Independent Living Communities in Maine

Independent living communities in Maine are great places for older adults still able to carry out their normal routine but who enjoy the added benefit of receiving care as needed. This senior care type promotes individual lifestyles through communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and the overall well-being of residents. Although Maine's independent living communities are unique, seniors are sure to find a wide range of amenities and opportunities for recreation. With flexible housing options such as studio apartments, townhouses, or even small cottages, it is no wonder why so many seniors are choosing independent living in Maine.

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Cost Comparisons of Maines’s Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Bangor $1,800 $5,550 $4,330
Portland $3,050 $7,415 $4,725

Maine has 12 independent living communities that have the average cost of $2,587 per month.

In Maine independent living communities, you’ll find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers, all included in your monthly payments. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost. Here are a few prices found throughout Maine.

Recreation & Attractions in Maine

Maine has many beautiful sights to be seen and is the perfect place to explore nature while hiking, walking, bicycling, boating, and more. There are many lighthouses, mountains and beaches for residents to discover such as the Portland Head Light, Casco Bay, and Cadillac Mountain. The Old Port is a place residents can go shopping, watch concerts, or go see the many museums Maine has to offer. There are many places to fish, enjoy live theater shows, and even get involved with retracing the history of the state.

Maine's Climate, Geography & Culture

The average temperature in Maine is 46 degrees with an average high of 55 degrees and an average low of 37 degrees. The summers are usually warm and humid with temperatures in the 70-degree range while the winters are cold and snowy with temperatures in the 30's. January is the coldest month and commonly receives 20 inches of the state's 72 inch average of snowfall. 

Maine is interesting because though it is part of New England, it has a different feel than Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Maine is known as a quirky but charming state with an evident nautical heritage. Maine is the lease densely populated state east of the Mississippi River with over 80 percent of the land covered in forests.

Maine Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Maine independent living communities are overseen by The Maine Department of Health and Human Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical standards for each resident. Annual reports are to be made public upon request, accounting for any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in Maine

Maine has many crime prevention organizations such as Maine Security, providing resources and contact information to other groups that aim to prevent crime. Some of the organizations include Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Stop Bullying Now, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine, neighborhood watches and other groups that promote safety and crime prevention.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Eliot0.322.88
Fort Kent1.252.24
Cumberland0.133.90
Monmouth0.006.64

(Source: safewise.com

Payment Options for Maine Independent Living

Medicaid and Medicare are unavailable when it comes to helping with the costs of senior independent living in Maine. If you have exhausted all of your private funds, assets, and pension then it might be time to consider other options. 

Veterans’ Benefits can be used by a single person to receive $1,644 a month, with couples eligible for around $1,949. Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for $1,056 a month. Seniors can also pay for this care option with their pension, savings, or other assets available to them. 

Seniors may also opt to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as a way to help pay for independent living. This is an option for those who are blind, have a disability, have children, and don’t receive much of an income and are without many assets. Individuals must also be U.S. citizens over 65 to receive an average of $733 a month. 

Another option is a senior living line of credit, allowing people to use up to $50,000 of unsecured credit to pay for their care as needed. Funds are sent directly to your community and repayment terms are flexible. Senior living lines of credit allow you to only use what you need with little to no collateral required. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Maine

Although it may be obvious, you do still retain the rights afforded to you by the Constitution as a U.S. citizen, even while living in an independent living community. If you believe these rights have been violated while receiving care in an independent living community, contact a lawyer familiar with elder law if applicable. You can also review the Maine Ombudsman for more details on how to exercise your rights as a senior. 

Maine Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

In accordance with state and federal HIPAA laws, all resident records and medical reports of the services provided on community grounds are to be recorded, maintained and available to residents in a timely manner. These documents are to remain confidential, available only to you and your healthcare provider. You do have the right to obtain copies of these documents and review them to ensure their accuracy up to 7 years following their creation. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.