The challenges of caring for The County’s older adults

Roger Lagasse, Special to The County
2 weeks ago

As a lifelong resident of The Valley, I’ve seen a lot of change in Aroostook County, but one thing has stayed constant: the way we take care of each other. Today, however, we’re facing one of the greatest challenges I can remember. By 2040, nearly a third of our neighbors will be 65 or older, and the number of people over the age of 85 in The County will significantly outpace the rest of Maine. 

This reality is putting an enormous strain on the resources we have to care for our older adults.

As a board member for the Aroostook Agency on Aging, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work this organization does in support of older people and their families. From providing meals and caregiver support to offering digital literacy training, the agency serves as a lifeline for many older adults across the largest and most rural county in Maine. Unfortunately, rising food and labor costs, coupled with limited funding, have made it harder than ever to deliver these critical services to everyone who has a need.

During my 38 years as CFO at Northern Maine Medical Center, I learned the importance of balancing tight budgets while meeting the needs of the community. That same commitment to responsible stewardship guides my work as board treasurer for the Agency on Aging. The staff and board work tirelessly to make every dollar count, but the demand for services continues to grow. It’s clear we need more support — from policymakers and from the community — to meet this challenge.

Equity must guide our decisions. To me, equity means listening to older adults and their families to understand their unique needs, then allocating resources accordingly. It’s not about giving everyone the same; it’s about ensuring that each person, regardless of where they live, has access to the support they need to age with dignity. 

Sometimes that means shifting resources to underserved areas; other times, it means finding creative ways to stretch our funding. These decisions aren’t easy, but they’re necessary to ensure no one is left behind.

That’s where you come in. We need your help to continue this vital work. Whether you volunteer your time, donate what you can, or advocate for increased funding at the state and federal levels, every action makes a difference.

It’s often said that a society is judged by how it treats those with the greatest need. Here in Aroostook County, the care we’ve always shown for our neighbors can help us rise to this new challenge together. Let’s ensure that every older adult in our community has access to the resources they need to live independently and reach their fullest potential.

Join us in this mission. Sign up for the Agency’s newsletter at aroostookaging.org/contact-us to learn how you can make a difference. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community for people of all ages.

Roger Lagasse of Fort Kent is the treasurer of the Aroostook Agency on Aging Board of Directors.