This Directory focuses primarily on local services and supports to assist Bowdoinham’s older adults remain engaged, healthy and active while living in Bowdoinham. Our emphasis is on volunteer-led resources as well as those sponsored by the Town, Sagadahoc County or State of Maine that are available at no or low cost.

Our Universal Design Guide brochure can be seen here: UD Guide 1-12.pdf

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Referral & assistance

2-1-1 Maine Service Directory and Assistance Program: Call 211 or online at https://211maine.org/

A free, confidential information and referral service connecting Maine people of all ages to local services. 2-1-1 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bowdoinham’s Older Adults Services Coordinator : 207-666-5531

The Older Adults Services Coordinator works directly with the Town and the Bowdoinham Age-Friendly Advisory Committee to develop, coordinate and help older residents access recreational, social and support services.

Adult Protective Services: 1-800-624-8404

A 24-hour hotline

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-207-729-0475

Spectrum Generations in Brunswick is a federally designated ADRC to help answer your questions and find solutions to any aging and disability concerns you may be facing. Many of the programs served by the ADRC have different eligibility criteria. Counselors are well versed at identifying which programs are applicable based on a variety of demographic information that is shared during an intake process. ADRC services are particularly designed for individuals age 60 and over (some are applicable to age 55 and over) and/or disabled adults, with particular emphasis on those with greatest economic and social need.

Alzheimer’s Association: 1-800-272-3900

Trained counselors can answer questions about Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. The 24/7 service is available to offer support, information, and referrals to people living with a disease that includes dementia as well as their families, friends, and neighbors. The counselors can provide information about locating and paying for service.

Attorney General (Consumer Assistance): 1-800-436-2131 or online at

www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/index.shtml

Consumer protection information. Call if you have a consumer problem or complaint.

Legal Services for the Elderly: 1-800-750-5353

Free, high quality legal services to Maine’s socially and economically needy elderly – for ages 60 and over.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program: 1-800-499-0229

Call if you or a loved one is a resident of a long term care facility in Maine or is receiving paid in-home care, andyou have concerns about the quality of care.

Midcoast Veterans Council:1-207-406-4103 or online at

www.mid-coastveteranscouncil.org/

MCVC’s goal is to help connect veterans and their families with needed help from local, state, and national programs.

National Council on Aging (NCOA):

NCOA created Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone, a guide which includes practical tips and resource recommendations from geriatric health experts and advocates, such as:

PACE programs, which use Medicare and Medicaid to help older adults attain nursing home-level care
HealthFinder, a resource with easy-to-understand articles, videos, and interactive tools to help older adults make informed decisions about their health
NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool which helps older adults identify their potential eligibility for benefits and programs

National Direct Marketing Association opt out: www.dmachoice.org/

Allows you to opt out of direct marketing mailing, telemarketing or email lists. Register online for free. If you do not a computer, the Bowdoinham Public Library has a public computer that can be used to register. Postal mail registration requires payment.

National Do-Not-Call List:1-888-382-1222

This national registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. Register online at www.donotcall.gov

Pine Tree Legal Assistance: 1-207-764-4349

www.ptla.org/

PTLA is a statewide, non-profit organization committed to providing high quality, free, civil legal assistance to low-income people in Maine.

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

If you have questions about your medications after your pharmacy or primary care office is closed, call poison control. Trained nurses and pharmacists can help you with questions about pill identification or what to do if you think you took a double dose or forgot to take your medications. They can also answer questions about food safety and general poison control.

Suicide Prevention: 988

988 is active across the US and routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). When someone calls texts, or chats988, the person will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how someone’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect individuals to resources if necessary.

Tri County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112

The crisis line can be called when someone is feeling suicidal or homicidal, or for other mental health crises. The crisis line can connect someone to local resource centers, who can assess a person’s needs and facilitate connection to services.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Affordable Connectivity Program: online at

www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program

A US government program that helps many low income households to pay for broadband services and internet connected devices.

Alpha One: 1-800-640-7200 or online at www.alphaonenow.com

Assists people of all ages with a range of disabilities; mobility impairments, traumatic brain injury, vision and hearing impairments, developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Call if you need help with accessible design, finding equipment to make life easier at home or in the car, or finding funding for needed changes – like a ramp or home modifications.

Brunswick Respite Care: 1-207-729-8571

Provides adult day services for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementia to give caregivers time off from the continual supervision of a family member or friend. Charges an hourly fee. Limited sponsorship money is available upon request.

