The
Housing Authority of the City of Old Town has administered a Congregate
Housing Services Program at Marsh Island Apartments since 1979.
This program, made possible with a grant from HUD, serves 21 residents
allowing them to remain independent in their homes well beyond what
would be possible without this program. Many of the residents are
beyond 90 years old.
We have been able to serve many residents over the years. We provide
a choice of one or two well-balanced meals seven days a week. Meals
are served in our dining room allowing residents to dine together
in a homey atmosphere. This provides a time for socializing as well
as eating a meal. Residents that are not able to come to the dining
room have their meals delivered to their apartments.
Housekeeping services are also provided. These include light housekeeping
such as dusting, vacuuming, changing linens, and washing dishes.
They also include laundry, shopping, errands, and transportation.
Supportive services include assistance in dealing with a variety
of problems such as paying bills, insurance forms, Medicare, Maine
Care, Social Security information, legal papers, making appointments,
and applying for other outside services.
CHSP
provides educational opportunities relating to nutrition and medications,
as well as an assortment of speakers geared toward the elderly and
disabled population. Health screening clinics are provided by our
local EMTs once a month and by a student nurse from the University
of Maine who comes in weekly during the school year.
The Congregate Housing Services Program at Marsh Island Apartments
encourages independent living to help the elderly and disabled to
maintain their dignity. One of our most memorable participants was
a resident who was a Broadway show producer. He developed throat
cancer and his wish was to stay in his apartment and die with dignity
at home. With the services provided by the Congregate Program, and
with other services that could provide the things necessary to make
that happen, such as getting him a hospital bed, he was able to
remain at home with his family with him until he passed away. From
the beginning he touched our hearts. He was a man of great courage
and wisdom and he will always be remembered.
Marsh Island Apartments
Housing Authority of the City of Old Town
358 Main Street
P.O. Box 404
Old Town, Maine 04468
207-827-6151
http://www.oldtownhousing.net/