Individuals and organizations concerned with the well-being of older Mainers and adults with disabilities can help shape public policy and improve access to support services at a series of upcoming public hearings hosted by the Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services.
Information gathered at these hearings will be used to develop the State Plan on Aging. The plan is revised every four years in accordance with the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, which funds a range of home and community-based services for the elderly.
The plan identifies goals and funding needs for the five Maine Area Agencies on Aging, the office of the Maine Long-term Care Ombudsman Program — which advocates on behalf of Mainers in nursing homes and other residential facilities — and Legal Services for the Elderly. Issues such as access to home-based health care and nutrition services, opportunities for community engagement and protection from scams and financial abuse are among those included in the plan.
A draft of the 2016-20 State Plan on Aging can be found on the website of the Office of Aging and Disability Services at maine.gov/dhhs/oads/trainings-resources/policy.html. A paper copy may be requested by calling 287-9200.
Eastern Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Noelle Merrill said the hearings are a good opportunity for Mainers to learn about issues related to aging and register their concerns.
“It’s always good for residents to weigh in on documents like this,” she said. “These hearings are open to the public, and the state needs to share how it plans to support the exploding population of older Mainers.”
Three public hearings have been scheduled:
— 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, Department of Health and Human Services, Cornshop Lane, Farmington.
— 1 p.m. Monday, May 9, Department of Health and Human Service, Graham Street, Biddeford.
— 1 p.m. Friday, May 13, Department of Health and Human Services, 396 Griffin Road, Bangor.
Mainers also can submit written comments by mail, fax or email. The deadline for receiving these comments is 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 13. Mail comments to Nicole Rooney, Office of Aging and Disability Services, 41 Anthony Ave., 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011. She also can be reached by email at nicole.rooney@maine.gov, by phone at
287-9221 or by fax at 207-287-9229.
