LEWISTON – Elder Independence of Maine, a division of SeniorsPlus, has received national recognition with two Aging Achievement Awards – one for EIM programming and one for the Caregiver Companion Program.

The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging and Guardian Medical Monitoring give the awards to recognize and highlight successful and cost-effective programs run by Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI-Native American Aging programs.

The agencies stated, “Given the rapid rise in America’s aging population, we are constantly looking for new and better ways to meet the needs of older Americans.” Guardian looks at core values of meeting people’s basic needs while keeping people safe in their homes.

Examples of criteria to be eligible for the programming award included: the program must offer a new service to older adults or their caregivers, significantly improve a service that already exists, fill gaps in existing services, have improved productivity of the agency or its staff, have produced measurable results and not rely on the application of procedures that are common practice in most area agencies on aging.

EIM’s Caregiver Companion Program applied for its award under the caregiving category by describing the unique and creative approach of focusing solely on the family caregivers of EIM consumers who have a dementia. Alzheimer specialists focus on giving support and education to the caregiver; research on this approach has found it reduces levels of stress and depression in caregivers.

Aside from being awarded a certificate, EIM and the Caregiver Companion Program will be featured on the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging Web site and in its publication for national recognition.

Sharon Foerster, director of EIM, credits the staff in every department for bringing national recognition to the work that they do with EIM’s 2,000 older adult consumers every day.

“Their teamwork and focus on the consumer combines to make EIM successful,” said Foerster. Pam Allen, executive director of SeniorsPlus, provided the leadership in building EIM from its inception eight years ago.

EIM is contracted with the state of Maine’s Office of Elder Services to provide coordination of home care through telephone care management and agreements with providers of home and community-based long term care services throughout the state. It serves older adults, adults with disabilities and children.

SeniorsPlus serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties by providing services designed to enrich the lives of seniors. Through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Partners in Caring and information and referral services, SeniorsPlus is dedicated to helping seniors navigate the aging process. For more information any of the services, call 795-4010 or 800-427-1241.

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