Best Assisted Living in Portland, ME

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 22 assisted living communities in Portland, ME using ME Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in ME
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Portland, ME our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Portland, ME.
22 homes
Other senior care options in Portland:

Compare Assisted Living around Portland (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the ME Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
How many inspections had one or more deficiencies recorded. Compare to total inspections to see how often problems were found on visit.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
Gorham House
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Gorham
69
Facility 69
ME AVG 17
Rank #25 / 329
No
64
Facility 64
ME AVG 35
Rank #51 / 307
Private Rooms
90.3%
Facility 90.3%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #137 / 223
A--4
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #227 / 230
16
Facility 16
ME AVG 3
Rank #224 / 230
4.0
Facility 4.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #200 / 230
Avita of Stroudwater
AL
ADC
IL
MC
Westbrook
75
Facility 75
ME AVG 17
Rank #20 / 329
Yes
19
Facility 19
ME AVG 35
Rank #189 / 307
Studio / 1 Bed
88.0%
Facility 88.0%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #145 / 223
A+Tracy Hoppe1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230
Scarborough Terrace
AL
MC
Scarborough (Oak Hill)
77
Facility 77
ME AVG 17
Rank #18 / 329
No
13
Facility 13
ME AVG 35
Rank #219 / 307
Studio / 1 Bed
68.8%
Facility 68.8%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #191 / 223
A+David Kingsley1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230
Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living
AL
RC
Portland (Back Cove)
80
Facility 80
ME AVG 17
Rank #14 / 329
Yes
44
Facility 44
ME AVG 35
Rank #112 / 307
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #130 / 223
A+Leann Flohr6
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #227 / 230
8
Facility 8
ME AVG 3
Rank #206 / 230
1.3
Facility 1.3
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #145 / 230
The Landing At Cape Elizabeth
AL
IL
MC
Cape Elizabeth (Pond Cove)
60
Facility 60
ME AVG 17
Rank #29 / 329
Yes
19
Facility 19
ME AVG 35
Rank #189 / 307
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
96.7%
Facility 96.7%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #116 / 223
-Deborah Riddell1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230
Fallbrook Woods
AL
MC
RESC
Portland (North Deering)
56
Facility 56
ME AVG 17
Rank #34 / 329
No
43
Facility 43
ME AVG 35
Rank #116 / 307
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
83.9%
Facility 83.9%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #155 / 223
-Mark Jacobs1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230
Cape Memory Care
AL
MC
RESC
Cape Elizabeth
72
Facility 72
ME AVG 17
Rank #23 / 329
No
14
Facility 14
ME AVG 35
Rank #215 / 307
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
90.3%
Facility 90.3%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #137 / 223
-Amanda Allen2
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #97 / 230
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 3
Rank #95 / 230
0.5
Facility 0.5
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #102 / 230
Portland Center for Assisted Living
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Portland (Back Cove)
170
Facility 170
ME AVG 17
Rank #1 / 329
No
87
Facility 87
ME AVG 35
Rank #12 / 307
-
92.4%
Facility 92.4%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #131 / 223
-Karen Lynn Dodd12
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #97 / 230
13
Facility 13
ME AVG 3
Rank #222 / 230
1.1
Facility 1.1
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #144 / 230
73 Bailey Avenue
AL
Portland (Riverton)
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 17
Rank #166 / 329
No
32
Facility 32
ME AVG 35
Rank #144 / 307
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #1 / 223
-Brian Vye1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230
Woodford Street
AL
Portland (Deering Center)
4
Facility 4
ME AVG 17
Rank #166 / 329
No
78
Facility 78
ME AVG 35
Rank #25 / 307
Private / Shared Rooms
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
ME AVG 87.9%
Rank #173 / 223
--1
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 230
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 3
Rank #1 / 230
0.0
Facility 0.0
ME AVG 0.2
Rank #1 / 230

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other ME assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 22 analyzed for Portland. See how we rank facilities

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Scarborough Terrace

600 Commerce Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
Overview of Scarborough Terrace

Thirty years on Commerce Drive puts Scarborough Terrace in a fairly select category for Maine assisted living. The 77-bed community sits in the Oak Hill section of Scarborough, about 8.4 miles from Portland proper, and is licensed for both assisted living and memory care. The neighborhood is car-dependent (Walk Score 13), but MaineHealth Congenital Heart – Scarborough is about 2 miles out, which is a short distance for a facility without strong walkability. Medicare is accepted here.

Inside, the building is two stories with studio and one-bedroom layouts running from 240 to 440 square feet. Current occupancy is 69%, with 53 of 77 beds filled. Staffing runs around the clock and includes a doctor on staff alongside nursing services and respite care. The full-time employee count is 19.

The common areas have some texture to them. There’s a grand piano and a fireplace, which give the shared spaces a feel that distinguishes them from more institutional settings. Gardens, patios, and walking paths provide outdoor access.

Dining is restaurant-style, with lobster night listed as a featured offering, which reads as a genuine Maine touch rather than boilerplate. The activity lineup includes fitness classes, cocktail socials, music programming, and arts and entertainment. Ms. Terry-Lee Huntley is the Executive Director; David Kingsley serves as Administrator.

For families looking at assisted living or memory care in the Portland area, Scarborough Terrace offers three decades of operating continuity, Medicare coverage, and an environment that leans residential rather than clinical.

Contact Scarborough Terrace

Overview of Avita of Stroudwater

Providing a memory care living facility that seeks to enhance the years of those grappling with the challenges of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, Avita of Stroudwater is committed to fostering the ideal memory care support environment for your near and dear. A welcoming staff fully-trained in assisting with memory care, from directors to culinary crew, residents can rest and go about their lives knowing that they are surrounded by dedicated and compassionate individuals that prioritize their wellbeing.

Once settled into a personalized care program, perks received include assistance with daily living activities, housekeeping services, and chef-curated meals, for the utmost comfort. With daily tasks taken care of, residents are able to focus on stimulating and holistic failure-free activities in solitude or among the community, maximizing their time and enjoyment.

Contact Avita of Stroudwater

Overview of Fallbrook Woods

Nestled within a picturesque 17-acre neighborhood in Portland, Fallbrook Woods is a remarkable memory care community that stands out among other memory care communities. It offers an ideal environment for life enrichment, providing a nurturing space for residents with memory loss. Fallbrook Woods understands the intricacies of memory loss and goes above and beyond to create avenues for residents to exercise their capabilities, pursue their lifestyle preferences, and indulge in their personal interests. Additionally, this community welcomes short-term stays, ensuring flexibility and convenience for both residents and their families.

The heart of Fallbrook Woods lies in its commitment to providing a vibrant and supportive environment. Life at Fallbrook Woods is brimming with genuine care and a deep understanding of memory loss. Residents thrive in this enriching community, where every aspect is designed to enhance their well-being and foster a sense of belonging. In summary, Fallbrook Woods is a captivating memory care community situated in a beautiful neighborhood in Portland. With its dedication to memory care and the availability of memory care support groups, this residence provides an engaging and nurturing environment where residents can thrive and find solace in their journey.

Contact Fallbrook Woods

The Landing At Cape Elizabeth

78 Scott Dyer Rd, Cape Elizabeth, Me 04107, United States78 Scott Dyer Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Overview of The Landing at Cape Elizabeth

The Landing at Cape Elizabeth offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment; independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The community has 60 beds in the Pond Cove neighborhood, with studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences. Having several care levels on one campus can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between care levels can happen without leaving the community; pets are allowed, and Deborah Riddell serves as the administrator.

Contact The Landing At Cape Elizabeth

Overview of 73 Bailey Avenue

Four beds, one story, full occupancy; that’s the shape of 73 Bailey Avenue, a Level III Residential Care Facility operating as assisted living in Portland’s Riverton neighborhood. The setting is small enough that daily life likely looks different here than in a larger complex down the road, and the numbers back that up: all four beds are currently filled.

The building is single-story, with private and semi-private room options for residents. Transportation services and on-site fitness and recreation round out what’s confirmed on the amenities side. Walkability is limited (Walk Score 32), so most trips off the property still mean getting in a car rather than walking to a nearby shop or park. Brian Vye administers the facility.

Maine’s Division of Licensing and Certification, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, oversees inspections for facilities like this one. Here, that oversight has tended to center on infection prevention and control.

What this adds up to is a small, intimate residential option in Portland, currently running at capacity, where the scale itself, four beds under one roof, is the defining feature for families weighing a quieter, closer-contact alternative to a bigger community.

Contact 73 Bailey Avenue

Overview of Gorham House

Gorham House is a hidden gem nestled in the peaceful town of Gorham, Maine. This exceptional residence offers a range of services to meet the unique needs of seniors, including assisted living homes, nursing home care, and memory care living. With a commitment to excellence, Gorham House ensures that residents receive the highest quality of care and support.

From weekly housekeeping services to convenient transportation options, Gorham House strives to create a worry-free lifestyle for residents. With fully staffed LPNs and RNs available 24 hours a day, the nursing home care provided is of the utmost quality. Gorham House has built a reputation for its dedication to nursing home quality measures, ensuring that residents receive top-notch care that exceeds industry standards. The home also offers a variety of floor plans to suit the preferences and requirements of residents. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or specialized memory care, seniors can find a living space that meets their specific needs and desires.

Contact Gorham House

Cape Memory Care

126 Scott Dyer Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Overview of Cape Memory Care

Cape Memory Care offers assisted living, Memory Care, and Residential Care in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains a private living space. Memory Care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering, while Residential Care offers another supportive residential setting within the community.

The community has 72 beds. Private rooms give one resident a room of their own, while semi-private rooms provide a shared living arrangement for someone who prefers or needs a roommate. With assisted living, Memory Care, and Residential Care available, Cape Memory Care may be a good fit for a resident whose support needs could change over time. Amanda Allen serves as the administrator.

Contact Cape Memory Care

Overview of Woodford Street

Ideally located in the quiet neighborhood of Portland, ME, Woodford Street is a blissful retreat that offers assisted living. With its intimate and nurturing environment, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Exceptional support is also provided for residents’ daily living activities and household responsibilities 24/7 to maintain their independence without worries.

Residents will not run out of things to do with a jam-packed calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs that aim to keep them active and socially engaged. Mealtimes also promote social interactions with delightful and healthy meals served three times daily. With medication management, residents do not have to worry about their prescriptions. The community strives to help residents thrive in retirement, accompanied by its high-quality care and cozy communal spaces.

Contact Woodford Street

Overview of Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living

Administered by Leann Flohr, Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living is an 80-bed assisted living community in Portland, Maine’s Back Cove area. Operating for nine years, the home at 86 Holiday Dr has a 93 percent occupancy and floor plans spanning from studios to one and two-bedroom units in a two-story building. The home caters to a mix of occupants seeking assistance with daily living activities while maintaining valuable independence.

The facility underscores promoting wellness and independence via a supportive environment. Residents receive 24-hour licensed supervision, medication management services, and balanced meals prepared on-site. The community maintains a full-service salon where occupants can take care of personal grooming needs. Daily life comprises scheduled engaging activities and fitness and recreation programming. The movie room is entertaining and a cozy gathering space for residents and visitors. Transportation services help residents reach appointments and outings. For those interested in short-term stays, Birchwoods supplies respite care services. Pets are welcome, which can be crucial for occupants wanting their animal companions with them. The facility’s location in a somewhat walkable area (Walk Score 44) means some nearby services are within walking reach, though most outings benefit from transportation access. With nine years of operational experience and a 93 percent occupancy rate, Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living has built consistent routines and serves a consistent population of occupants in Portland.

Families examining the home can arrange a tour to see floor plans, meet staff, and get a sense of the daily culture and community life.

Contact Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living

Overview of Portland Center for Assisted Living

Portland Center for Assisted Living offers assisted living, hospice care, memory care, and respite care in Portland, ME. Assisted living provides help with daily activities, memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, hospice care supports end-of-life needs, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The range of care may suit a resident who needs supervised memory support or a family seeking temporary care during a caregiver’s absence.

The community is in the Back Cove neighborhood and has 170 beds. A Walk Score of 87 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby destinations independently. Medicaid is accepted, and Karen Lynn Dodd serves as the administrator.

Residents can use the salon and spa, eat three homecooked meals prepared by a skilled chef, and join game nights, social groups, intergenerational meetings, and holiday celebrations. Rehabilitation services and short-term rehabilitation are available for residents who need therapy or a temporary recovery stay.

Contact Portland Center for Assisted Living

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Portland, ME

What is the average cost of assisted living in Portland, ME?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Portland, ME is approximately $7,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in Portland, ME?

Assisted living in Portland, ME typically ranges from $7,000–$9,600 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in Portland, ME?

Assisted living facilities in Portland, ME typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:12.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Maine?

Assisted living in Maine supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Maine?

Assisted living in Maine is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Maine Medicaid cover assisted living?

Maine Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Maine) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

Assisted Living in Portland at a glance

Avg Monthly Cost: $8,528The average monthly cost across facilities in Portland, ME. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 48/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Portland, ME. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 44The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Portland, ME. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90