Memory Care in Maine

Maine is nicknamed “The Pine Tree State” after the white pine forests which cover its landscape. Maine has over 17 million acres of forest and more than 3,470 miles of coastline on the mainland – 5,000 miles total if you include all of its islands. With more coastline than California, it’s no surprise that Maine is famous for seafood. Over 90% of the country’s lobster is harvested in Maine, and much of the state’s culture is influenced by the fishing industry. Locals love to celebrate Maine’s seafaring and fishing heritage, especially at events like the annual Maine Lobster Festival. Maine’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and the rustic charm of cities like Portland and Augusta make Maine an excellent retirement destination.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 15 senior living communities in Maine that provide memory care. The median monthly cost of memory care in Maine is about $7,100.

Memory care in Maine is provided in a specialized home or unit licensed as an assisted living program. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulates these facilities through the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services.

Any facility with an Alzheimer’s or dementia care unit must be designated by DHHS and meet admission regulations, design standards, provide therapeutic activities, and employ staff that have completed specific pre-service dementia training.

Specific regulations for memory care facilities include the following:^[01]

• Within 30 days of being admitted to memory care, a resident must furnish a doctor’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
• Facilities must have high contrast floors, walls, and doorways and adequate lighting that minimizes glare.
• Facilities must have procedures in place for residents who may wander.
• Any electronically locked doors must automatically open in the case of an emergency.
• Facilities must offer weekly activities that address gross motor skills, provide socialization, sensory enhancement, and outdoor experiences.
• Employees must receive a total of 16 hours of documented training that includes a general overview of dementia, communication basics, and dealing with difficult behaviors.

Facilities that offer memory care services in Maine must also adhere to the rules and regulations that govern assisted living programs. Examples of these guidelines may include the following: ^[01]

• Residents shall be treated with respect and be given consideration regarding their preferred language or mode of communication. And for privacy when receiving medications and personal care support.
• Licensed staff credentials must be verified prior to their employment.
• Completed functional assessments and regular reassessments.
• Medically prescribed therapeutic diets shall be planned, in writing, and approved by a registered dietitian.

Our Overview of assisted living in Maine provides additional information about assisted living regulations.

Maine memory care violations and licensing information

Assisted living program licenses may be valid for two years, as long as the DHHS determines a facility is in compliance and has no history of health or safety violations. Facilities are subject to regular and unannounced inspections prior to the expiration of a license. DHHS also completes inspections in response to complaints, and to determine continued compliance with regulations.

The severity of facility violations are based on the following classifications:^[01]

• Class 1: Violation of a regulation that poses an immediate threat of death to a resident or residents.
• Class 2: Violation of regulation that poses a substantial risk of serious mental or physical harm to a resident or residents.
• Class 3: Repeated violations that pose a substantial risk to the health or safety of a resident or residents.
• Class 4: Repeated violations that are infringements of a resident or resident’s rights.

As you explore memory care facilities in Maine, you can review a facility’s current licensing information using the DHHS Licensed Provider Search tool. Use the following tips to view facility the licensing status:

1. Click on assisted housing link
2. Enter facility name (if known)
3. Enter facility license number (if known)
4. Click search button
5. To view licensing status, click on the name of the facility you are searching for

Maine Department of Health contact information

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

Phone: 207-287-3707

Resources for seniors in Maine

Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
61 Winthrop St.
Augusta, Maine 04330

Phone: 800-499-0229