Lewiston is located on the Androscoggin River roughly halfway between Augusta and Portland. With 36,225 residents, it’s the state’s second-largest city, and seniors represent more than 18% of the population. Retirees in this senior-friendly community benefit from a cost of living that’s about 15% lower than the national average. Residents also enjoy a rich array of art and culture, and health care access is good with four hospitals in the local area.
Seniors in Lewiston can choose from 20 assisted living facilities that offer 24-hour personal care. These communities cater to seniors who are healthy and independent but require some assistance with household maintenance, meal preparation and daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. The median cost of these services is $6,150 per month. This is higher than other parts of the state and the nation, but rates include a comprehensive assortment of services ranging from recreational activities to one-on-one assistance.
This guide compares assisted living rates in Lewiston to costs in nearby cities, as well as other types of seniors care. It also includes information about the benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Lewiston and a list of free resources that serve area seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Lewiston, ME
540 College St, Lewiston, ME, 04240
Montello Commons is located in Lewiston, Maine, a short drive away from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Auburndale Shopping Center and Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. Relatives describe the facility as
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Montello Commons is located in Lewiston, Maine, a short drive away from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Auburndale Shopping Center and Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. Relatives describe the facility as clean and welcoming, and they’re impressed by the friendly staff who are attentive to residents’ needs. Visitors compliment Montello Commons for its multiple dining rooms and its diverse menu and observe that the residents are kept busy with activities such as visiting the caged birds in the common room. Relatives also note the facility’s on-site hairdressing service.
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Montello Commons is located in Lewiston, Maine, a short drive away from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Auburndale Shopping Center and Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. Relatives describe the facility as
… (read more)
Montello Commons is located in Lewiston, Maine, a short drive away from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Auburndale Shopping Center and Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. Relatives describe the facility as clean and welcoming, and they’re impressed by the friendly staff who are attentive to residents’ needs. Visitors compliment Montello Commons for its multiple dining rooms and its diverse menu and observe that the residents are kept busy with activities such as visiting the caged birds in the common room. Relatives also note the facility’s on-site hairdressing service.
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33 Roger Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240
Marshwood Center is located on Roger Street in Lewiston, Maine. It’s close to Highway 126 and is just a few miles from a Family Dollar store. Residents’ loved ones commend the friendly staff and p
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Marshwood Center is located on Roger Street in Lewiston, Maine. It’s close to Highway 126 and is just a few miles from a Family Dollar store. Residents’ loved ones commend the friendly staff and praise the facility’s cleanliness. They also give high marks to the range of activities offered, which include puzzles, bingo and church services. Amenities at this community include a market and cafe. There’s also an on-site beauty parlor and a gym. Marshwood Center is pet-friendly and has private and semi-private rooms, each of which are equipped with individual climate control.
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Marshwood Center is located on Roger Street in Lewiston, Maine. It’s close to Highway 126 and is just a few miles from a Family Dollar store. Residents’ loved ones commend the friendly staff and p
… (read more)
Marshwood Center is located on Roger Street in Lewiston, Maine. It’s close to Highway 126 and is just a few miles from a Family Dollar store. Residents’ loved ones commend the friendly staff and praise the facility’s cleanliness. They also give high marks to the range of activities offered, which include puzzles, bingo and church services. Amenities at this community include a market and cafe. There’s also an on-site beauty parlor and a gym. Marshwood Center is pet-friendly and has private and semi-private rooms, each of which are equipped with individual climate control.
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200 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME, 04210
Schooner Estates can be found in the community of Auburn, Maine, close to Auburndale Shopping Center, a movie theater and several restaurants. Residents and visitors comment on how cheerful and helpfu
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Schooner Estates can be found in the community of Auburn, Maine, close to Auburndale Shopping Center, a movie theater and several restaurants. Residents and visitors comment on how cheerful and helpful the staff at this facility are and consistently describe the food as excellent. They appreciate that the kitchen staff happily accommodate special diets. Other highlights mentioned by reviewers include the roomy accommodations and the convenience of the available transportation, which helps residents get to stores and appointments. Amenities at Schooner Estates include a beauty salon, fitness room, patio, several libraries and raised garden plots.
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Schooner Estates can be found in the community of Auburn, Maine, close to Auburndale Shopping Center, a movie theater and several restaurants. Residents and visitors comment on how cheerful and helpfu
… (read more)
Schooner Estates can be found in the community of Auburn, Maine, close to Auburndale Shopping Center, a movie theater and several restaurants. Residents and visitors comment on how cheerful and helpful the staff at this facility are and consistently describe the food as excellent. They appreciate that the kitchen staff happily accommodate special diets. Other highlights mentioned by reviewers include the roomy accommodations and the convenience of the available transportation, which helps residents get to stores and appointments. Amenities at Schooner Estates include a beauty salon, fitness room, patio, several libraries and raised garden plots.
