Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at MaineGeneral’s Celebration of Home Care & Hospice Month

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Augusta, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, provided the keynote address today at MaineGeneral’s celebration of Home Care & Hospice Month at the Alfond Center for Health’s Prescott Education Center.  The event recognized MaineGeneral’s skilled, dedicated professionals who make a difference in the lives of patients and their families every day.  Following her remarks, Senator Collins participated in a Q&A with MaineGeneral HomeCare and Hospice employees.  Approximately 120 people attended the event.

“Home health agencies help to keep families together and enable our most frail and vulnerable older and disabled individuals to avoid hospitals and nursing homes and stay just where they want to be – in the comfort, security, and privacy of their own homes.  With your continued commitment and hard work, we can help more patients and families reach that goal,” said Senator Collins.  “I am honored to be with the skilled professionals of MaineGeneral to celebrate Home Care and Hospice Month and to thank you for your dedication to this crucial issue.” 

“MaineGeneral HomeCare & Hospice delivers exceptional care every day – to hundreds of patients a day,” said MaineGeneral Health President & CEO, Chuck Hays. “Our staff is committed to providing the best patient-centered services possible, helping patients stay in their homes where they want to be.  This is an outstanding team and we’re pleased to have Senator Collins join us to honor our employees for their hard work, long hours, long distances travelled, and most importantly, for their dedication to providing compassionate, skilled care.”

MaineGeneral HomeCare and Hospice is a not-for-profit Medicare-certified organization that provides a full range of home health and hospice services to approximately 70 towns throughout the counties of Kennebec and Somerset.  The organization currently employs more than 200 individuals who care for more than 700 patients daily. 

Last month, Senator Collins introduced the Home Health Payment Innovation Act, a bipartisan bill to protect providers from premature and unwarranted payment rate reductions as well as expand access to care in a cost-effective manner.

In January, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, a bipartisan bill authored by Senator Collins, was signed into law.  This legislation requires a coordinated strategic plan to leverage resources, promote best practices, and expand services and training available to caregivers.  

In recognition of her outstanding advocacy and long-time leadership for home care and hospice, Senator Collins received the Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine’s Ruby Slipper Award last year.