Maine Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Maine

Continuing care retirement communities are home to active senior adults, offering everything they might need for a comfortable, enjoyable life in older age. Accepting adults over a certain age (55 or 62), with a certain level of financial independence and a good state of health, they are usually located in pleasant areas, delivering a wide range of services and amenities.

In Maine, there are over 20 retirement communities of this kind, located in Portland, Saco, Belfast, Hallowell, Scarborough, Augusta, and Farmingdale. In 2023, a new CCRC will open its doors. Located in Piper Shores, it is a non-profit lifecare retirement community, which offers a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to memory care.

If you are planning on moving into such a retirement community, it is advisable to apply before you meet the age requirement. These retirement communities have long waiting lists, and it can take months or even years before your application is considered. It might also be a good idea to analyze your finances, as the entrance fee required by these CCRCs can be quite hefty. Many retirees decide to dip into their retirement funds or even sell their properties to cover this fee.

These communities give you the chance to live your golden years in a beautiful manner, surrounded by like-minded people and plenty of opportunities for a comfortable life. All you have to do is find the one that speaks to your heart the most. Hopefully, the information provided below will help you do just that.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Maine - financing and costs

The financing of continuing care retirement communities is usually covered through private investments, but there are also private-public partnerships that have been created to the same purpose. It can happen for local authorities to contribute to the development of retirement communities, but that is not always the case.

Prospective residents are required to pay an entrance fee. For Maine-based CCRCs, this can start at $280,000 and go as far as $400,000 – these fees are valid for one or two-bedroom apartments. If you are looking to stay in a cottage or townhouse, the fee is going to considerably higher. The same goes if you are moving from independent living to higher levels of care. Entrance fee can be refunded in case of death or if you decide to move, but you have to check the refund policy before actually signing the contract.

Aside from the entrance fee, you are also required to cover the monthly fees. These vary between $2,850 and $5,900 – according to each retirement community, these fees are necessary to cover the healthcare and personal assistance, as well as guarantee the access to the on-site services and amenities. Some CCRCs might require a long-term insurance plan, in addition to the financial investment made in the form of entrance and monthly fees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Maine - care levels and services

Maine-based CCRCs offer prospective residents a number of independent living options, such as apartments, townhouses and cottages. They can maintain their independent lifestyle, within a retirement community that caters to all of their needs. As a retiree, should your needs change, you can move to the next level of care and receive the assistance you need.

Assistance living delivers dignified and compassionate assistance to residents who need it, especially in terms of daily living activities. The advantage is that you will remain in the same community, enjoying the amenities offered. Skilled nursing care is the next level, encompassing short-term or long-term rehabilitation, as well as personalized care and assistance. Last, but not least, you have memory care, where the attention is focused on the care of residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The services offered depend on the respective level of care. For someone who prefers living independently, these will include housekeeping, general maintenance, laundry and linen services, meal plans, security, emergency call system etc. Moving onto assisted living, the list might include personal care, therapy coordination, scheduled transportation, and medical supervision.

Nursing care services are complex, encompassing physical, occupational and speech therapy. They also include round-the-clock nursing support, short-term/long-term rehabilitation, respite care and hospice services. Memory care includes memory support services and security, with the purpose of ensuring the best possible quality of life for the respective residents.

CCRC in Maine - amenities and options

Each Maine-based CCRC has a number of different options for residents to choose from. Depending on the chosen contract, you will also have certain advantages to consider. For instance, there are retirement communities which allow you to live together with your partner or pet. It is always a good idea to check out each contract and see what you will have to gain by opting for a specific retirement community.

In terms of amenities, you are in luck, as most of these CCRCs offer a wide range of features for an enjoyable and stimulating life. Residents can take a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool, take part in daily activities such as arts and crafts, and take walks in the perfectly-landscaped gardens. They can take part in social clubs, religious services, off-site trips, fitness classes, learning courses, etc. Everything has been designed with the purpose of offering the best possible experience.

Should I move into a Maine-based CCRC?

We are aware of the fact that this is not an easy decision to make. For this reason, we would like to remind you that retirement communities are especially designed to fit the needs of senior adults. Here a few more other pros and cons for you to consider, before saying yes or no.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in ME

A retirement community allows you to live independently, without the burden of household chores, meal planning, running errands, etc.

Can access a higher level of care, should your health or level of independence change

Usually located in beautiful areas, offering a wide range of services, destined to make life easy and enjoyable

Can remain close to your partner, should you require different levels of care

Access to round-the-clock medical and personal assistance

Cons of moving to a CCRC in ME

Adjustment period can extend indefinitely

Might miss your old friends and the way life used to be

Not enough age diversity

Expensive entrance and monthly fees

Might not be able to adapt to the eventual restrictions