Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Portland, ME for 2024

Portland is a coastal Maine city with a diverse mix of cultural destinations and natural wonders. Out of the estimated 68,313 residents, 15.3% are 65 and over. The city’s low violent crime rate and pleasant summers are two reasons seniors may choose to retire here. There’s also a comparatively high number of physicians per capita and good water quality.

Assisted living may be a viable option for seniors who require some help with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or mobility. Aid is provided in a residential setting, and many communities have multiple floor plans from which to choose. Often, assisted living communities offer a wide range of services and amenities, and some are pet-friendly. In Portland, the estimated monthly cost for assisted living is $6,525. This is $660 more than the state average and $2,025 more than the nation’s.

This guide contains cost information about assisted living in Portland. Also included are potential advantages and disadvantages of the city for senior residents and a resources section.

What you can do with Caring

  • Search the Caring database

    Quickly search the largest online senior living and senior care directory

  • Read reviews and expert guidance

    Read our authentic consumer reviews and content by experts

  • Speak to a Family Advisor for free

    Guided, expert advice to find the best community or agency for you

  • Take a tour to decide yourself

    We’ll help you book tours or get in touch with local agencies

Assisted Living Facilities in Portland, Maine

27 Results


Pets AllowedPhysical TherapyPool / Hot TubVeterans Benefits

Filters

27 Results

Sort By

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.

Call us at (855) 948-3865

1

2

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Portland

Every assisted living facility in Maine is licensed and inspected by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Medical Facilities Unit. Through this branch of the DHS, seniors and family members can research the regulatory status of long-term care facilities in Portland and throughout the state. 

 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Portland

  • Portland has been a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network since 2014. The city has a livability index of 64, and each category ranks higher than the national average. For example, transportation ranks 77 as compared to the national median of 50, and the environment in Portland is 12 points higher at 62.
  • Although the property crime rate in Portland of 44.8 is a bit higher than the national average of 35.4, the violent crime rate is lower. As compared to the U.S. violent crime rate of 22.7, Portland’s is 21.1. All licensed assisted living facilities have some type of security measures in place to protect residents and their belongings.
  • Portland has an annual average of 61 inches of snow and January temperatures of 11 degrees F. However, the city’s comfortable summers may be a consolation for some seniors. Sperling’s Best Places ranks the city’s summer Comfort Index at 9.2 out of 10, one of the highest scores in the nation.
  • The number of physicians per capita in Portland is 450, substantially higher than the U.S. average of 210. Maine Medical Center is located here and is the state’s largest hospital.
  • Portland’s cost of living is slightly higher than the state and national averages. The city ranks 111.9 as compared to the Maine average of 97 and the U.S. average of 100. One compensating factor is that Social Security income isn’t taxed in Maine and other types of retirement income are only partially taxed.

 

Paying for Assisted Living in Portland, ME

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Portland and 6 other cities in Maine.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Portland, ME

Assisted living rates in Portland are rising because of inflation. On average, seniors paid $4,101 per month in 2022. Fees rose to $4,493 in 2023, with a projected further increase by 7.7% to $4,839 by 2024. Auburn's rates share a similar trajectory, rising from $4,012 in 2022 to $4,395 in 2023, and expected to reach $4,733 in 2024. Estimated 2024 fees are $5,972 in Scarborough and $9,940 in Topsham. In 2023, assisted living in Portland is priced lower than the Maine average ($5,609), but higher than the national norm ($4,459).

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Portland$4,101$4,493$4,839
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Maine$5,513$5,609$5,855
Auburn$4,012$4,395$4,733
Scarborough$5,061$5,545$5,972
Topsham$8,425$9,230$9,940

Cities in Maine

Cumberland Foreside

$10,000

Portland

$6,585

Brunswick

$5,450

Westbrook

$5,075

US

$4,000

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Older adults should take into account their preferences, care needs and financial situation when choosing the most suitable type of care in Portland. Costs differ according to amenities, services and staffing. Assisted living costs about $4,493 per month. Memory care, which includes 24-7 supervision and specialized programs to enhance cognition and stimulate the senses, is more expensive, costing around $4,832 per month. Independent living, which typically includes fewer care services, runs $2,886.

