Assisted living is a type of residential care suitable for older adults who find activities of daily living increasingly challenging, such as bathing and dressing. It offers 24/7 care and support while helping residents retain as much independence as possible. The median monthly fee for assisted living in Portland is $4,493, which is below Maine's average. Portland also compares favorably with the median fees of neighboring states, including New Hampshire's $6,217 and Massachusetts's $5,599.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Portland area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
Situated on a stunning, fully landscaped campus in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood, Scarborough Terrace is a senior…
4.55
Average of 44 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Ledgeview Assisted Living
92 US Route One, Cumberland Foreside ME 04110
Assisted Living
This cozy assisted living community is home to 24 seniors, making it an ideal choice for those…
3.87
Average of 7 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
The Enclave of Scarborough
18 Black Point Rd.Scarborough, ME 04074
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite
Centrally located in the peaceful seaside town of Scarborough, The Enclave of Scarborough is a well-appointed assisted…
4.31
Average of 54 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living
86 Holiday Dr.Portland, ME 04103
Assisted Living
Nestled along a peaceful, tree-lined street just a few blocks from the city of Back Cove, Birchwoods…
3.76
Average of 63 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Foreside Harbor
191 Foreside Rd.Falmouth, ME 04105
Assisted Living
Respite
With just 28 assisted living apartments, including studios, one-bedrooms and companion suites, Foreside Harbor is a cozy,…
3.88
Average of 17 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
The Landing at Cape Elizabeth
78 Scott Dyer Rd.Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Assisted Living
This resort-style senior community offers an enviable combination of elegant living spaces, professional dedicated staff, a convenient…
5
Average of 7 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Portland area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 43 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 12 hours researching assisted living communities in Portland
Read more than 125 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 10 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Portland is $6,600, which is considerably higher than the state average of $5,169 and the national average of $4,051.
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who is passionate about seniors and their families. Along with her staff, Christina works hands-on with each client to find the best solutions for the challenges that often come with aging.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Portland, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 43 communities in the Portland area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Portland and 6 additional cities within Maine.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Inflation’s impact on assisted living operating costs has pushed facilities to raise their fees. Portland’s median monthly rate rose by 10% between 2022-2023, mirroring the country’s increase during the same period. Maine’s increase was just 2%, but this is projected to rise to 4.5% in 2024, below Portland’s anticipated 8% increase.
Consequently, it’s important for families to plan for senior living. Comparing Portland with other prominent cities reveals it to be more affordable than South Portland and Scarborough, both of which average $5,545 per month. However, some savings are possible by relocating to Auburn where the median fee is $4,395.
Location
2022 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
South Portland
$5,061
$5,545
$5,972
Auburn
$4,012
$4,395
$4,733
Scarborough
$5,061
$5,545
$5,972
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Portland, ME
Contrasting types of care have different overheads, resulting in varying fees. For example, Portland’s median monthly fee for independent living is $2,886 because care is basic and medical care isn’t included. Moving on to assisted living, costs rise to around $4,493 because residents receive 24/7 care and support with daily living tasks. Fees rise further to $4,832 for memory care since residents require constant supervision from staff specially trained to help those facing cognitive decline.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$4,493
Memory Care
$4,832
Independent Living
$2,886
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Maine.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Portland, ME
Numerous resources are available in Portland, ME to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Maine state page on assistedliving.org.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Portland Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.
Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging offer a range of services and support to the elderly population in the state. These agencies serve as a valuable resource, providing information, assistance, referrals, and advocacy to older adults. They are dedicated to connecting seniors with local resources that can enhance their quality of life, such as medical transportation, in-home care services, and educational programs. Additionally, the staff at these agencies provides health insurance counseling services to help seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare or commercial health care plans. The offices are conveniently open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ensuring accessibility for those seeking assistance. For non-English-speaking callers, interpreters are available to ensure effective communication.
