On a sunny fall afternoon a couple of weeks ago in Damariscotta, ElderCare Network administrators invited all ElderCare Network employees to gather in the community room at Hodgdon Green for a special announcement. Thanks to a bill passed earlier this year: LD 1078 An Act to Preserve MaineCare Assisted Living sponsored by Senator David Burns of Washington County, PNMIs and Adult Family Care Homes received a 4 percent increase in reimbursement this year. That fact, combined with ECN’s dedicated fundraising efforts in 2015, made it possible for all ElderCare employees to receive a wage increase. At the October ElderCare Network Board of Directors meeting, the board voted unanimously to grant all employees a wage increase effective immediately.

“Every ElderCare Network employee is a valued member of our caring team,” said Executive Director Andrea Handel. “The challenges we face in providing services to Lincoln County seniors are ever-present. We recognize the hard work, dedication and loyalty that ECN employees have shown through our 18 years of operations. We’re thrilled to be able to direct the receipt of increased state reimbursement funds and fundraising gifts directly to our awesome and caring staff.”

ElderCare Network of Lincoln County provides services to as many as 70+ seniors in Lincoln County through a variety of individualized and unique programs including: Residential Care in cozy, homelike settings, in-home services through its Independence at Home program, respite care when beds are available and caregivers wish to travel or take a break and Adult Day Services in seven Lincoln County villages. ElderCare Network services are an exceptional value for seniors and their families in Lincoln County.

For more information, call 563-2148 or check our website at www.eldercarenetwork.org We have beds available, positions to fill and a variety of needs and requests for volunteers to get involved by donating their time and talents.