The Maine Health Care Association has launched an intergenerational program designed to reach nursing home and assisted living residents with messages of encouragement, love, and support during these unprecedented times.

Currently, federal and state guidelines are restricting visits to nursing homes and assisted living communities to protect vulnerable residents from illness and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We recognize the hardship this places on our long term care residents and their loved ones. The Maine Caring Notes initiative aims to provide an online space for children to send messages to entertain and encourage residents of Maine nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The site allows senders to upload a handwritten note, drawing, photo or video, or submit an electronic message. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit https://www.mehca.org/mainenotes4seniors.

Messages received will be delivered to residents in nursing homes and assisted living communities across Maine. If you have a family member in a long term care facility, please contact that specific home to communicate directly with your loved one by email or video. If you don’t have a loved one in a facility and would like to send a note to brighten someone’ day, please consider participating.

“With children out of school and some of our most vulnerable Maine citizens in need of extra support, we thought this would be a safe, effective way to reach out and make sure our long term care residents feel appreciated and encouraged,” said Nadine L. Grosso, MHCA Vice President and Director of Communications.

“We hope families will take advantage of their children’s time at home to participate in this act of kindness and make these trying times a little more cheerful for many Mainers,” Grosso continued.          

The Maine Health Care Association is a nonprofit trade association, representing over 225 providers of long term care services to the state’s elderly and disabled citizens. To learn more about the Association or this initiative, like/follow us on Facebook.