In 1900, life expectancy was about 50. Today, it’s over 75, and if you reach that age, you can expect to be around for another 10 years.

The recent death of a woman I had known all my life made me aware of how much longer people are living today. When I was young, I didn’t know anyone who was 100. My neighbor and friend who recently passed was 106. In the past 10 years or so, I’ve interviewed at least a half-dozen women near the age of 100, and a couple of them were over that age.

Some of these ladies were living alone, but others were living with a family member. These family members themselves were over 65 so could be considered “senior citizens,” yet in their senior years they were not spending days, or even hours, at the beach or on a vacation cruise. They were setting up medical appointments and providing care for an elderly person and in most cases, working.

In the old days, of which I like to write, several generations of a family often lived in the same household and cared for each other. Changes in our culture and society have made this type of household nearly obsolete in America. Today, there are many types of so-called senior housing: independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and more. Each provides a particular service. However, at least here in the northeast, there are many older people who are being cared for primarily by a relative and usually at home. The special housing facilities are not being built quickly enough to provide for our aging population and often, the costs are prohibitive.

Caring for an elderly relative can be stressful; stress can be detrimental to one’s well being. Caring for an elderly relative can also require special skills, particularly in the health care area. If you are feeling stressed or concerned about your own health and well-being, where do you turn for information and/or help?

A good place to start is Southern Maine Agency on Aging, which administers a variety of programs available to help seniors who are caring for seniors.

One of the programs is called Partners in Caring, which can provide Caregiver Respite.

The Partners in Caring program provides the opportunity to take time off from caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Funds allocated by the Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, and managed by the five regional Agencies on Aging, are used to reimburse the family for a portion of the cost of respite care.

This respite care may be provided by a family member, friend, neighbor, adult day program or home health agency. A licensed social worker works with the family to establish and implement a plan for respite care.

The Partners in Caring program will: Reimburse up to 80 percent of what it costs the family for respite care, generally for a few hours per week, up to the yearly service cost cap for the program; Help with the cost of up to two full weeks per year of overnight care in a residential facility or in the home (a daily cost cap does apply); Allow a caregiver to apply for a waiver of all or part of the 20 percent co-payment if income and assets are extremely limited; Reimburse up to 80 percent for home modifications needed to promote safety and independence for the person with dementia, up to a $2,000 lifetime cap; Provide emotional support and resource information to caregivers

The eligibility requirements for reimbursement under the program are: A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, confirmed in writing by a physician; Liquid assets not to exceed $50,000 for the person with dementia, or $75,000 for a couple. Home, land or vehicles do not count as a liquid asset. Assets of other family members (non-spouse) are not counted; The person with dementia must not be receiving assistance from any other state-funded programs, such as Home Based Care or Community Support Funds, or be eligible for MaineCare Long Term Care programs.

All services are contingent upon the availability of state funding.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging has many other programs that can help you. For more information on Partners in Caring or other services, please call 1-800-427-7411.