The Heron House
Assisted Living & Memory Care · South Portland, ME

The Heron House

Assisted Living & Memory Care · South Portland, ME

Overview of The Heron House

Introducing The Heron House, an assisted living community nestled within the idyllic charm of Cumberland Foreside. This assisted living community redefines the experience by seamlessly blending the comforts of a home with the enriching essence of community living. Thoughtfully curated amenities are designed to empower residents to maintain their independence and uniqueness, while simultaneously nurturing companionship and fostering new opportunities.

The Heron House expertly balances location convenience with a sense of peace, privacy, and safety, fostering a haven for its cherished housemates. Within the comforting embrace of The Heron House, the warmth of home harmonizes with a strong sense of camaraderie. Their commitment is to help residents embrace senior living, where comfort, community, and individuality converge. Merely moments away from Portland, Falmouth, Freeport, and Yarmouth, this hidden gem offers a tranquil retreat near the ocean, all while securely located on Route One. 

Types of Care at The Heron House

Assisted Living Memory Care
Bed community size
24-bed community Rank #92 / 358Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 92nd out of 358 homes in Maine. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Maine SNFs. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 1 / 100 Rank #360 / 421Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 360th out of 421 homes in Maine. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Maine SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
88%
Rank #157 / 247Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 157th out of 247 homes in Maine. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Maine average, with its Statewide rank out of 247. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Higher than the Maine average: 83.1%
Occupied beds
21 / 24
Average residents per home in Maine 64 per day

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Housing
StatusActive
ExpirationAugust 11, 2026
CountyCumberland
License LevelLEVEL IV RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY
License NumberRCD39488

Ownership & Operating Entity

The Heron House is administrated by Ron Lessard.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

3 services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Short-Term Rehab

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

Specific Programs24/7 care support, home cooked meals, medication and treatment management, daily social programs, daily housekeeping, laundry services, household maintenance, in-home physician services, in-home rehab services, on-site beauty salon.

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionHome cooked meals are provided.

Contact The Heron House

Inspection History

In Maine, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification is responsible for inspecting long-term care facilities to ensure they meet quality of care standards.

Since 2024 · 2 years of data 6 deficiencies 5 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Maine state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2024 vs. Maine state average
Overall vs. ME average 3 Worse Metrics worse than Maine average:
• Total deficiencies (100% above)
• Deficiencies per year (100% above)
• Deficiencies per inspection (500% above)
1 Better Metrics better than Maine average:
• Total inspections (75% below)
Latest Inspection March 25, 2025

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityME Averagevs. ME Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 63 This facility has 100% more total deficiencies than a typical Maine assisted living residence (6 vs. ME avg 3).↑ 100% worse
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2024. 31.5 This facility has 100% more deficiencies per year than a typical Maine assisted living residence (3 vs. ME avg 1.5).↑ 100% worse
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 1.20.2 This facility has 500% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical Maine assisted living residence (1.2 vs. ME avg 0.2).↑ 500% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityME Averagevs. ME Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations. 520 This facility has 75% fewer total inspections than a typical Maine assisted living residence (5 vs. ME avg 20).↓ 75% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

The most recent inspection on December 31, 2024, found deficiencies related to infection prevention and control, food storage and sanitation, physical plant maintenance, and water temperature regulations. Earlier inspections were not provided for comparison, so broader patterns cannot be determined from the available information. The main issues involved the absence of a written Infection Prevention and Control Plan, improper food storage practices, uncleanable shelving, outdated food use, maintenance problems with call bells and stairs, and water temperature exceeding recommended limits. No complaint investigations or enforcement actions such as fines or license suspensions were listed in the available reports. Without prior inspection data, it is unclear whether these issues represent a new or ongoing trend.

Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.

Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Managed by Lauren

Owner & Administrator

Lauren serves as the Owner and Administrator of The Heron House, overseeing the community’s operations with a dedicated and hands-on approach. She ensures that residents receive personalized care and that the facility maintains a warm and welcoming environment.

Places of interest near The Heron House

Address 11.6 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Cumberland Foreside's city center to The Heron House's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 7.59 miles to nearest hospital (New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland)

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Maine

The Heron House is located in Cumberland Foreside, Maine.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Maine.

