Life in Maine is almost iconic as a representation of New England. Seniors seeking an active retirement spot with some of the country’s best seafood, a cost of living that’s 3.5% below the national average and four full seasons each year might consider the crashing waves and rocky Atlantic Beaches of Maine. Portland, the largest city in the state, is right on the coast and has plenty to occupy those interested in the arts and culture at the Portland Museum of Art, while the Allagash Brewing Company is just one of the dozens of small-batch, craft brewers throughout the state.
Seniors who are early in their retirement or who need little to no assistance with daily activities are ideal candidates for independent living communities. These communities often provide easy access to social opportunities and may offer extra services such as congregate meals, all while residents live in individual homes or apartments. Seniors participate as much or as little as they choose.
Independent living averages $3,862 per month in this state. This guide offers more information about the expected cost of independent living in Maine, along with resources that may be helpful to seniors as their situation changes.
The Cost of Independent Living in Maine
Note: There is no definitive data for tracking the specific costs of Independent Living, but it tends to be 30-40% percent less expensive than Assisted Living. To determine Independent Living prices in the guide below, we’ve subtracted 35% from the Assisted Living cost data found in the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey.
Independent Living costs roughly $3,812 a month in Maine, which is considerably higher than the U.S. average of $2,925. However, Maine’s prices are also a bit lower than those of its direct neighbor New Hampshire, where seniors pay an estimated $3,934 per month. Prices are yet higher in Massachusetts at $4,225, while Vermont’s prices are the lowest of the group at $3,413.
Prices for Independent Living fall within a fairly wide range in Maine. In Bangor, seniors can expect to pay $3,088, and in Lewiston, the price is $3,565 — both below the statewide average. In Portland, the state’s most populous city, the estimated cost of Independent Living is much higher at $4,241.
There are a few other care-type options for older adults in Maine. Adult Day Care runs about $2,600 a month, making it a much cheaper option than Independent Living. For an average price of $5,720 a month, seniors can set up home-based care through either Home Health Aide or Homemaker services. Assisted Living is a slightly more expensive option at $5,865 but is essential for seniors who need personal daily support. There’s a significant jump in the costs with Nursing Home care, where a semiprivate room costs $10,494 a month and a private room runs roughly $11,254.
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home (private room)
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Maine?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Maine.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Maine
Independent living is typically paid entirely out of pocket. Government programs don’t offer assistance with room and board at these facilities, though some waivers or long-term care insurance may help with assistance services delivered as seniors need additional help with daily activities. For the direct cost of independent living, seniors may opt to sell their homes to purchase their new retirement homes. Another option may be a reverse mortgage for those seniors uninterested in selling their homes. There are many financing options to help with the costs of independent living in Maine.
Independent Living Resources in Maine
For seniors considering retirement or newly retired, there’s a lot to do. Below are some resources that may answer questions or provide access to senior services for Mainers.
(800) 272-3900
The Maine Council on Aging is a membership organization that works together to advance legislative changes to benefit the senior community. Established in 2012, this nonprofit advocacy group is currently working to ensure expanded access to affordable housing and home repair services and addressing financial insecurity among the senior population along issues directly related to low-income such as food insecurity and access to transportation.
(207) 287-2400
In Maine, seniors can sign up for reduced-price entry to the state parks, giving them access to seemingly endless acres of pristine, natural landscapes. Seniors are eligible for both free admission without a pass and the purchase of a reduced-price vehicle pass that allows entry for everyone in the vehicle as long as the pass holder is present. Veterans can also visit state parks for free and camp for free with a lifetime membership pass available.
(800) 750-5353
Legal Services for the Elderly is a program that offers free legal help to Mainers aged 65 and better. Legal help is often provided via the hotline and includes answering a variety of questions surrounding topics such as Medicare, handling bill collectors, accessing benefits and estate planning. For complex legal matters that may require in-person representation, a staff attorney may be able to help in person.
