Andrea LeBlanc, COO, of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, knows what it’s like to have a family member struggle with a terminal illness. Working with another health care service agency to advocate for and manage her sister’s health care needs (her sister lived out of state) caused her to probe her own agency’s performance and resulted in the development and implementation of a two-year plan to enhance AHC&H’s quality care for all their clientele. “M.O.D.E.L. Care”– an acronym for key concepts — formulates the paradigm for all components of their organization. “Meaningful, Organized, Developed, Effective/Efficient, Lasting quality care” orients almost 400 staff and about 300 volunteers, every Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice program and resource to have a total “patient focus.”

Home Care, Hospice Care, and Supportive Care form the three core services offered to help community members navigate acute, chronic or end-of-life health challenges. Whether recovering from surgery, contending with an ongoing serious illness, or dealing with unexpected and severe health problems, many have benefitted from using their Home Care program. Hospice Care is about “living every day as a quality day” — the sooner a patient enters Hospice services the more comprehensive assistance they can receive. Along with a reduction in stress, with help from Hospice services sometimes peoples’ lives are extended as pain decreases and symptoms are reduced. The Hospice House, often misconstrued as a place to die, is actually a  “short stay” additional resource available to maximize patients’ comfort levels when adequate pain and symptom control cannot be achieved at home. Finally, Supportive Care fosters independent living for individuals dealing with health difficulties that restrict their ability to maintain a household. Meals, housekeeping, and even transportation are a few examples of the supportive measures offered to encourage independent living or to help residents and visitors with special health care needs manage an extended stay in Maine.

Health insurance, private pay and even charity services are provided depending on the patient’s circumstances and the assistance needed.

Also, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice offers grief groups for those struggling with the loss of a loved one. Bereavement Coordinator Dennis Sicotte supervises a team of volunteer facilitators “to help people understand the grieving process. It’s just that — a process … peer-led support groups help them to understand the process.” There are three sessions lasting eight weeks held throughout the year. An ongoing group for children and teens also exists, as does a suicide support group. A telephone call or alternate location can be arranged when transportation is problematic.

Serving Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Cumberland, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Somerset counties with offices in Bridgton, Brunswick, Lewiston, Norway, Wilton, and the Hospice House in Auburn, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is a treasure in our midst that offers a spectrum of health care options administered by dedicated personnel.

“We’re here for YOU!” emphasized LeBlanc, reflecting the values held by this agency with a 47-year commitment to our community’s health care needs.