MACHIAS, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined Maine seniors, health care providers and professionals for a discussion on strategies to help seniors age comfortably, safely, and independently. The conversation was hosted by Community Caring Collaborative, which works to bring together service providers and volunteers from a wide range of organizations to coordinate and improve the health and well-being of people in Washington County. Today’s discussion covered the opportunities and challenges of thriving in place in Washington County.

“It’s well established that Maine is one of the oldest states in the nation, and while that age comes with benefits – say, wisdom – it also brings medical and logistical challenges,” said Senator King. “Those challenges are what make conversations like today’s so important. Maine seniors have contributed immensely to our state, and they deserve the opportunity to remain in their homes and live full, happy lives in the communities they’ve helped build. Today’s discussion helped identify key challenges our state’s seniors face and I hope that these insights, combined with the continued efforts of today’s attendees, will be a helpful resource as federal, state and local leaders work to ensure our citizens can age and thrive in place.”

As the state with the oldest median age, seniors are a vital part of Maine’s population, and Senator King has made it a priority to work to ensure they are well-represented in Washington. In March 2017, Senator King introduced the Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a process to better coordinate the many existing federal home modification programs and provide more consumer-friendly information on how those programs can benefit older Americans. Senator King is also a strong proponent of strengthening telehealth, and is a cosponsor of the ECHO Act, which was enacted in 2016 and expands access to healthcare through telemedicine in rural and underserved areas. The Senator has also continually underscored the importance of home weatherization for Maine seniors, particularly during the winter months, and has been a champion for LIHEAP funding, which can serve as a lifeline for many seniors living on fixed incomes.

Following the conversation on thriving in place, Senator King met with staff and parent participants in the Family Futures Downeast program, which is itself a Community Caring Collaborative program. Located on the University of Maine Machias campus, the program offers educational and employment opportunities for parents while providing their children with early childhood education and support. Senator King ended his day meeting with staff and parents involved in the Head Start program at the University.