(877) 353-3771
There are five Area Agencies on Aging serving seniors throughout Maine. Each location also doubles as an Aging and Disability Resource Center, offering services that include information and help for seniors seeking long-term care support and referral services to long-term care providers. Health insurance counseling, educational programs and advocacy are also offered through Area Agencies on Aging.
(855) 797-4357
Seniors who need financial help can apply for a variety of public supports through a simple, one-stop web portal. My Maine Connection allows seniors to apply for nutritional supplements (SNAP) and the state's Medicaid program using the same application. This program is administered through the Department of Health & Human Services.
COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Maine
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including maine.gov/dhhs. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.
Visitation Policies
Rules for Maine Communities
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Yes
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
No
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Yes
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Yes
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Yes
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Yes
Outings & Social Activities
Rules for Maine Communities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
No
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Rules for Maine Communities
Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?
Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?
Yes
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?
Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Find Independent Living Communities in Maine
Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Maine, simply put that in the search bar below.
Directory of Independent Living Communities in Portland, ME
257 Canco Rd, Portland, ME, 04103
I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about
… (read more)
I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about minor things, like can you light candles in your apartment? I have simple little questions that I wasn’t told when I came in. I have no complaints, but I would like to have some help, like how do I hang up the curtains and how do I get the curtain rods up? It’s just the basics that they don’t really tell you. There’s no manual of rules and regulations, so any sort of orientation of where things are, what do I do with my trash, and what do I do with my recycling? Just simple things like that. But other than that, everybody is very pleasant. I just hate to keep bothering someone at the front desk with my silly questions, that’s all.
I’ve only been here three days, so I’m still getting settled. I haven’t joined in any activities, although I know they have a book club, music, and bingo. They have various things, I just haven’t had the time yet to get involved. But the activities director has been here for quite a while, and she seems very nice.
I have a really nice two-bedroom. In fact, right now I’m sitting on my porch, which is huge. And I’m in the back, so I’m looking into trees, I’m not looking down on onto a parking lot. It’s lovely. I haven’t brought my dog here yet, but they are very pet friendly, and so I’m looking forward to bringing him here next week. I have two bedrooms, and a kitchenette, which is very small and a little difficult. There isn’t a room on the counter to have more than one appliance. You either have a microwave or a toaster oven. Other things are going to have to be in a cupboard or whatever. It’s a corner apartment, so I have lots of windows and it’s very bright and shiny. With regards to food, I’m not crazy about the meals, but it’s OK. I’ve only eaten three or four meals. They don’t really have a chef, they just have cooks or meals brought in or whatever, but it’s substantial.
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I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about
… (read more)
I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about minor things, like can you light candles in your apartment? I have simple little questions that I wasn’t told when I came in. I have no complaints, but I would like to have some help, like how do I hang up the curtains and how do I get the curtain rods up? It’s just the basics that they don’t really tell you. There’s no manual of rules and regulations, so any sort of orientation of where things are, what do I do with my trash, and what do I do with my recycling? Just simple things like that. But other than that, everybody is very pleasant. I just hate to keep bothering someone at the front desk with my silly questions, that’s all.
I’ve only been here three days, so I’m still getting settled. I haven’t joined in any activities, although I know they have a book club, music, and bingo. They have various things, I just haven’t had the time yet to get involved. But the activities director has been here for quite a while, and she seems very nice.
I have a really nice two-bedroom. In fact, right now I’m sitting on my porch, which is huge. And I’m in the back, so I’m looking into trees, I’m not looking down on onto a parking lot. It’s lovely. I haven’t brought my dog here yet, but they are very pet friendly, and so I’m looking forward to bringing him here next week. I have two bedrooms, and a kitchenette, which is very small and a little difficult. There isn’t a room on the counter to have more than one appliance. You either have a microwave or a toaster oven. Other things are going to have to be in a cupboard or whatever. It’s a corner apartment, so I have lots of windows and it’s very bright and shiny. With regards to food, I’m not crazy about the meals, but it’s OK. I’ve only eaten three or four meals. They don’t really have a chef, they just have cooks or meals brought in or whatever, but it’s substantial.
