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Best Nursing Homes in Orono, ME

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Jan 2026

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Maine Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Orono, Maine.

Watch this Video to see Orono's Top-rated Senior Communities

Compare Nursing Homes around Orono The information below is reported by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification.

2 facilities compared · CMS & ME Dept. of Health data · Updated May 2026

Click column headers to sort
Orono Commons
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Orono
90
94.2%
Facility 94.2%
ME AVG 83.1%
Rank #6 / 26
+13%
3.20
Facility 3.20
ME AVG 4.50
Rank #20 / 22
+27%-29%
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 0.5
40
Facility 40
ME AVG 28.5
Rank #16 / 22
10.0
Facility 10.0
ME AVG 5.9
Rank #20 / 22
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 0.6
70
11
Facility 11
ME AVG 33
Rank #19 / 20
Genesis Healthcare Of Maine Llc
$13.9M
Facility $13.9M
ME AVG $16.9M
Rank #16 / 26
$5.0M
Facility $5.0M
ME AVG $4.7M
Rank #14 / 26
35.9%
Facility 35.9%
ME AVG 37.8%
Rank #12 / 26
205031
Dirigo Pines – Orono-
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

HC

Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Orono
50
-
Facility -
ME AVG 83.1%
-
-
Facility -
ME AVG 4.50
-----
0
Facility 0
ME AVG 0.5
-
Facility -
ME AVG 28.5
-
Facility -
ME AVG 5.9
-
Facility -
ME AVG 0.6
-
1
Facility 1
ME AVG 33
-
-
Facility -
ME AVG $16.9M
-
Facility -
ME AVG $4.7M
-
Facility -
ME AVG 37.8%
-
College Avenue
Ohi - 2522 Essex
Overview of Orono Commons

A member of the Genesis Healthcare Center, Orono Commons is the home for residents who seek to relax and recover. Specializing in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, the multi-awarded community provides professional and compassionate service for its residents. Orono Commons cultivates the holistic needs of its residents in a home-like setting. 
The services are multidisciplinary for both skilled nursing and rehabilitation– focusing on post-surgical care, on-site therapy (physical, occupational, speech), strength conditioning, mobility improvement; colostomy care, dementia care, pain management, wound care; and medical professionals are on-call– medical directors, nurse practitioners, and physicians. 

Contact Orono Commons

Overview of Dirigo Pines – Orono

Ranked as one of the best independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term, and skilled nursing homes in Orono, Dirigo Pines is an upscale community with amenities that promote fun and relaxation in an inviting environment. The vibrant community encourages seniors to build an active social life while not worrying about any chores to do. Dirgi Pines is outstanding in their service for combining passion and care in the comfort of home.
Dirigo Pines services offered are designed to allow flexibility for families, these include respite care, short-term stays, and specialized care. Community features include amenities and services such as housekeeping, laundry, social events, recreational activities, fitness classes, medication management, and transportation.

Contact Dirigo Pines – Orono

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

CMS data 5 weighted categories Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

35%
Care Quality
20%
Staffing
20%
Regulatory
20%
Operational
5%
Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

Includes Overall Rating Health Inspection QM Rating Long-Stay QM Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Includes Nurse Hrs/Res/Day RN vs State Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

Includes Citations Citations/Inspection Severe Citations Fines Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

Includes Occupancy vs State Avg Length of Stay Revenue Payroll % Years in Operation Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

Includes Walk Score BBB Rating
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Orono, ME

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 nursing home care?

Yes — Maine Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 2 nursing homes in Orono, ME. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Orono, ME?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Orono, ME, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Orono, ME?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.