Digital Literacy Program: 1-207- 666-8405 or online at www.bowdoinhamlibrary.org/digital-literacy-courses/

In partnership with the National Digital Equity Center, the Bowdoinham Library offers classes designed to helpeveryone gain a basic level of understanding of computer technology including “apps,” email, the web and much more. Intermediate classes are available as well. The Bowdoinham Library also has volunteers to assist individual patrons use their digital devices and loans devices when available.

ICanConnect: 617-972-7619 or 516-340-1014

Help people with both vision and hearing loss (not one or the other).

Maine CITE: 207-621-3195 or online at www.maineCITE.org

The mission of Maine CITE is to improve access and acquisition of assistive technology by people of all ages and all abilities in the area of education, employment, community living, information technology, and telecommunications.

Medical Equipment Program: 207-666-5531

Donated medical equipment (e.g., crutches, walkers, toilet seats, etc.) is available to all residents free of charge. The program also accepts used medical equipment in good working condition.

Midcoast Connector Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: 1-855-930-7900

This program, serving MaineCare (Medicaid) members living in Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties, provides rides to non-emergency medical appointments or reimburses members or their driver for transporting them to non-emergency medical appointments.

Rides in Neighbor’s Cars: 1-207-837-9577

Rides in Neighbors’ Cars matches volunteer drivers with Bowdoinham and Bowdoin residents 60 and older and people with a disability who cannot drive or don't own a vehicle. Free door-to-door service is provided to medical appointments, errands, shopping and other locations within a 50-mile radius of Bowdoinham. No fee; donations welcomed.

Search: 1-207-837-8810 or online at www.ccmaine.org/SEARCH

This program of Catholic Charities provides free support services by matching trained volunteers with seniors of all faiths who live alone in their own homes. Volunteers provide companionship, help with errands, phone reassurance calls, and assistance with home or yard projects.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-207-729-0475

Bowdoinham Food Pantry: 1-207-751-7779 or online at www.bowdoinhamfoodpantry.org

The Bowdoinham Food Pantry is located at 9 Main Street (look for the red awning down by the Waterfront) and is open every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for in-person shopping. Arrangements can be made during emergency situations outside of usual hours. The Pantry provides healthy and sustaining food, personal care products and other household items to residents of Bowdoinham and Bowdoin in a compassionate, respectful manner. No income verification is required. Rides to the food pantry or in-home delivery can be arranged. Once a month, the Pantry partners with to provide food and other items for your pets.

Consumers for Affordable Healthcare: 1-800-965-7476

Trained counselors can answer any of your healthcare insurance questions.

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) State EMS: 1-207-626-3860

To request a DNR form, call the above number or download a form online at www.maine.gov/ems/documents/EMSDNRDirective.pdf

EyeCare America: 1-800-222-3937 or online at www.eyecareamerica.org

A service of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeCare America provides free eye care services for U.S. residents age 65 and older who have not seen an ophthalmologist in at least three years and who do not insurance that covers the cost of eye care. If you are eligible for the program, you can schedule a free comprehensive eye exam with a participating local ophthalmologist. If chronic eye problems such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma are found, you will receive free eye care for the condition for up to one year. The program does not cover eyeglasses, prescription drugs, or hospital services or fees from other medical professionals. Volunteer opthalmologists will accept Medicare or other insurance as full payment with no additional payment from you. If you don’t have any insurance, the eye care is free.

MaineCare (Maine Medicaid): 1-800-452-1926 (Augusta office)

MaineCare provides health care coverage for Maine’s children and adults who are elderly, disabled, or with low incomes.

Maine Donated Dental: 1-207-620-8276 or online at www. entallifeline.org/

The program enlists volunteer dentists to provide free comprehensive dental care at no change to needy disabled, elderly and mentally compromised individuals.

Meals on Wheels: 1-207-622-9212

Run through Spectrum Generations, the Meals on Wheels program provides delicious, nutritionally balanced meals for homebound individuals 60 years of age or older and to persons with a disability who are unable to prepare a meal due to physical or mental limitations, or who have no one to prepare a meal for them. Meals on Wheels are delivered to homes by our dedicated volunteers and staff. This also provides an opportunity to check in on the meal recipient as a safety measure.

Medical Eligibility for Nursing Facility Placement or In-Home Supports: 1-833-525-5784

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services contracts with MAXIMUS Ascend to conduct assessments to determine if an individual is eligible for possible nursing facility admission or in-home services funded through MaineCare (Medicaid) or the state-funded home-based care program.

Medicare: 1-800-633-4227

Medicare is a national United States health insurance program for people 65 and older. It is also for people with certain disabilities or end-stage kidney failure.

