Saco is a welcoming city on Maine’s Atlantic Coast and is home to a little over 20,000 people, about 17% of whom are aged 65 or over. This city is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network for its age-friendly engagement opportunities, access to public transportation and health care amenities. Saco offers a safe environment with comparatively low property and violent crime rates, providing peace of mind for residents, and access to community-based services and recreational programs promotes a high standard of living for residents.
The city is also home to several assisted living facilities where older adults receive housing, personal care and daily meals. These facilities are for older adults who want to maintain as much independence as possible but need help with activities, such as dressing and meal preparation. Monthly care costs vary depending on factors, such as location and amenities, but according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Saco seniors pay approximately $6,525 per month for care. This is high compared to both the state and the national average.
Through this guide, individuals can learn more about assisted living costs in Saco, their options for paying for services and community-based resources that serve 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.
In Saco, older adults pay an estimated $6,525 per month for assisted living.
Assisted living services in Saco are relatively costly at $6,525. This is several hundred dollars higher than the state median of $5,865 and nearly $2,000 higher than the national rate of $4,500.
Assisted living facilities in Saco charge $6,525 per month for care, which is the costliest recorded rate in Maine. Seniors may save over $1,000 monthly by obtaining care in Lewiston, and in Bangor, rates are nearly $1,800 less at $4,750. For further insight into how Saco’s assisted living rates compare to nearby cities, it’s helpful to look across state lines. In Manchester, New Hampshire, care costs are over $1,500 higher than in Saco at $8,061, but in Burlington, Massachusetts, rates are a couple of hundred dollars lower at $6,371.
Note: Data for Saco was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Portland, was used instead.
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.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Southern Maine Agency on Aging | (207) 396-6500 | The Southern Maine Agency on Aging is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves those aged 60 and over. Through this agency, seniors can connect with advisors who listen to their needs and connect them with community-based services, such as transportation, health insurance options counseling and medical services. |
Saco SENIORity Programs | (207) 283-3139 | Saco’s SENIORity Programs, which are run by the Parks and Recreation Department, provide recreational opportunities for those aged 50 and over in the city. For a low annual membership fee, seniors can participate in an indoor walking program and age-friendly fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates and tai chi. |
Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (800) 499-0229 | The long-term care ombudsman helps older adults research assisted living facilities in Saco and the surrounding region to find one that fits their preferences and budgets. The ombudsman can also help seniors find solutions for paying for care and assist with resolving issues, such as billing errors and substandard care. |
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly | (800) 750-5353 | Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides free legal assistance and advice for seniors in Saco and the rest of the state. Older adults can contact the organization’s main office to get help with age-related issues, such as applying for public benefits, creating simple wills and assigning powers of attorney. |
Springvale Bureau of Veterans’ Services Office | (207) 324-1839 | The local Veterans’ Service Office has trained officers who help older veterans in Saco apply for state and federal programs, such as pension benefits, disability compensation and Aid and Attendance. The office can also screen for eligibility for veterans’ home placement. |
The Opportunity Alliance | (207) 874-1175 | The Opportunity Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides volunteer opportunities for older adults. It operates two programs, the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program, enabling older adults to serve members of their community. In exchange, seniors may access benefits, such as stipends and supplemental insurance. |
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (207) 287-3707 | SHIP is a statewide program that provides free health insurance options counseling for Medicare-eligible individuals. Seniors can contact the free helpline to speak with a trained volunteer regarding Medicare’s enrollment windows, benefits and optional add-on plans. SHIP counselors can also help seniors determine eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Saco 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.