong bones is an important part of preventing fractures and remaining healthy. The Bone Builders program helps you improve balance to protect against falls and fractures, while enhancing your energy level and sense of well-being.
Brain Builders
Physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness is important at any age. But do you know having a healthy brain improves your mood and decreases the likelihood of having illnesses that threaten your quality of life? Our monthly online Brain Health class helps participants create goals that impact on their life and boosts their brain health.
Falls Prevention Informational Session
Avoiding painful and possibly debilitating injuries is important to all people. The risks and consequences of falling down are greater as we age. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to make us more confident and stable on our feet. Training is available to help older persons gain an overview of falls prevention tips and learn about other wellness classes available in Aroostook County.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Staying well allows us to live better lives. The Living Well chronic condition courses -- Living Well for Better Health, Living Well with Chronic Pain, and Living Well with Diabetes -- help people learn how to manage their own health by improving communication with their physicians, actively managing their symptoms, creating personal action plans, and developing support structures.
Matter of Balance
Remaining safe and healthy at home is a goal for all. A fear of falling is something that can be on the minds of older people. Engaging in moderate exercise helps improve your balance and coordination. Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults.
Tai Chi for Health & Balance
Improving health and wellbeing are essential to living a long life. Tai Chi for Health and Balance is a program proven to be effective in preventing falls and relieving pain for those with arthritis. Participants focus on improving strength, balance and mental health.
The Conversation Project
We all have matters that are very important to us and we often want others to know about them. Talking about the things you want for yourself can be challenging. Will I have enough money, will someone make decisions for me, does anyone really know what is most important to me, or does anyone know what makes me worried or afraid? Our online Conversations class can assist older persons in developing questions or sharing concerns that they have with loved ones or their care provider.
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STAYING AT HOME
Where do you call home? Home is where you are comfortable and can live most independently. We can provide or connect you to services as you need them to remain living independently.
Aroostook Regional Transportation (ARTS)
Access to transportation is essential, especially in rural areas. It often opens the door to meeting a variety of other needs. ARTS uses buses, volunteer drivers, private cars and taxis throughout Aroostook to help people get to appointments, shop, and stay active in their community. Contact ARTS at 1-800-442-3320 or visit www.aroostooktransportation.org for more information.
Care Partner Education and Support
Taking care of a family member who can no longer care for themselves is a role than many people hold. To provide the best care for those we love, support is needed to be an effective care partner. Care partners face the challenge of managing the care of another and finding time to look after their own needs. Sometimes care partners are afraid to ask for help. Education and support, including the Savvy Caregiver program, is available for people of all ages.
Eldercare Home Care Services
As we age, we want to live independently in our own home. Home is a place where we feel safe, comfortable, and most able to participate in our community. At some point, to stay living in our home, we may need help. Eldercare Home Care Services provides an extra set of hands to help older persons or those with disabilities with daily activities.
Friendly Volunteer Program
Connecting with others each day is a normal part of life. When family or friends are not available, having another caring person helps to pass the time, take part in an activity, or bring a smile from a shared story. Trained volunteers -- including Friendly Callers, Friendly Visitors, Friendly Helpers and Friendly Neighbors -- visit or call homebound participants regularly giving them a connection to their community.
MaineCare Toolkit
Applying for community MaineCare, or MaineCare in-home services is a means to obtain assistance in payment for nursing home care or in-home services. Seeking assistance in the completion of the application is essential, ensuring that a complete application is sent in to the State of Maine. The toolkit provides assistance (either by phone, a link to a webinar, or an in-person visit) to enable one to complete and submit a complete and accurate application to the state.
Money Minders
Managing your money is a key aspect of being independent. The Money Minders program is a free bill-paying service where trained volunteers provide consumers with assistance in setting up a budget, paying bills, and managing a checkbook.
Nutrition Services
Community Dining
Dining centers operate in several communities in Aroostook County. Lunchtime meals are available for any person age 60 or older who wants to enjoy food, friends, and occasional recreational and educational programs.
Easy Meals
Our delicious and nutritious frozen meals are carefully handcrafted right here in Maine by Birch Stream Farms. Meals can be picked up to take home, heat up in the stove or microwave, and eat.
Meals on Wheels
Getting food and good nutrition is something we all need to remain healthy and happy, no matter our income or support network.
Home-bound older people throughout northern Maine who are unable to attend dining centers and have difficulty preparing their own meal may be eligible for home-delivered entrées through the Meals on Wheels service.
USDA Senior Food Box Program
Each month, the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides individuals age 60 and older with 30 pounds of commodity food items such as dry pasta, canned meats and vegetables, and cheese.
Planning for the Future
When we plan for the future, we increase the likelihood that we will be able to continue to make our own decisions or others will know our wishes. The Agency has trained staff that can sit with you to understand your needs and put a plan on paper for your future.
Technology Assistance Program
Loneliness is real. It can lead to medical illness. There are wellness tools that are now available on the internet. The agency iPad tablet lending program is designed to enhance existing services for consumers who would benefit from online services and programs while remaining in their homes.
The Gathering Place Adult Day Services
All people need to connect with others at all stages of life. This connection gives us energy, which keeps us living at our best. The Gathering Place Adult Day Service focuses on creating a safe place for those with chronic memory loss or health conditions to enjoy the day and interact with others. While participants are at the program, care partners can take a much-needed break or handle personal business.