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Nursing Homes in Maine

Maine is located at the far northeastern tip of the United States and is ideal for retirees who prefer a four-season climate, with plenty of winter snowfall and comfortable summer weather. According to the latest census estimates, 21.2% of Maine's residents are aged 65 and over, which is a higher percentage than southern states such as Florida, and makes the population significantly older than that of the U.S. overall. Maine seniors can access high-quality medical services at hospitals in Portland and Bangor, including cardiology, cancer and other procedures that older adults may need at some point.

Maine also has 93 nursing homes that are designed to care for people who don't need hospitalization but can no longer live in their own home or an assisted living community. These facilities provide skilled nursing care, access to medical and therapy services, around-the-clock supervision, assistance with daily living tasks and meals. This guide helps seniors and their families compare nursing home and other long-term care costs, and lists the regulations that govern nursing facilities as well as resources that can provide financial and other forms of assistance.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Maine



Maine earned a SeniorScore of 68, which places it four points below average for the United States. The state's most populous cities — Portland and Bangor — also received scores of 68 on this livability index, while Lewiston earned a 61. Maine's highest category score is in Recreation & Leisure, which is bolstered by the state's relatively large senior population. The General Quality of Life score is lower due to the region's cold winters, but seniors living in Maine enjoy plenty of sunny days and warm summer temperatures. 

Health & Safety factors that benefit seniors in Maine include a life expectancy that's longer than the U.S. average. The cost of health care is almost on par with the national norm, and the state has a very high number of physicians per 100,000 residents, at 270 versus the 210 nationwide average. Maine's air quality is exceptionally good and 25 points above the national median, which more than halves the risk of respiratory illness and cancer, and its water quality index is nine points higher.

Maine earned its lowest score in the Finance category, largely due to the state's higher-than-average senior living costs and income tax rate. However, the sales tax rate here is significantly lower than the U.S. average, and Maine doesn't tax Social Security income. Additionally, the overall cost of living here is about 3.5% below that of the United States as a whole.



Top Nursing Care in Maine



Madigan Estates - Houlton, ME

Madigan Estates

93 Military St

Houlton, ME 04730

1-855-221-7955

8 Reviews  

Madigan Estates is an 86 unit senior housing facility. It is located at 93 Military St in Houlton, Maine. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 11,000 individuals living in the zip code of 04730. ...

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Piper Shores - Scarborough, ME

Piper Shores

15 Piper Rd

Scarborough, ME 04074

1-855-243-3078

6 Reviews  

Located at 15 Piper Rd in Scarborough, Maine, Piper Shores is a 40 bed senior community. With an average per-family income of $77,285, the facility is in a primarily wealthier area. It has an average population density, with ...

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Maine



The average monthly cost for nursing home care in Maine is $9,642 per month, which is about 25% higher than in the United States overall, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. However, costs are higher in all the nearby states. The average cost is only $137 per month more in Vermont, but nursing homes in New Hampshire charge about $1,000 more. The cost of care in nursing facilities in New York and Massachusetts is even higher, with monthly rates that exceed Maine's average by $2,677 and $2,981, respectively.

  • Maine: $9,642
  • United States: $7,756
  • New Hampshire: $10,646
  • Vermont: $9,779
  • Massachusetts: $12,623
  • New York: $12,319

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Maine's Top Cities

Of the three most populous cities in Maine, Lewiston has the most affordable nursing home rate at $9,125 per month, while costs in Portland and Bangor average $10,220 and $10,494, respectively. In surveyed cities in Vermont and New Hampshire, the respective costs are even higher, at $10,737 in Burlington and $11,330 per month in Manchester.

  • Portland: $10,220
  • Bangor: $10,494
  • Lewiston: $9,125
  • Manchester, NH: $11,330
  • Burlington, VT: $10,737

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Maine

Nursing homes in Maine are the most expensive senior living option in the state at $9,642 per month. The cost of memory care is about $2,200 less, and the average rate charged by assisted living communities is $3,700 lower. In-home care options are more affordable by around $4,200 to $4,300 compared to skilled nursing, and the cost of adult day care is $6,175 lower on a monthly basis.

  • Memory Care: $7,428
  • Assisted Living: $5,942
  • In-Home Care: $5,339
  • Home Health Care: $5,457
  • Adult Day Care: $3,467
  • Nursing Home Care: $9,642

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Maine



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Maine.



Medicaid in Maine


MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, provides health care coverage for almost 312,000 low-income adults and children, which equates to about 18% of the state's 1.3 million residents. The program provides coverage for approximately two-thirds of the more than 5,800 residents of Maine's 93 nursing homes. Seniors who meet MaineCare's eligibility requirements may be covered for medically necessary care, supplies, equipment, meals and room and board, and most skilled nursing facilities in the state accept Medicaid payments. Alternatively, eligible seniors may qualify for MaineCare's Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver that offers coverage for a range of services and supports provided at home or in the community.

Medicaid Eligibility in Maine

To qualify for financial assistance for nursing facility services through MaineCare, seniors must meet income and asset guidelines as well as age, residency and functional criteria. Some of the key criteria are:

  • Individual applicants must have an income at or below 220% of the federal poverty level (FPL). As of 2021, this equates to a monthly income limit of $2,382.
  • Eligible individuals can have up to $10,000 in countable assets. For couples applying together who will share a room, the combined limit is $15,000. Some assets aren't counted, including a primary home, two vehicles, personal belongings and household furnishings.
  • To qualify, applicants must be aged 65 and older, blind or meet the Social Security definition of disabled.
  • Applicants must be a resident of Maine and a United States citizen or national or other legally permitted individual.
  • Each applicant must be assessed as having the need for the level of care provided in a nursing facility. 

