Dear Editor:

We are writing to strongly voice our family’s concern to MaineHealth’s leadership and to alert the people of the Boothbay region that yet another vital service in our community has been taken away without warning.

While attending a Wound Care appointment at MaineHealth Primary Care in Boothbay Harbor, we were informed that effective immediately, toenail care would no longer be offered and if we wanted to continue this service for our 98-year-old mother, we would have to travel to the MaineHealth MilesCampus in Damariscotta. This treatment is covered by Medicare and is essential to elders overall healthcare. The service has been provided locally for years and has been critical to our family’s wellness plan for our mother. We would like to know what is the reasoning behind discontinuing this vital community program?

Proper toenail care is a key aspect of preventive healthcare that isn’t talked about much yet it is crucial for seniors to maintain their mobility and prevent infection. These appointments also provide an opportunity for professionals to monitor circulation issues and diabetes complications, that can lead to serious foot injuries. Regular maintenance (proper trimming) ensures comfort and independence, something that we Mainer’s take great pride in-the ability to age at home. It should have been taken into consideration that long travel times in the car are difficult for our aging population, and that the MaineHealth Miles Campus is challenging for its elderly patients with its lack of close parking, not enough designated handicapped spots, and examination rooms that are located on the far end of the building - none of this is congruent with eldercare.

Also, many of our older neighbors don’t drive or have family living nearby tohelp them. Paying for transportation to travel off the peninsula will become a burdensome expense at a time when many people are on fixed incomes and the cost of living has increased. Toenail appointments are critical to seniors wellbeing in our community as they provide yet another opportunity for our healthcare providers to observe and alert us to any other foot conditions that may be occurring.

We implore MaineHealth’s leadership to reinstate this crucial medical service to the patients who utilize MaineHealth’s Primary Care in Boothbay Harbor.

Evelyn L. Sherman, Patient

Sarah A. Sherman, Daughter

Susan P. Sherman Jellison, Daughter