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Long-Term Care Planning in Maine: October Wrap-Up

Long-term care

🕊️ October May Be Over — But the Conversation About Long-Term Care Planning Is Just Beginning

Each October, Long-Term Care Planning Month reminds families across the country of one essential truth: preparing for tomorrow begins with honest conversations today. At Aging in Maine, we spent this month helping Maine families understand what long-term care really means — and how to protect the people and resources that matter most.

Now that the month has wrapped up, we want to take a moment to look back at what we learned, share what we heard from you, and highlight the steps you can take next to keep your planning on track.

What We Covered This Month

Throughout October, our focus was simple: help Maine families prepare for life’s “what ifs.”

We shared educational articles and resources about:

  • What “long-term care” actually includes — from help with daily living to in-home care, assisted living, and nursing facilities.
  • How early planning can preserve independence, reduce stress, and protect family assets.
  • Key legal tools like Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, and Long-Term Care Insurance.
  • How MaineCare (Maine’s version of Medicaid) can play a critical role in covering nursing home and assisted living costs when private funds run low.

According to national data, about 70% of adults over age 65 will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime. In Maine, where the population of older adults continues to grow, these conversations are more important than ever.

What We Learned From Our Community

This year’s campaign reached hundreds of Maine residents — from Bangor to the Midcoast — who are thinking proactively about their health and future.

We noticed a clear trend: most of our readers and new clients were women aged 55 and older, often adult daughters or spouses managing care decisions for loved ones. Many reached out with the same questions:

  • Will Medicare pay for long-term care?
  • What happens to our home if one of us needs nursing care?
  • When should we start planning?

The answers vary from family to family, but one truth remains constant — the earlier you plan, the more options you have.

Families who begin planning while everyone is still healthy can take advantage of strategies like trust creation, gifting rules, and long-term care insurance while ensuring MaineCare eligibility later if needed. Waiting until a crisis strikes often limits choices and increases costs.

The Cost of Waiting

In Maine, the average cost of nursing home care now exceeds $10,000 per month. Assisted living and in-home care costs continue to rise each year. Without a plan, these expenses can quickly deplete a lifetime of savings.

That’s why long-term care planning isn’t just about financial preparation — it’s about peace of mind. It ensures that decisions about your care and your assets are made thoughtfully, not under pressure.

How to Keep the Momentum Going

Even though Long-Term Care Planning Month has ended, the need for preparation continues all year. Here are simple steps you can take today:

  1. Start the Conversation
    Talk openly with your spouse, partner, or adult children about your long-term care wishes. Where would you prefer to receive care? Who would you trust to make decisions if you couldn’t?
  2. Review Your Legal Documents
    Ensure your Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, and Will or Trust are current and reflect your wishes. These documents allow your family to act quickly and confidently if your health changes.
  3. Understand MaineCare Eligibility
    Learn how MaineCare can help pay for nursing home or assisted living care — and what planning steps must be taken in advance to qualify. Our office helps clients navigate the 5-year lookback, asset protection, and spousal resource rules every day.
  4. Estimate Your Care Costs
    Review your options for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. Knowing what local care providers charge can help you plan realistically.
  5. Seek Professional Guidance
    Long-term care planning is complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced elder law attorney can help you create a plan that fits your needs, protects your home, and preserves your peace of mind.

A Message from Aging in Maine

As we close out Long-Term Care Planning Month, we want to thank everyone who followed our articles, shared our posts, and reached out for consultations. The response has been incredible — and it shows how deeply Maine families care about protecting their futures.

At Aging in Maine, we believe every family deserves clear information, compassionate guidance, and practical solutions. Whether you’re just beginning to think about long-term care or already navigating the MaineCare process, our team is here to help you make confident, informed choices.

Planning ahead doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it simply starts with a conversation.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you missed any of our October articles, visit our blog for resources on:

đź“ž Call us at (207)848-5600

 

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