Maine Home Healthcare Workers Left Unpaid as Caire Home Healthcare Shuts Down

Augusta, Maine – Home health care workers in Augusta, Maine, have been left without pay for weeks after Caire Home Healthcare abruptly ceased operations on Friday, March 20, 2026. The closure leaves 17 clients without care and raises questions about the fate of outstanding wages and company funds.

Company Closure and Unpaid Wages

Employees at Caire Home Healthcare received a brief message on Friday announcing the company’s immediate closure, with no explanation provided. Nicole Breedlove, a personal support specialist at the agency, stated, “I acquire a message that just says the company’s closing down, no explanation. No questions answered for clients or myself.”

Several workers reported being owed pay for up to three weeks. Carla Thornton, another personal support specialist, explained, “Right now, we all have a check that we cannot get cashed because it’s no good. We were due another paycheck today, which we’re not getting paid for.” Laurie Gaynor described the situation as “theft of services,” adding, “How can you not pay dedicated workers…they deserve answers.”

Impact on Clients

The sudden closure has left vulnerable elderly clients without essential care. Breedlove, who cares for an 86-year-old client, intends to continue providing care despite not receiving payment. “I have an 86-year-old client. You grasp she can’t be without care. I’ve been providing care and not getting paid, and I’m going to continue to do so,” she said.

Joanne Leach, a personal support specialist, expressed concern for the clients, stating, “It’s not even about our pay. It’s about the clients. They’re left with nothing and now no staff, I mean they’re elderly, most of them are elderly and depend on us.” Leach has refused to take on additional shifts due to the lack of compensation.

IRS Levy and Company Finances

Former administrator Jessica Taylor attributed the closure to tax-related issues. “Due to IRS levies and the IRS revenue officer wanting to shut the business down,” Taylor said. Workers are questioning the whereabouts of company funds, with Leach asking, “Where’s the money gone? Where is all the money gone that this company has received for payment?”

Taylor confirmed that the company is permanently closed but assured employees that they will be paid. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

Ongoing Concerns

The situation highlights the precarious financial state of some home healthcare providers and the potential impact on vulnerable clients and dedicated workers. Employees are seeking answers regarding the missing funds and a resolution to the unpaid wages.