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75 State Street, Portland, ME, 04101
I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the differen
… (read more)
I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the different areas and the dining room and they were all nice. They included the meals with the prices, which was good. I liked that I don’t have to move if I need more help down the line.
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I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the differen
… (read more)
I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the different areas and the dining room and they were all nice. They included the meals with the prices, which was good. I liked that I don’t have to move if I need more help down the line.
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777 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure tha
… (read more)
I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure that the paint was updated, and I appreciated that. If we wanted a particular cabinet, they were willing to talk about that and they also let us take measurements.
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I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure tha
… (read more)
I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure that the paint was updated, and I appreciated that. If we wanted a particular cabinet, they were willing to talk about that and they also let us take measurements.
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830 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so
… (read more)
As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so we were looking for something in Portland. And this allowed me to have two dogs, which I have. In many of the places that we looked at, there were several that were lovely, but would only allow one pet. They have pretty much the whole range that all the rest of them have like three meals and housekeeping. There is no assisted living facility or part of the building that is dedicated to assisted living, but they help you to get in touch with local healthcare services in the Portland area. I can’t think of a service that other places have that they don’t, so it’s complete with a theater and a snack bar.
I have friends who live there and have been there for a year and a half. Everyone we’ve met has been delightful. Today I had lunch there for the first time, and it was excellent. As is everybody in these times, they’re having trouble getting adequate staff. They were working as hard as they could, but there weren’t enough people to get all the food out and hot at the same. But it was well-prepared and interesting. It was not boring food.
I think it is relatively new. It’s very well decorated. It’s beautiful. It’s very well put together. The plan of the apartments is excellent. It’s very open with lots of windows. They certainly have quite a list of activities. And during lunch, they announced what was happening today and four or five things were happening this afternoon, and it seemed like a broad range of stuff. In terms of value for money, it seems to be right on par with other facilities of the same kind in the area. It’s within cents and dollars of other facilities like it. So I think it’s probably a bargain because the other things are so good.
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As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so
… (read more)
As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so we were looking for something in Portland. And this allowed me to have two dogs, which I have. In many of the places that we looked at, there were several that were lovely, but would only allow one pet. They have pretty much the whole range that all the rest of them have like three meals and housekeeping. There is no assisted living facility or part of the building that is dedicated to assisted living, but they help you to get in touch with local healthcare services in the Portland area. I can’t think of a service that other places have that they don’t, so it’s complete with a theater and a snack bar.
I have friends who live there and have been there for a year and a half. Everyone we’ve met has been delightful. Today I had lunch there for the first time, and it was excellent. As is everybody in these times, they’re having trouble getting adequate staff. They were working as hard as they could, but there weren’t enough people to get all the food out and hot at the same. But it was well-prepared and interesting. It was not boring food.
I think it is relatively new. It’s very well decorated. It’s beautiful. It’s very well put together. The plan of the apartments is excellent. It’s very open with lots of windows. They certainly have quite a list of activities. And during lunch, they announced what was happening today and four or five things were happening this afternoon, and it seemed like a broad range of stuff. In terms of value for money, it seems to be right on par with other facilities of the same kind in the area. It’s within cents and dollars of other facilities like it. So I think it’s probably a bargain because the other things are so good.
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620 – 650 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you mov
… (read more)
My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you move in according to the colors you choose. There are so many activities going on if you like keeping busy…from games to current events to book clubs and scheduled entertainment. There is a van that will take residents out to eat or go to a show once a week .A driver will also take the residents to their appointments and grocery shopping . There are exercise classes and a pool for water aerobics…There are birthday wine and cheese celebrations every month.… The food is very good with three meal choices each night! I would highly recommend the Atrium to anyone interested in independent living.
