Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Aroostook Agency on Aging has received a total of $977,135 to create a Memory Care Center that will offer improved resources and care for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.  This competitive funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration For Community Living. 

“Nearly 40,000 Mainers are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older,” said Senators Collins and King.  “When they receive this devastating diagnosis, many patients and their families are understandably worried that they will not be able to find the support and resources they need close to home.  This funding for the Aroostook Memory Care Center will be invaluable to families in Northern Maine dealing with this harsh illness and provide exceptional, quality services to patients.”

“As we age, we may need a variety of supports to enable us to live and engage in our community,” said Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging.  “The Aroostook Agency on Aging is thrilled by the announcement of this important grant funded project that addresses a growing need in our region related to memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias.”

The Aroostook Agency on Aging will use the funding to create the Aroostook Memory Care Center, which will bring services and partners together to create a county-wide resource hub to help individuals impacted by memory loss and those who support them.  The center will provide comprehensive services through in-person and virtual options, including brain health education, dementia friendly community support, early diagnosis/treatment, service coordination, adult day respite, and family/caregiver support.

Senator Collins is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease.