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 retirement communities in Maine that offer independent living. The median monthly cost of independent living in Maine is about $2,900.
We visited many care facilities in two states. After lots of tears viewing some options and horror at seeing some employees at others, we decided on Atria in Kennebunk for our parents. We made the right...
The staff is great and he is getting very good care. He doesn't leave his room but that's his choice. He's very negative about the food but everything I've had, has been very good. I think his taste buds...
The staff and residents are friendly and welcoming. Staff use our names all the time. they smile and are helpful. I am exspanding my food choices as the food is wonderful and they serve foods I have not...
You walk in and immediately feel comfortable. I know my mom is getting the care she needs but she's not just a Room number or anonymous patient here. Very capable staff and very friendly. I feel secure...
The Assisted Living Center of Salisbury is such an unusual place as assisted living places go. It is a non-profit, so it isn't fancy. But in my mother's case that is a great fit. The place is small, with...
The staff shows genuine kindness and care for all the people at Hillsbrook. When my dad first moved in, they were very welcoming and wanted to ensure he made friends within the community.
Nice place to live. Many Rules to follow. Some very interesting people and numerous quiet ones. Food is adequate and plentiful. These comments are animus please.
[name removed] who we met with before we brought mom to visit was fantastic. She understood the challenges and answered all our questions. When we visited with mom, [name removed] again was awesome. She...
Very nice facility. Very clean, a lot of activity's, the meals are great. The people who work there are wonderful. My sister has been there a year now. We are very happy with her care.
We visited many care facilities in two states. After lots of tears viewing some options and horror at seeing some employees at others, we decided on Atria in Kennebunk for our parents. We made the right...
The staff is great and he is getting very good care. He doesn't leave his room but that's his choice. He's very negative about the food but everything I've had, has been very good. I think his taste buds...
You walk in and immediately feel comfortable. I know my mom is getting the care she needs but she's not just a Room number or anonymous patient here. Very capable staff and very friendly. I feel secure...
Great place and people very caring there and really care about your loved one! Always pleasant and decorated beautifully! Hope I never have to go to place but that's where I'd I want to go! No question !
It is a very caring facility where I feel the staff from the cleaners to activities treat everyone with such kindness and feels like genuine relationships. I would not hesitate to recommend. Has a...
We visited many care facilities in two states. After lots of tears viewing some options and horror at seeing some employees at others, we decided on Atria in Kennebunk for our parents. We made the right...
Maine doesn’t have specific regulations or licensing requirements for independent living communities. However, the state’s tenant rights guidelines apply to any rental agreement a senior may enter into with an independent living facility.
While there are several stand-alone independent living facilities in Maine, some share a campus with assisted living communities, which are subject to state licensing and regulatory requirements. To understand assisted living regulations in Maine, review our Overview of Assisted Living in Maine.
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Stand-alone independent living communities don’t share a campus with other senior living facilities and are subject to Maine’s rental laws. These communities may also be required to adhere to certain local regulations, depending on the county or municipality where they are located.
The Maine Office of the Attorney General outlines renter’s rights which include the following:[01]
In Maine, fair housing laws protect renters against discriminatory practices. Landlords may not refuse to show or rent a unit, or impose different terms of conditions on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, familial status, or receipt of public assistance. Renters with disabilities are also entitled to reasonable accommodations necessary to give that person full enjoyment of the premises.[02]
Independent living communities in Maine typically require tenants to meet minimum age requirements. A facility’s website should list the minimum age for the community, typically 55+ or 62+, along with additional admission requirements.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: 207-287-3707
Phone: 877-353-3771
Office of the Maine Attorney General. (2023, April 18). Chapter 14: Consumer rights when you rent an apartment.
Maine Legislature. (2024, February 9). Title 5: Administrative procedures and services. Part 12: Human rights. Chapter 337: Human rights act. Subchapter 4: Fair housing.
Overview of Independent Living in ME
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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