Independent Living in Maine

Life in Maine is almost iconic as a representation of New England. Seniors seeking an active retirement spot with some of the country’s best seafood, a cost of living that’s 3.5% below the national average and four full seasons each year might consider the crashing waves and rocky Atlantic Beaches of Maine. Portland, the largest city in the state, is right on the coast and has plenty to occupy those interested in the arts and culture at the Portland Museum of Art, while the Allagash Brewing Company is just one of the dozens of small-batch, craft brewers throughout the state.

Seniors who are early in their retirement or who need little to no assistance with daily activities are ideal candidates for independent living communities. These communities often provide easy access to social opportunities and may offer extra services such as congregate meals, all while residents live in individual homes or apartments. Seniors participate as much or as little as they choose.

Independent living averages $3,862 per month in this state. This guide offers more information about the expected cost of independent living in Maine, along with resources that may be helpful to seniors as their situation changes.

The Cost of Independent Living in Maine

When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Maine and its 7 cities.

The Cost of Independent Living in Maine's Top Cities

Maine's independent living costs of $3,515 a month are near the middle range for the northeastern United States. Seniors in Portland pay less, or $2,886 a month. Bangor and Orono both average $3,771 a month for independent living costs, while the coastal resort town of Kennebunk comes closest to the state average, at $3,410 a month.

Maine

$3515

Portland

$2,886

Bangor

$3,771

Orono

$3,771

Kennebunk

$3,410

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Maine

Inflation has produced rising costs of independent living care all over America. Maine is an exception, with costs projected to fall 17% from $4,703 to $3,420 between 2022 and 2024. Nationwide averages are expected to rise during that period, from $2,810 to $3,162, an estimated 12.5% increase. Other states likewise project increases. Vermont estimates an 8% rise from $4,895 to $5,272. New York projects a 39% hike from $2,793 to $3,875. Maryland estimates a 12% rise, from $3,313 to $3,710. Pennsylvania expects an increase from $3,603 to $3,675.

Location	2022 Cost (Historical)	2023 Cost (Current)	2024 Cost (Estimated)
Maine	$4,703	$3,515	$3,420
U.S. Average	$2,810	$2,955	$3,162
Vermont	$4,895	$4,950	$5,272
New York	$2,793	$3,372	$3,875
Pennsylvania	$3,603	$3,215	$3,675
Maryland	$3,313	$3,484	$3,710

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

At $3,515 a month, independent living is relatively affordable in Maine, but there are other options. Seniors with more urgent care needs may pay $5,609 for assisted living in Maine, or even $8,469 a month for memory care.

Assisted Living

$5,609

Memory Care

$8,469

Independent Living

$3,515

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Maine?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Maine.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Maine

Independent living is typically paid entirely out of pocket. Government programs don’t offer assistance with room and board at these facilities, though some waivers or long-term care insurance may help with assistance services delivered as seniors need additional help with daily activities. For the direct cost of independent living, seniors may opt to sell their homes to purchase their new retirement homes. Another option may be a reverse mortgage for those seniors uninterested in selling their homes. There are many financing options to help with the costs of independent living in Maine.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Maine

