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Area agencies on aging and ombudsman programs seek ongoing funding as wait lists grow
Summary
Area agencies on aging, long‑term care ombudsman and elder‑service providers told lawmakers that one‑time ARPA and other funds have stabilized services but ongoing funding is needed to avoid service cuts, rising Meals on Wheels waitlists, and lost advocacy for nursing‑home residents.
Multiple advocates and agency directors told the joint committees that recent one‑time investments have helped but will not sustain services for older Mainers without ongoing appropriations. Tabitha Keeso of Eastern Area Agency on Aging and other AAA leaders described a statewide Meals on Wheels wait list in the high hundreds and asked the legislature to include ongoing funding (advocates cited $9.75 million in testimony) to eliminate wait lists, stabilize home‑delivered meals, and preserve community supports.
Nicole Marchese, public‑policy advocate for the Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, said her program faces a $111,000 shortfall that would force the loss of a regional ombudsman post covering Aroostook and part of Penobscot counties. "Our staff and volunteers cover over 300 long term care homes across the state," Marchese said, urging the committee to fund a position to maintain advocacy and oversight for residents.
Speakers gave concrete examples: Joy Buressi Saucier, executive director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging, said that in Aroostook County the median age is 48.2 and the Meals on Wheels wait list and provider shortages are acute; Meredith Anderson and other AAA staff read client stories describing how meals and phone‑pal programs preserved independence and prevented hospital visits. Providers asked the committees to view the AAAs and ombudsman work as an investment that reduces higher downstream costs, such as hospitalizations and long‑term institutionalization.
Committee follow up: members asked for program counts, the expected duration of ARPA or one‑time funds, and a detailed accounting of the services funded by prior appropriations. Committee staff said they will review written testimony and requested additional documentation for the work session.
