The Best Independent Living Communities in Cumberland County, ME

"I liked the fact that Ocean View at Falmouth was large and that they had a lot of activities going on. They sent out emails on updating things and they seemed to be on top of everything. The only problem I have with that place is that it's too expensive. They were wonderful and they had everything. Their rooms had some interesting layouts. They were very nice. The atmosphere was very uplifting. I liked the fact that it's on the water too."

"We visited our friends who are residents of The Atrium at The Cedars. They have a lovely unit, and it was the size that we would be looking for independent living, and it's very nice. There are more options for food, which is more attractive. It's a bit higher class. We had lunch there, and it was very good. They have a smaller cafe-type place, and that's where we ate. The chief advantage of The Atrium at The Cedars is that you can be there if you have a memory care or an assisted living issue. They can take care of that easily."

"We chose The Park Danforth for my parents. The rooms were very big, updated, and modernized. The new section of the facility was nice. We like the location in Portland. The facilities for the meals and the options for the meals and stuff were really good as well. They've got a gym which looks pretty good. They've got a nice meeting room. There are a lot of community activities. They seek resident feedback very actively in community meetings in order to make changes and improvements."

"I moved to Betsy Ross House. I'm very happy. It was the right place for me to move to. Everyone here is very friendly. The facility itself is very clean and well-kept, and there are so many activities. I don't know which to do first. The only drawback is the apartments are small. I moved in from a two-bedroom apartment with a lot of room. When you come into the apartment, which I'm using as my computer room and office and all of that, you can't hang anything on that wall. They have a movie night. The people go down and watch the movies. They also have bingo games, poker games, and cornhole, so there are a lot of things that you can do. Everybody has a good time doing it and participating. I did not take the meal plan because I have a full kitchen. I wish I had a dishwasher which I need. I have a stove and an oven and I put in a microwave. It's livable. It's nice. They're currently constructing an addition to the Betsy Ross House. I don't know how many units are going to be in that, but it's a fairly good size. The staff was very responsive, in the winter, I gave them a duplicate set of my car keys because if we have a big snowstorm, they do go and plow the parking lot, and also clean off all the cars, so that's a big benefit. The manager is good. She listens to you. She's very good."

"My Aunt spent 9 months there with so much love and dignity given to her daily. Today would of been her 82nd birthday. Last year she celebrated her Birthday on the Summer unit. She was surrounded by so much love and it was one of her best birthdays in years. I am forever grateful for the kindness,love and care my Aunt Roberta received. Staff shows so much love and dedication. Management walks the talk and is very amazing and approachable. I recommend this facility to everyone . I have been in healthcare since 1985. No worries if you put your loved one there. They will truly love and respect them. I will be forever grateful to them. Kelly Yattaw"

"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. "

"We visited Piper Shores and toured for independent living. That was quite an incredible place out there. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and it's overwhelmingly so with its decoration and the fact that it's huge. It's three floors with an elevator to different floors, and the amenities, artwork, and all the things they have to offer are just off the charts. You could not find a better spot than that. You probably couldn't find a more expensive spot, either. I didn't eat anything there, but I did look at several of the options as I was walking around, and it was all first-class dining. They have amenities almost too many to mention, like a standalone woodworking shop, a room that's just dedicated to fabric art and sewing, and a room dedicated to painting and sculpture."

"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. "

"Thornton Oaks Retirement is a lovely place that's very welcoming. It has cottages and apartments. We felt very comfortable there, everything was very clean and nicely kept up, and we like how they handled COVID. The staff who gave the tour was very welcoming, answered all our questions, and took the time to be with us. The upkeep of the place is very good and it all looked very good."

"I'm in Coastal Landing. I think it's wonderful. Very friendly people. Meals are wonderful. Accommodations are great. The organization of activities is fantastic. They have local transportation. They have bingo, book clubs, crafts, arts, and local shopping trips. They have a library, activity room, chapel, theater, multiple living rooms, meetings, family gatherings, group gatherings, and a very fine dining room."

"The apartments and facility are lovely and well cared for by the staff. The shared spaces are welcoming and used often. The activities offered daily are designed for everyone and create a close community with the residents. The staff are all outstanding. They smile, say hello and are warm and very positive. They show they care and are very observant of each resident's needs. This senior home is far above other senior living residences in every aspect that I have visited all over the state. I highly recommend Sunnybrook to all families."

"This is an extraordinary place. I have visited many nursing homes and assisted living facilities over the years but have never seen a facility as warm, comfortable, caring, compassionate, supportive, friendly and professional as Hill House. My mother moved to Hill House seven years ago after breaking her hip, reinjuring it in another facility, having multiple hip repair surgeries, and being told by her doctor that she would never walk again. The Hill House staff were wonderful right from the start. They took great care of her, attended to all of her needs, and did everything possible to ease the transition from independent to assisted living. The nursing and personal care has been outstanding. Now my mother walks to the dining room twice a day and is very engaged in Hill House activities. Hill House is also special in planning resident activities that are creative, stimulating, engaging, entertaining and fun. Some examples are: Picnics by the water, costumes and a bonfire at Halloween, barbecues, residents baking pies and making crafts for a public Thanksgiving fair, excursions to the beach and a drive-in restaurant, daily exercise sessions, and stimulating games for all cognitive levels. Hill House has an inviting, family-like atmosphere. Family members and guests are always welcome to dine with residents at no charge. While the building is not upscale, it is located on a hill with beautiful views of tall pines and water and has a comfortable, home-like feel. My mother and my family feel very fortunate to have found Hill House. "

"My mom moved into Montello Heights. It's well-organized and clean. It's got a library. It's got one meal included and light housekeeping. The room is very nice. It's a studio apartment. We're managing out of pocket based on her benefits. And the people there are kind. Mom is pretty sharp. She's in her 80s, but she's got some mobility issues, and they're aware of that. The building is designed with wider hallways, and the room itself is designed for wider doors and wider entries to accommodate people who might be in scooters or in wheelchairs."