The Heron House

Assisted Living in South Portland

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. 

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.

Bed community size
24-bed community
A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 1 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
88%
Higher than the Maine average: 83.1%
Occupied beds
21 / 24
Average residents 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.
Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at The Heron House

Assisted Living Memory Care

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.

5 visits/inspections Info Inspections are mandatory, regular evaluations conducted by state health departments or regulatory agencies. They ensure the community provides safe, compliant care, covering areas like resident health, staff and management.

Breakdown by inspection type
  • 3 desk reviews
  • 2 on-site inspections

Results

2 with issues

3 without issues

Maine average: 10 inspections

Latest inspection

Date March 25, 2025

Inspection history

03/25/2025 DESK REVIEW
NO DEFICIENCIES
12/31/2024 ON-SITE INSPECTION
ACCEPTED PLAN OF CORRECTION
11/09/2022 ON-SITE INSPECTION
NO DEFICIENCIES
10/11/2022 DESK REVIEW
ACCEPTED PLAN OF CORRECTION
11/08/2021 DESK REVIEW
NO DEFICIENCIES

6 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Maine average: 3 deficiencies

1.2 deficiencies per inspection

Maine average: 0.2 deficiencies per inspection

Inspection Report Summary for The Heron House

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.

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
Gordon Green
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 (Ferry Village)8No 65 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms---7400.0
Albany 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 (Sunset Park)3No 46 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms 100.0% --12100.0
Ocean House 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 Portland2No 29 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms 100.0% -Richard Norton5310.2
Atrium At Cedars
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---000-

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Maine

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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

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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Guides for Better Senior Living

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