There are many resources in Maine that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Area Agencies on Aging		Maine's five Area Agencies on Aging provide information, assistance, referrals and advocacy to the state's elder population. These agencies connect older adults to valuable local resources, such as medical transportation, in-home care services and educational programs. Staff also offers health insurance counseling services to help seniors navigate the ins and outs of Medicare or commercial health care plans. All offices are open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Interpreters are available for non-English-speaking callers.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Maine provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Lifeline Program	800-234-9473	The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Maine seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)	207-287-7513	The Commodity Supplemental Food Program in Maine provides low-income adults age 60877-353-3771 with a monthly food package to enrich their diets. These packages, also called Senior Brown Bags, Commodity Boxes or Senior Boxes, include an array of nutritious foods. Recipients must meet income eligibility guidelines. The CSFP is delivered by Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in partnership with organizations across the state. For more information, seniors should contact the appropriate agency in their county.
Maine Good Shepherd Food Banks	207-782-3554	Nonprofits across Maine operate food pantries to provide fresh and nonperishable foods to seniors and other community members in need. Food pantries often play a significant role in directly distributing food to low-income residents. Some also provide personal and household items and pet foods and may have special programs to supply holiday-specific food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Food pantries operate on varying days and hours, and eligibility requirements may differ.
Maine Meals on Wheels		Maine Meals on Wheels provides seniors with food assistance conveniently delivered to their doorsteps. Homebound adults aged 60 and above with mobility issues can access affordable, nutritious and ready-to-eat meals on a sliding fee scale. Residents receive healthy meals and companionship, with Meals on Wheels volunteers playing a crucial role in ensuring seniors' well-being by checking on their health and safety daily. In addition, seniors who have transportation can visit community sites for group meals and socializing.
Maine Nutrition Services Program	877-353-3771	Maine Nutrition Services Program acts for seniors challenged by the cost or efforts of accessing a balanced diet, those wanting to socialize and housebound seniors. Staff and volunteers serve meals at a variety of community dining locations. These communal meals are an opportunity to share in healthy dining, meet new friends and access professional assistance from nutritionists, disease management counselors and other health professionals. Home delivery meals are also provided.
Maine Senior FarmShare Program	207-446-5550	The Maine Senior FarmShare Program helps low-income seniors in the state access fresh fruits and vegetables that are an important part of a healthy diet. Recipients receive $50 worth of produce from a participating farm and can choose from over 100 authorized farms in the state. The program is open to Maine residents who are age 60+ (55+ for Native Americans). Participants must also meet annual income eligibility guidelines. MSFP operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)	800-442-6003	The Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, is open to eligible seniors and low-income families statewide. This monthly benefit helps seniors obtain the foods they need for good nutrition, but applicants must be residents of Maine and meet specific income and resource guidelines to qualify. Electronic benefits transfer cards are then loaded with benefits, which can be used at most supermarkets and grocery stores statewide for qualifying food and beverage purchases.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Maine collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine CITE Program	207-621-3195	The Maine Department of Education's Maine CITE Program makes assistive technology available to Maine seniors. Free loaner services offer short-term use of medical devices. Seniors can try out equipment before buying it to see if it works for them.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Maine seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maryland Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled program	866-796-2463	Seniors may qualify for discounted prescriptions through the Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled program. DEL provides up to 80% off the cost of some prescription medications. Recipients may have a $2 copayment. Call the Pharmacy Help Desk at (866) 796-2463 for assistance.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Maine have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
MaineHousing's Home Accessibility and Repair Program	800-452-4668	MaineHousing's Home Accessibility and Repair Program issues grants to low-income homeowners who can't afford necessary home repairs and improvements. Grants may cover modifications to help disabled persons or those experiencing physical barriers to living at home to remain in their residences.

Legal Resources

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Maine seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly	800-750-5353	Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides those aged 60 and over with free high-quality legal services.

Social Security offices in Maine help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Social Security		Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Maine resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine State Property Tax Deferral Program	207-624-5600	The State Property Tax Deferral Program allows older homeowners to defer paying property taxes until they move, sell, or pass away. Seniors must submit a Property Tax Deferral Application with their local municipal assessor between January 1 and April 1.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Maine retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)	877-544-3271	HEAP helps low-income seniors pay for heating costs. HEAP applicants may also apply for the Low-Income Assistance Program, which pays for electricity costs by providing a credit on the recipient's electric bill.

Veteran's Services

Maine retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Maine VA Benefits and Health Care		Maine's VA Benefits and Health Care services are designed to help seniors aged 65 and older access critical services for their well-being. Elderly veterans have various options across the state to receive care and support for their benefits, such as the VA Medical Center in Augusta and the Togus Regional Office. Seniors can access programs like the Disability Housing Grant for Veterans to make home modifications for service-connected disabilities.

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