Get Financial aid guidance

Home and Community Benefits for the Elderly

MaineCare HCB Program

Age 65+ or 18+ with disability
General Maine resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
ME

Rural access emphasized.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Meals ($6/meal) Adult day services ($60/day)

Maine Statewide Respite Program

ME Respite Program

Age
General Caregiver of someone 60+ with dementia, Maine resident.
Income Limits ~$2,500/month individual, varies
Asset Limits $40,000 individual
ME

Limited to dementia caregivers; capped funding.

Benefits
In-home respite (up to 30 days/year) Adult day care (~$60/day)

MaineCare Long-Term Care (Nursing Facility Services)

MaineCare Nursing Facility Services

Age 65+
General Maine resident, Medicaid-eligible, requires nursing home-level care.
Income Limits (2025) $943/month (individual); must be less than nursing home cost for full coverage.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple); spousal allowance up to $155,356.
ME

Home equity limit of $636,000; estate recovery applies post-55.

Benefits
24/7 nursing care Meals Therapy Medications (hours unlimited per medical need)

Consumer-Directed Home-Based Care (CDHBC)

Maine Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services

Age 65+
General Maine resident, needs ADL assistance, income/asset limits apply.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,000/month varies by AAA
Asset Limits Not strict; prioritizes low-income.
ME

Available through five Area Agencies on Aging.

Benefits
Personal care (20-30 hours/week) PERS Adult day care Home modifications

Home Accessibility and Repair Program

Maine State Housing Authority Home Accessibility and Repair

Age 62+
General Maine resident, homeowner, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$34,000/year individual, 80% AMI, varies by county
Asset Limits Not specified; focus on income.
ME

Includes Elderly Hardship Grants for urgent repairs.

Benefits
Wheelchair ramps Grab bars Roof repairs (up to $20,000/project)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Maine PACE (not widely available yet)

Age 55+
General Maine resident, Medicare/Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need, community-safe.
Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; Medicaid portion $2,901/month max.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual) for Medicaid portion.
ME

Pilot phase; check availability with DHHS.

Benefits
Medical care Personal care Day center Transportation Respite (tailored to need)

Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit

Maine VA Aid and Attendance

Age
General Wartime veteran/spouse, age 65+ or disabled, needs ADL help, Maine resident.
Income Limits (2025) Net income minus medical expenses < $1,984/month individual with A&A
Asset Limits $155,356 net worth limit
ME

High veteran population in rural areas.

Benefits
Cash benefit ($1,478-$2,471/month, varies by status) for care costs

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

Maine Medicare Savings Programs

Age 65+
General Maine resident, Medicare Part A/B enrollee.
Income Limits (2025) $2,014/month (individual, QMB), $2,706/month (SLMB/QI).
Asset Limits $9,090 (individual), $13,630 (couple).
ME

Includes Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualified Individual (QI).

Benefits
Covers Medicare premiums (up to $174.70/month Part B) Co-pays Deductibles

Compare Assisted Living around South Portland

The information below is reported by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification.

Filter by care type
The Heron House
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.

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.

Cumberland Foreside24Yes 1 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms 87.5% -Ron Lessard5261.2
Wescott Road
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.

South Portland (Thornton Heights)4No 50 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms 100.0% -Zoe Sweet2110.5
Skillings Street
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.

South Portland (Cash Corner)2No 48 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms 50.0% --8310.1
Atrium At Cedars
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.

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.

Portland (North Deering)-Yes 54 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms-------
The Park Danforth
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.

Portland (North Deering)-Yes 67 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms-A-----

Frequently Asked Questions about The Heron House

What neighborhood is The Heron House in?

The Heron House is in the Cumberland Foreside neighborhood of Cumberland Foreside.

Is The Heron House in a walkable area?

The Heron House has a walk score of 1. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the license number of The Heron House?

According to ME state health department records, The Heron House's license number is RCD39488.

When does The Heron House's license expire?

According to ME state health department records, The Heron House's license expires on August 11, 2026.

What is the occupancy rate at The Heron House?

The Heron House's occupancy is 88%.

Who is the administrator of The Heron House?

Ron Lessard is the administrator of The Heron House.

How many beds does The Heron House have?

The Heron House has 24 beds.

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