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440 Minot Avenue, Auburn, ME, 04210
Clover Health Care is located in Auburn, Maine, a small community with several attractions, including the Auburn Riverwalk trail and local history center Museum L-A. Visitors praise this facility’s
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Clover Health Care is located in Auburn, Maine, a small community with several attractions, including the Auburn Riverwalk trail and local history center Museum L-A. Visitors praise this facility’s convenient location and well-kept grounds. Family members commend the many recreational activities available to guests, which include bingo, games, visiting entertainment and outings to movies and plays. The staff is described as being friendly, helpful and caring. According to visitors, Clover Health Care’s amenities include on-site manicures, pedicures and hairstyling. Residents are also provided with transportation to medical appointments as needed.
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Clover Health Care is located in Auburn, Maine, a small community with several attractions, including the Auburn Riverwalk trail and local history center Museum L-A. Visitors praise this facility’s
… (read more)
Clover Health Care is located in Auburn, Maine, a small community with several attractions, including the Auburn Riverwalk trail and local history center Museum L-A. Visitors praise this facility’s convenient location and well-kept grounds. Family members commend the many recreational activities available to guests, which include bingo, games, visiting entertainment and outings to movies and plays. The staff is described as being friendly, helpful and caring. According to visitors, Clover Health Care’s amenities include on-site manicures, pedicures and hairstyling. Residents are also provided with transportation to medical appointments as needed.
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26 Bolster St, Auburn, ME, 04210
My father-in-law stayed at Bolster Heights Residential Care for respite. He needed some kind of assistance. It’s decent. I realized from the very beginning when we went there, they were very kind and
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My father-in-law stayed at Bolster Heights Residential Care for respite. He needed some kind of assistance. It’s decent. I realized from the very beginning when we went there, they were very kind and caring to him. They made it easy for him to feel at home. I didn’t hear any complaints from him because he doesn’t like to go to a nursing home. They had to call us to get permission to have him tested because he loves food too much, so I don’t think the food was an issue. I’ve seen them doing some kind of an exercise workout. His room was spacious, nice, and clean. One thing is for sure, I would put him back there again if I needed to. If it’s time for him to have a permanent placement, that’s probably where he’s gonna go. It’s kind of an old facility. He came back to the house pretty happy. They were the cheapest that I could find. If it was for a longer term, the price would be a little bit less.
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My father-in-law stayed at Bolster Heights Residential Care for respite. He needed some kind of assistance. It’s decent. I realized from the very beginning when we went there, they were very kind and
… (read more)
My father-in-law stayed at Bolster Heights Residential Care for respite. He needed some kind of assistance. It’s decent. I realized from the very beginning when we went there, they were very kind and caring to him. They made it easy for him to feel at home. I didn’t hear any complaints from him because he doesn’t like to go to a nursing home. They had to call us to get permission to have him tested because he loves food too much, so I don’t think the food was an issue. I’ve seen them doing some kind of an exercise workout. His room was spacious, nice, and clean. One thing is for sure, I would put him back there again if I needed to. If it’s time for him to have a permanent placement, that’s probably where he’s gonna go. It’s kind of an old facility. He came back to the house pretty happy. They were the cheapest that I could find. If it was for a longer term, the price would be a little bit less.
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64 Lisbon Rd, Lisbon, ME, 04250
The staff that I worked with were great people who cared deeply about our residents. It was very sad some days to work there because every resident had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember much. We had s
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The staff that I worked with were great people who cared deeply about our residents. It was very sad some days to work there because every resident had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember much. We had some really great resident who were happy go lucky and others who just wanted to be left alone. We had daily activities for the residents which included but not limited to games, religious services, dances, and other special events. I must say that even though I speak highly of this facility there were some down sides as well. For one I did not like the way the facility smelled. I wish they used some kind of air fresheners to hide or somewhat mask the smell of old people. There also could have been better food for the residents. There wasn’t much of a variety of food for them. They pretty much just ate the same meals every week. Maybe adding a menu for the residents so they can choose what they would like to eat instead of having it planned for them. Overall, the facility was usually very clean inside and out and most residents and workers were happy to be there.