New Eyes for the Needy: 1-973-376-4903 or online at www.new-eyes.org

Provides prescription eye glasses for people with meet income requirements and who do not have insurance that covers the cost of prescription glasses. If you believe you are qualified, contact Spectrum Generations at 1-800-639-1553 or Bowdoinham’s Older Adult Services Coordinator at 1-207-666-5531 to file an application.

Richmond Area Health Center: 207-737-4359

The Center is part of the US Public Health system and provides acute, chronic and preventive medical services to Richmond and the surrounding areas. The Center provides treatment regardless of income and insurance coverage.

Tri County Mental Health Services: 207-783-9141 or online at www.tcmhs.org

This number connects individuals to non-emergency services. Individuals wanting mental health help can be referred to Tri County by a provider or can be self-referred through the agency’s website. Tri County services include, but are not limited to, counseling, medical management, case management, residential services, and substance abuse services.

University of New England Dental Clinic: 1-207-221-4900

Preventive services provided in Westbrook. There is a $30 fee for services.

FINANCIAL RELIEF

AARP Foundation Tax Aid: 1-888-227-7669

Assistance from trained volunteers to low- to moderate-income taxpayers with tax preparation and filing, or receive help with your taxes at one of our Tax-Aide sites. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know, and understand, the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Sites are open annually from late January/early February to April 15. To find a location in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html, Email [email protected] or call the above number.

CA$H Maine: www.cashmaine.org/

CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Since 2003, CA$H Maine has offered free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season. Check online for a site near you as locations can vary each year.

General Assistance: 1-207-666-5531

The Town of Bowdoinham administers the General Assistance Program which helps individuals and families meet basic living expenses such as rent, food, electricity, fuel and other basic necessities based on come.

Homestead Exemption Act: 1-207-666-5531

A state program administered by the Town, the homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $25,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine, the home must be your permanent residence, you must have owned a home in Maine for the twelve months prior to applying and an application must be filed on or before April 1 with the municipality where the property is located.

Kennebec Valley Community Action Program: 1-207-622-4761 or online at www.kvcap.org/

Assistance with a variety of programs including housing, fuel assistance, transportation, weatherization, home repair, foreclosure prevention, and home buyer education.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): 1-207-859-1500 or

1-800-542-8337 or online at www.kvcap.org

Administered by The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, LIHEAP helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

Midcoast Maine Community Action Program: 207-729-4721

Assistance with programs including housing counseling, budget assistance, abuse prevention, child care, emergency services, family development, heat and utility assistance, nutrition services, and parenting services.

Money Minders: 1-207-729-0475

Offered through Spectrum Generations, Money Minders screens, trains and insures volunteers to assist older adults manage their finances. Services are at no fee for qualified clients and on a few-for-service basis to clients exceeding income guidelines. Persons served must be competent and able to make all financial decisions about the handling of their money, sign their own checks, and keep full control of their bank accounts and other assets.

Property Tax Stabilization Program: 1-207-666-5531

Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens, also known as the Property Tax Stabilization Program, is a State program that allows certain senior-citizen residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead at the amount billed in the prior tax year. To qualify, residents must (1) be at least 65 years old; (2) be a permanent resident of Maine; and (3) have owned a Maine homestead for at least 10 years. Qualified homeowners must file a timely application each year which is available at the Town Office.

Social Security: 1-800- 772-1213 (Augusta office)

Social Security administers retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enrolls individuals in Medicare. Social Security also provide Socials Security Numbers, which are unique identifiers needed to work, handle financial transactions, and determine eligibility for certain government services.

HOUSING & REPAIR

Bowdoinham Estates: 1-207-737-4359

This 75-unit complex in Bowdoinham offers one and two bedroom apartments to older adults and adults with disabilities. Rentals are subsidized through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Section 515 Rural Rental Housing, and Section 521 USDA Rental Assistance.

Brunswick Topsham Housing Authority: www.brunswickhousing.org

Brunswick Topsham Housing Authority provides safe, quality, and affordable housing for eligible persons in need of assistance, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.

Comfortably Home: 1-207- 295-3317 www.comfortablyhome.org

Comfortably Home specializes in one-time, minimally disruptive but high-impact, minor home improvements to facilitate ease-of-living as people grow older. This includes safety checks, accessibility modifications and minor home repairs at no cost to eligible homeowners. The team has assisted more than 270 Midcoast households in making home a safer place to stay. We invite you to review our services to see if Comfortably Home could make a difference for you or someone you know.

Habitat for Humanity: 1-207-504-9332 or online at www.habitat7rivers.org

The Critical Home Repair program is designed to make homes more affordable, safer and healthier. Modifications can be made for homeowners who are or become elderly and/or handicapped to help them to stay in their homes. Details and applications can be found on the website.

