Maine Parkinson Society (MEPS) has long recognized the need for respite care in the Parkinson community and is pleased to announce a pilot program to extend in home respite care to any interested caregiver of a Parkinson person. Maine Parkinson Society respite funds are intended to assist Parkinson Caregivers by making care giving easier and/or reducing caregiver stress

In order to access MEPS respite care funding, the care recipient must have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and be in need of assistance when at home. The respite service is intended to be “temporary” in nature. Respite care is defined as a short term option to provide temporary time off for the caregiver to rest and or renew him or herself from care giver responsibilities.

How it Works

• The caregiver must choose a bonded respite care provider.
• The applicant will complete an application and confidential interview with a MEPS advocate.
  To be accepted into the program, the care recipient must hold a diagnosis of Parkinson disease with impairments that necessitate supervision.
• Special requests and special circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis by the respite care committee.
• Decisions may be appealed to the President of Maine Parkinson Society.

Cost

• The program uses a reimbursement model. The caregiver pays for services and receives reimbursement upon submission of receipts, up to the annual limit.
• Funding requests will be reviewed in the order in which they are received and in addition prioritized accordingly to urgency.
• The care recipient may not be eligible for other programs that fund respite care services.
• Respite reimbursement is offered pending funding availability.
• In determining the use of limited funds, priority will be given to care recipients whose caregivers have not accessed MEPS funds in the previous year.
• Respite reimbursement is available up to the approved agreed upon amount, not to exceed $500.00 per care recipient each fiscal year, pending funding availability.

How to Apply

If you are interested in being placed on the list for services, please complete the Respite Care Application and return it to the

                                                                    Maine Parkinson Society

                                                                    5 Bucknam Road, Suite 1A

                                                                     Falmouth, ME 04105

or fax your application to 207-781-1546.

Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Upon approval of your application, Maine Parkinson Society will contact you to initiate care services.