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The staff that I worked with were great people who cared deeply about our residents. It was very sad some days to work there because every resident had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember much. We had s
… (read more)
The staff that I worked with were great people who cared deeply about our residents. It was very sad some days to work there because every resident had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember much. We had some really great resident who were happy go lucky and others who just wanted to be left alone. We had daily activities for the residents which included but not limited to games, religious services, dances, and other special events. I must say that even though I speak highly of this facility there were some down sides as well. For one I did not like the way the facility smelled. I wish they used some kind of air fresheners to hide or somewhat mask the smell of old people. There also could have been better food for the residents. There wasn’t much of a variety of food for them. They pretty much just ate the same meals every week. Maybe adding a menu for the residents so they can choose what they would like to eat instead of having it planned for them. Overall, the facility was usually very clean inside and out and most residents and workers were happy to be there.
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41 Pleasant Street, Auburn, ME, 04210
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Lewiston
Assisted living facilities in Lewiston must follow regulations developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Licensing applications and inspections for assisted living facilities and residential care homes are handled by the Assisted Housing Program, which is part of the Division of Licensing and Certification.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Lewiston
- Seniors in Lewiston must be prepared for harsh winter weather. The area receives 74 inches of snow every year, which is almost three times higher than the typical U.S. city. However, summers are pleasant with optimal temperatures in June, July and August.
- Lewiston is a very safe community. There are very few violent crimes, such as assaults, and the number of property-related offenses is about average when compared to similarly-sized communities. Assisted living facilities also have additional security features.
- While Maine is not a tax-friendly state for retirees according to Kiplinger, it doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and there’s an exemption on up to $10,000 of pension income. Homeowners aged 65 and older may also qualify for property tax breaks based on their annual income.
- Lewiston has been named one of the country’s best places to retire, according to Forbes, for several years running. Good health care access, low crime rates and clean air enhanced the city’s overall rating.
- Western Maine Transportation Services offers numerous fixed-route and demand-response transit programs for older adults and disabled residents. Citylink provides curb-to-curb paratransit services to individuals who are unable to use the agency’s regular bus lines. Additional services are funded by United Way.
- Residents of Androscoggin County benefit from excellent air quality. The area received an A grade for ozone and 24-hour particulates from the American Lung Association. These conditions benefit older adults and individuals who have certain respiratory ailments.
Paying for Assisted Living in Lewiston
Assisted living in Lewiston costs an average of $6,150 per month, which is well above the state median and the national average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At a median cost of $6,150 per month, Lewiston is a fairly expensive city for assisted living residents. This is about $200 more than the state median of $5,942 per month and $1,850 higher than the national average of $4,300. Lewiston’s prices are typical when compared to other metropolitan areas in the state. Seniors in Bangor save about $1,300 per month based on average rates of $4,842. However, the median rises to $6,583 in Portland. Even looking outside the state, seniors in Manchester, New Hampshire, pay slightly more, at an average of $6,650 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Compared to other forms of long-term care, assisted living can provide an excellent value since it includes room, board and personal care for one fixed rate. In-home care costs $5,148 per month for both homemaker and home health aide services, but seniors are still responsible for housing and other ongoing experiences. Adult day health care is generally the cheapest type of senior care available. While no cost data is available for adult day health care in Lewiston, seniors across the state typically pay $3,467 for this level of care. Seniors who require skilled nursing services may benefit from living in a nursing home. In Lewiston, a semiprivate room in a nursing home costs an average of $9,125 per month, while private accommodations are more expensive at $9,581.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lewiston
In addition to Medicaid, Maine has a database of over 400 state, federal, local and private programs to help pay for assisted living. Assistance in reviewing these opportunities is available at the Lewiston Area Agency on Aging.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Maine page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Maine page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Lewiston
Seniors in Lewiston can contact the following organizations to learn more about helpful services that are available in the local area. These agencies can assist with long-term care planning, transportation and healthy aging.
As the Area Agency on Aging for Lewiston and the surrounding communities, SeniorsPlus provides a wide range of free and low-cost services that benefit disabled adults and seniors aged 60 and older. It provides care coordination, healthy aging programs, Medicare counseling and supportive services for older adults who require long-term care.
The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program offers a variety of free resources for seniors and their families. It informs residents about their rights and provides educational guides to help consumers understand all their options and select the type of long-term care that’s most appropriate for their needs.
Lewiston Senior Citizens offers a diverse range of recreational activities and special events for seniors aged 50 and older. The center has a bridge club and a pinochle league. It also organizes concerts, holiday parties, travel opportunities and luncheons. Annual membership costs just $10.
This regional service office assists veterans and military families in Lewiston and four surrounding counties. Service officers handle benefits claims and appeals and provide informational services to help qualifying residents learn more about available programs, such as tax breaks and Aid & Attendance payments, that can be used to help cover long-term care expenses.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Lewiston
Lewiston-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Maine are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Maine page for more information about these laws.