Assisted Living

$4,493

Memory Care

$4,832

Independent Living

$2,886

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Portland

Seniors who qualify for federal SSI payments can apply to Maine's supplement program to help pay for the costs associated with assisted living. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Maine page.

Financial Assistance in Maine

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 and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Portland,ME

There are many resources in Portland,ME that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Maine state page.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Southern Maine Agency on Aging800-427-7411Maine's five Area Agencies on Aging provide information, assistance, referrals and advocacy to the state's elder population. These agencies connect older adults to valuable local resources, such as medical transportation, in-home care services and educational programs. Staff also offers health insurance counseling services to help seniors navigate the ins and outs of Medicare or commercial health care plans. All offices are open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Interpreters are available for non-English-speaking callers.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Portland seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly - Portland800-750-5353Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides those aged 60 and over with free high-quality legal services.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance207-400-3212Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides free legal aid for low-income seniors in Maine. Some issues it can help with include neglect and abuse in assisted living facilities, writing wills and denials for Medicaid and other public benefits. Attorneys are able to accept civil (non-criminal) cases only.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Portland bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Adult Day Program - Portland207-283-0166This Center provides several programs for seniors and welcomes those who are living with Alzheimer's or other memory impairments. It uses a person-centered approach and therapeutic activities to engage seniors and ensure their needs are being met. Programs include painting, pet therapy, dance and movement, gardening, baking and intergenerational sessions. Seniors are welcome to attend a complimentary trial session before enrolling as a member.
The Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging207-774-4172The Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging provides a variety of programs, outings and entertainment options for those aged 55 and over. The center is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and community lunches are held every Thursday at noon.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Portland help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Portland Area Coalition for Elder Services (PACES)207-754-0730PACES is a group of service providers that are dedicated to helping seniors enhance their quality of life. These services include computer consulting, help locating assistive devices, legal help, personal care and companion care.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Portland help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Portland Social Security Office 04101800-772-1213Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Transportation Assistance

Assistance is available for seniors unable to access or use private transportation. These community resources help elderly and disabled residents make journeys in and around Portland, allowing them to run errands and attend appointments in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Regional Transportation Program - Portland800-244-0704This volunteer-run program offers county-wide transportation services for seniors and those with limited mobility. Seniors can book a ride to attend medical appointments, go shopping or visit senior centers. Trained drivers pick up service users at their homes and provide a door-to-door transport service.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Portland retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Portland877-429-6884HEAP helps low-income seniors pay for heating costs. HEAP applicants may also apply for the Low-Income Assistance Program, which pays for electricity costs by providing a credit on the recipient's electric bill.

Veteran's Services

Portland retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Portland, ME Vet Center207-780-3584The Portland, ME Vet Center offers counseling services free of charge to veterans and service members. From PTSD care to intimate partner violence support and specialized care for LGBTQ+ veterans, the professional team provides individual and group counseling. Evidence-based methods are used to help those struggling with mental health. Staff connects veterans with local resources and organizations and shares helpful information regarding accessing VA benefits. Support groups for Vietnam veterans, spouses, whole health, wellness and recovery are all available.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Portland

Portland-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.

Laws and Regulations in Maine

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Pennie

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living

My father is at Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living. He knew somebody else that was there, and he had visited it before and he liked it. He's enjoying being around other people in his age bracket....

Provider response

Hello! We value your opinion and experience with us here at Birchwoods at Canco. Thank you again for leaving a positive review, and we hope you share your positive experience with others!

Read more

Assisted Living

sylviasidney

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Portland Center for Assisted Living

I spent a short time at this facility. It is disgusting. It has a smell that just does not go away. It's dirty there and the food is disgusting. And the staff is absent they just do not get...

Read more

Assisted Living

Charlene

I visited this facility

Review of Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living

Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living was lovely. Tom was the one that showed me around, and he was excellent. It was a beautiful place, and I wouldn't hesitate to move there. The amenities sounded...

Provider response

Hello! We value your opinion and experience with us here at Birchwoods at Canco. Thank you again for leaving a positive review, and we hope you share your positive experience with others!

Read more

Helpful Articles

Assisted Living near Portland, ME

FalmouthWestbrookScarboroughCumberland ForesideSacoBrunswick

Other Options in Portland, ME

Business Owners

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.