As the largest city in the state of Maine, Portland has slightly over 66,000 residents, and 13.8% of them are senior citizens over the age of 65. With a northern maritime climate, Portland summers average 79 degrees, while winters are cold and snowy with average temperatures in the 30s. Portland residents enjoy a classic upper New England seacoast ambiance, with a working waterfront, award-winning restaurants, abundant art galleries and a diverse selection of boutique shopping options. As the East Coast’s second-largest commercial fishing port and New England’s largest tonnage seaport, there’s always something to watch on the water while enjoying a meal or beverage in one of the many establishments in Historic Old Port. Portland was named the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appetit magazine, making it an excellent retirement option for culinary enthusiasts.
Some seniors are largely self-sufficient, yet still find certain everyday tasks challenging. Assisted living communities cater to those seniors by employing caregivers who can help residents maintain hygiene, complete chores and socialize with their peers. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey reports that the average cost of assisted living in Portland is $6,525 per month, higher than the average in Maine and the country as a whole.
This guide details how Portland’s assisted living costs compare to other areas and suggests free or low-cost financial resources for Portland area seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Maine. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Portland pay $6,525 per month for assisted living.
The average cost of assisted living in Portland is $6,525 per month, but the statewide average is $660 lower, coming in at $5,865 for Maine seniors. Nationwide, Americans typically pay around $4,500, or $2,025 cheaper than Portland’s average.
Portland is the most expensive of major cities in Maine. On average, Lewiston seniors pay $5,484 per month for assisted living, while Bangor has an average of $4,750. Across the state border in Manchester, NH, prices are over $1,500 higher than Portland’s, averaging $8,061 per month. In Burlington, VT, seniors can expect to pay slightly less at $6,371, while Boston, MA residents pay a more expensive average of $6,819. The average in Worcester, MA, is $840 lower than in Portland at $5,685.
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:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Maine.
Contact | Description | |
Southern Maine Agency on Aging | (207) 396-6500 | The Southern Maine Area on Aging works to cultivate an improved quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. Services include Medicare counseling, Meals on Wheels, fall prevention workshops and Tai Chi for Health and Balance classes. Seniors can also get information about available resources in Portland and surrounding areas from this agency. |
The City of Portland’s Office of Elder Services | (207) 541-6620 | The City of Portland’s Office of Elder Services offers advocacy services designed to help seniors and their families deal with age-related issues as well as a list of local resources for seniors. |
The MMC Geriatric Center | (207) 662-2847 | The MMC Geriatric Center provides outpatient services for older adults designed to optimize their quality of life. No referral is necessary, and services include comprehensive assessments and support for memory loss and other age-related issues. |
Community Dental | (207) 874-1028 | Community Dental is a not-for-profit that provides state-of-the-art oral health care residents of Southern and Central Maine, including seniors. The organization focuses on dental health education and preventive services and also provides emergency and restorative services. |
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly | (800) 750-5353 | Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides those aged 60 and over with free high-quality legal services. |
Senior Community Service Employment Program | (207) 520-2487 | Those aged 55 and over who meet income guidelines can receive part-time training in a variety of occupations in community service settings. |
The Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging | (207) 774-4172 | The 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. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Portland area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. 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.