Legal Resources
In Portland, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance offers no-cost legal aid to elderly individuals with low incomes residing in Maine. Our dedicated team of attorneys specializes in addressing a range of concerns, including cases of neglect and abuse within assisted living facilities, drafting wills, and handling denials for Medicaid and other public benefits. Please note that our services are limited to civil matters and do not cover criminal cases.
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly offers complimentary, top-notch legal assistance to individuals aged 60 and above.
Senior Centers
In Portland, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging offers a range of activities, excursions, and entertainment choices for individuals aged 55 and above. Operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the center also hosts community lunches every Thursday at noon.
Our Center offers a range of programs designed specifically for seniors, including those living with Alzheimer’s or other memory impairments. With a person-centered approach and therapeutic activities, we strive to engage seniors and meet their individual needs. Our programs encompass a variety of activities such as painting, pet therapy, dance and movement, gardening, baking, and intergenerational sessions. We invite seniors to join us for a complimentary trial session before deciding to become a member.
Senior Engagement
In Portland, a variety of programs and resources are available for seniors to stay engaged and active. These include wellness initiatives, volunteering options, and support networks, all aimed at fostering community involvement and enhancing life quality.
PACES is a collective of service providers committed to improving the well-being of seniors. Our range of services encompasses computer consulting, assistance in finding assistive devices, legal support, personal care, and companion care.
Social Security Offices
In Portland, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security serves as a financial resource for individuals who have reached retirement age or are unable to work due to a disability. The funding for Social Security is derived from a payroll tax imposed on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, beneficiaries are entitled to receive monthly payments based on their previous earnings.
Transportation Assistance
For seniors in Portland struggling with private transportation, help is at hand. Community services are available to aid the elderly and disabled in their local travels, facilitating errands and appointments within the city.
This program provides transportation services throughout the county for seniors and individuals with limited mobility. It offers convenient rides for seniors to attend medical appointments, go shopping, or visit senior centers. Trained drivers pick up service users from their homes and provide a reliable door-to-door transport service.
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Organizations are available to aid low-income seniors in {catalog.city} struggling with home maintenance costs, including utility and energy bills. Emergency funding may also be accessible for those at risk of utility service termination due to unpaid bills.
The HEAP program is designed to assist low-income seniors in covering their heating expenses. Additionally, eligible HEAP applicants have the opportunity to apply for the Low-Income Assistance Program, which provides a credit on their electric bill to help with electricity costs.
Veteran’s Services
Veteran services in Portland offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.
The Portland, ME Vet Center provides a range of counseling services at no cost to veterans and service members. Our dedicated team of professionals offers individual and group counseling, addressing various issues such as PTSD, intimate partner violence, and specialized care for LGBTQ+ veterans. We utilize evidence-based methods to assist individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Additionally, our staff is committed to connecting veterans with local resources and organizations, as well as providing valuable information on accessing VA benefits. We offer support groups tailored to the needs of Vietnam veterans, spouses, whole health, wellness, and recovery.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Portland, ME
Assisted Living Communities in Portland are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
Our Methodology
It’s not what we research, but the way we research that makes AssistedLiving.org stand out. We start by identifying problems and challenges in the senior care industry by gaining insight from conversations with industry professionals, older adults, and those that care for them. Next, our research team led by industry experts apply our data-driven research techniques to understand the magnitude of the challenge and how to overcome it. Finally, we present our findings in easy-to-understand guides and studies and share our actionable results with influencers and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Facility Features (40%)
Facility Health Services Graded on health services provided on the facility including, but not limited to, on-site nursing, pharmacy, skilled nursing, medicine administration, etc
Facility Amenities Graded on the available amenities.
Affordability Financial assistance acceptance and overall costs and value.
Residential Quality (40%)
Resident Satisfaction Polling & survey of overall facility satisfaction.
Facility Complaint and Violations Number of complaints and violations the facility had. Taking into account improvement over time.
Location-Based Benefits Including, but not limited to, proximity to hospitals, ambulance response times, senior resources available, and state and city financial assistance.
Location Quality Local crime rates, incidents against older adults, air quality, climate.