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Family Independence performs intake and eligibility assessments for individuals who apply for nursing facility coverage. Applications for MaineCare long-term care can be printed out and mailed or faxed to the OFI location serving the applicant's home county, or submitted in person at their local DHHS regional office. Seniors and others can ask questions about eligibility and get help completing an application by calling (855) 797-4357.



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

Maine Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



Nursing homes in Maine are subject to federal and state regulations, with oversight provided by the Medical Facilities Unit of the DHHS. The full requirements can be viewed online and some of the relevant details are described in the table below.

Scope of Care

Nursing homes are only permitted to accept residents based on the order of a physician and for medically necessary reasons. Each resident must have access to nursing care from licensed staff and personal care from trained caregivers. In addition to medical and personal care, each resident must be provided with rehabilitative services, room and board, regular activities, meals and a safe environment. When necessary, residents must be housed in a dedicated Alzheimer's/dementia care unit staffed by appropriately trained personnel.

Care Plan Requirements

A comprehensive assessment must be performed on all new residents and this is used to develop a plan of care. The assessment includes 18 elements, such as the individual's cognitive patterns, communication skills, routine, eyesight, behavior, medications, medical conditions and history. The intent is to help maintain and/or improve the person's physical, mental and other functions. The care plan must be updated routinely and as needed, with copies available for applicable staff.

Medication Management Requirements

Facilities must have a pharmacist consultant who develops and updates written policies for medication usage, storage, security and labeling. The consultant must evaluate staff who administer medications, monitor residents for unnecessary medications and update each resident's regimen at least once per month. Staff members who administer medication must do so in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and other state laws. Residents may only be allowed to self-administer medications if deemed safe and in accordance with their physician's orders.

Staff Screening Requirements

Administrators and all staff must be licensed, certified and/or registered as required by state laws relevant to their job function. New staff who haven't been employed, trained or evaluated in their responsibilities for two years must be re-certified based on rules set by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Facilities can't employ a person who's been convicted of a crime or determined to be responsible for abuse, neglect or mistreatment of residents in a nursing facility or similar setting.

Staff Training Requirements

Facilities must employ a Director of Nursing who's educated, qualified and trained in gerontology and nursing home administration. Nursing staff must be appropriately licensed and trained, and they can't perform any task for which they lack documented evidence of such licensing and training.

Medicaid Coverage

The state Medicaid program, MaineCare, may cover some or all of the cost of nursing facility care based on the eligibility of an individual. More information is provided in the financial assistance section of this guide.

Reporting Abuse

Nursing homes must ensure all personnel know their responsibilities as described in the State Mandatory Reporting Law, which includes the reporting of alleged abuse, neglect, mistreatment and theft. Injuries to residents with no known source or cause must also be reported. Residents and the general public should report any allegations to the DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification via fax, mail or online, as well as to county law enforcement, if necessary.


Free Nursing Home Resources in Maine



211 Maine

United Way helps connect residents with the services they need throughout the state via the 211 Maine toll-free phone service and online database. Referrals and information are also available for aging and disability services and supports, including in-home care, Social Security, respite and financial assistance. The phone service can be reached by dialing 211 or (866) 811-5695, which is TTY and video relay accessible.

Maine Legal Services for the Elderly

Low-income seniors aged 60 and older and other vulnerable residents can receive free assistance and representation in civil legal matters from Maine LSE. Some of the most common issues this nonprofit law firm handles are debt, housing, access to MaineCare, Medicare and other public benefits, as well as financial powers of attorney. Referrals to other legal resources may be provided, including discounted rates on private attorneys.



Maine Agencies


Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Address: 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone Number: (207) 287-3707
Website: maine.gov/dhhs/

The DHHS provides information and many services that can help Maine's older population, including free health care coverage for low-income residents that may some or all of their nursing home costs. Eligibility for aging-related services generally begins at age 65. In-person assistance is available at 16 district offices throughout Maine. Street addresses, phone/fax and email contacts are listed on the DHHS website.



Area Agencies on Aging in Maine


Maine's senior population and their caregivers are served by five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which are also designated as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Seniors and people with disabilities are encouraged to contact their nearby AAA with questions about MaineCare, care services in their own home, community-based alternatives and nursing facility care, as well as requests for services and referrals. The AAAs are operated by Maine DHHS and provide information and assistance at no cost to residents.



Veteran Affairs Office in Maine


The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services offers assistance to veterans and their eligible dependents who are unsure of their options relating to VA benefits and other available financial assistance. The Bureau operates Veterans' Services Offices (VSOs) throughout Maine, where fellow veterans provide free, expert guidance on eligibility requirements and assistance with filing claims and appeals for benefits. VSO staff can also help seniors access non-VA services and programs for veterans in their area.



Social Security Offices in Maine


Seniors in Maine can start receiving partial Social Security retirement benefits at age 60, with full benefits available at age 65. People with disabilities may receive Social Security Disability benefits at a younger age. Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income benefits can help residents qualify for MaineCare and other forms of assistance. Seniors and disabled individuals can visit their local SSA office for information or to apply for Medicare, Social Security and other available benefits.

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