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My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you mov
… (read more)
My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you move in according to the colors you choose. There are so many activities going on if you like keeping busy…from games to current events to book clubs and scheduled entertainment. There is a van that will take residents out to eat or go to a show once a week .A driver will also take the residents to their appointments and grocery shopping . There are exercise classes and a pool for water aerobics…There are birthday wine and cheese celebrations every month.… The food is very good with three meal choices each night! I would highly recommend the Atrium to anyone interested in independent living.
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74 Running Hill Road, South Portland, ME, 04106
I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath.
… (read more)
I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath. It had full kitchens. They had good activities. They had poker games. I believe there were more men in the facility than there were women. The common areas were very nice. They had a nice dining room, a snack room, and an exercise room. The staff that I met were very nice.
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I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath.
… (read more)
I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath. It had full kitchens. They had good activities. They had poker games. I believe there were more men in the facility than there were women. The common areas were very nice. They had a nice dining room, a snack room, and an exercise room. The staff that I met were very nice.
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78 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 04107
50 New Portland Road, Gorham, ME, 04038
I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I w
… (read more)
I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I wanted to pay, and I could get a very similar accommodation at the same price here in Portland and not have to drive to Gorham, which I don’t want to do because it is just not my neighborhood. It’s a fine place, but not what I want. The staff was very pleasant. It was a very nice atmosphere. It was clean and well laid out. It was a place I would haven’t minded living, but it wasn’t outstanding in my eyes. The lady who showed me around was quite nice.
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I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I w
… (read more)
I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I wanted to pay, and I could get a very similar accommodation at the same price here in Portland and not have to drive to Gorham, which I don’t want to do because it is just not my neighborhood. It’s a fine place, but not what I want. The staff was very pleasant. It was a very nice atmosphere. It was clean and well laid out. It was a place I would haven’t minded living, but it wasn’t outstanding in my eyes. The lady who showed me around was quite nice.
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113 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092
Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents a
… (read more)
Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents and visitors enjoy the vast amount of space the facility offers, inside and out. Residents and visitors often comment on the excellent service, the friendly and caring nature of the staff, the wide variety of activities and the uniqueness of a five-star hotel feel with an on-site bar. The community features hiking trails, a lovely garden and patio area, a spa and coffee shop and welcomes residents’ small pet companions.
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Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents a
… (read more)
Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents and visitors enjoy the vast amount of space the facility offers, inside and out. Residents and visitors often comment on the excellent service, the friendly and caring nature of the staff, the wide variety of activities and the uniqueness of a five-star hotel feel with an on-site bar. The community features hiking trails, a lovely garden and patio area, a spa and coffee shop and welcomes residents’ small pet companions.
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521 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME, 04106
The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation d
… (read more)
The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation during the day and they have additional staff that does the evening meals. They have very qualified and very friendly staff. The atmosphere there is great. My mom is in a 2-room suite and she seemed happier when she moved there. I would recommend this facility to others.
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The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation d
… (read more)
The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation during the day and they have additional staff that does the evening meals. They have very qualified and very friendly staff. The atmosphere there is great. My mom is in a 2-room suite and she seemed happier when she moved there. I would recommend this facility to others.
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100 Harbor Drive, Saco, ME, 04072
My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was con
… (read more)
My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was connected to the facility, so you just move in there. It also had a nursing home facility. You avoid having to go through multiple changes as you progress to the other care, and that was the other big plus. They were doing a wine and cheese social, had a musician come in three days a week, and had a salt water pool where they do aquacise. They looked forward to what was happening.
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My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was con
… (read more)
My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was connected to the facility, so you just move in there. It also had a nursing home facility. You avoid having to go through multiple changes as you progress to the other care, and that was the other big plus. They were doing a wine and cheese social, had a musician come in three days a week, and had a salt water pool where they do aquacise. They looked forward to what was happening.
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382 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME, 04074
4 Bessey School Drive, Scarborough, ME, 04074
Independent Living Facilities in Maine (9)