Handy Brigade: 1-207-737-2161

The Handy Brigade is run by volunteers of the Village Lodge Masonic Hall and other members of the community to help older residents in Bowdoinham with simple home repairs or chores. When a project is beyond their capacity, volunteers will help a resident connect with the right resources.

Home Safety Checklist: 1-207-666-5531

With many residents wishing to remain in their own homes as they age, Bowdoinham’s Age Friendly Committee developed a SafetyChecklist for residents and their families to use in assessing the safely of eight areas within a home: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, entrance, exterior, electrical, flooring, steps and seasonal considerations. The purpose of the self-assessment is to identify changes that can make life easier and reduce accidents and emergencies.

MaineHousing: 1-207-626-4600 or 1-800-452-4668

Provides grants or low-cost home improvement loans for health and safety related repairs and improvements. The program consists of a Home Repair Grant, Elderly Hardship grant and Septic Repair/Replacement Loans.

Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants: 1-855-481-6777

Also known as Section 504 Home Repair Program, provides loans and grants to very low-income, rural homeowners, which can be used to make home modifications for elderly or disabled residents to improve safety and remove health hazards. This includes projects such as remodeling a bathroom to allow wheelchair access and/or walk in bathtubs, construction of wheelchair ramps, and widening of doorways or hallways to permit easier access. Both grants and loans are available. However, grants are only given to those who are elderly and considered unable to repay a loan. In the event an applicant is able to repay part of a loan, he or she may be awarded a partial loan and partial grant.

Sand Bucket Brigade: 207-666-5531

Each winter, the Town of Bowdoinham provides a large pile of sand at the Waterfront Landing (to the right of the restroom building) that residents can access, in limited quantities, for their personal use. If you are unable to access your own, Fire House volunteers will deliver a 5-gallon bucket of sand to your home.

WindowDressers: 1-207-596-3073 or online at windowdressers.org

WindowDressers is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to reducing costs by lowering heat loss through windows. Trained volunteers will come to your home to measure the window and return to install the insert once made to order by volunteers. Since these window inserts are easily installed and removed, you do not need to own a home to participate in the program. These custom-fitted inserts are less expensive than anything currently on the market; free to those who cannot afford the cost.

Winter Emergency Safety Kits: 207-666-5531

To help its at-risk residents in an emergency, the Town has available winter safety kits with items needed during a power outage or other emergency (solar/hand cranked radio, carbon monoxide detector, hand warmers, Mylar thermal blanket, emergency light sticks, toe grippers). The kits were made possible through the help of Fire & Rescue, Home Depot, and grant funds.

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL

Age Friendly Activities: 1-207-666-5531 or online at www.bowdoinham.com/calendar-field_start_date/month

The Town of Bowdoinham sponsors multiple weekly activities including cribbage, yoga, bridge, line dancing and monthly lunches. Call the Town Office to check out activities and schedules or check out the Town Calendar.

Bowdoinham Public Library: 1-207-666-8405 or online at www.bowdoinhamlibrary.org/

The Bowdoinham Public Library offers a variety of print resources for circulation, as well as movies, magazines, and audiobooks. There are two monthly book groups and a weekly story time for preschoolers. The Library holds passes to state parks, botanical gardens, and museums. Public computers are available as well as wireless printers and high-speed internet. Patrons can download audiobooks and e-books with a subscription to CloudLibrary.

Guilt Free Book Club: 1-207-666-8405

A laid back and guilt free book club that is open to women and men. The group meets the4^th Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Bowdoinham Library. Call the number above for further information.

Historical Society: 1-207-666-8255 or online at www.bowdoinhamhistoricalsociety.org/

The Bowdoinham Historical Society collects and preserves records and physical objects relating to the history of Bowdoinham. Events, membership and volunteering opportunities can be found on their website.

Loose Ladies Book Club: 1-207-666-8405

A laid back and guilt free book that is open to women and men. The group meets the 3^rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Bowdoinham Library. Call the number above for further information.

Maine Center on Aging: 1-207-262-7920 or online at www.mainecenteronaging.umaine.eddu/service/senior-companion-program/

The Senior Companion Program is a volunteer program for folks 55 and older who are interested in helping homebound or isolated seniors or adults with disabilities maximize, maintain or regain their independence.

Midcoast Senior College: 1-207-725-4900 or online at

www.midcoastseniorcollege.org/

Midcoast Senior College is dedicated to providing quality education for people 50 years of age and older. Classes include subjects such as art, music, history, crafts, philosophy, English, environmental studies, law, sociology, science and government.