Assisted Living in Bangor, Maine: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Residential Assisted Living in Bangor, Maine offers seniors a charming blend of independence and support in a serene New England setting. Maine, known for its high standards in healthcare and senior living, ranks favorably in assisted living services, providing peace of mind to residents and their families. This picturesque town invites those over 55 to experience a community-focused lifestyle, where personalized care and vibrant social activities come together to create a fulfilling and comfortable retirement experience.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near Bangor, Maine
About Assisted Living in Bangor, ME
In Bangor, Maine, Residential Assisted Living is defined as a supportive living environment designed to cater to the needs of individuals over the age of 55 who require assistance with daily activities but still wish to maintain a level of independence. These facilities offer a comprehensive range of services including personal care (such as help with bathing, dressing, and medication management), nutritious meal plans, housekeeping, and laundry services. Beyond the essentials, many Bangor assisted living communities also provide a vibrant calendar of social, educational, and recreational activities to foster a sense of community and enhance the quality of life for their residents. With a focus on personalized care, safety, and well-being, Residential Assisted Living in Bangor aims to offer a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors, nestled in the scenic beauty and tranquility of Maine.
Considerations when looking for senior housing in Bangor, ME
There are approximately 16 assisted living facilities within or near the city limits of Bangor. The estimated population of Bangor is nearly 32,000, with a estimated 18.8% of the portion being seniors over the age of 55. In Bangor, the summers are warm, the winters are freezing and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 10°F to 80°F and is rarely below -7°F or above 88°F.
Cities Near Bangor, ME
- Brewer, ME – approximately 2.4 miles southeast.
- Orono, ME– about 6.9 miles north.
- Hampden, ME– around 4.8 miles southwest.
- Veazie, ME – roughly 6.83 miles southeast.
- Hermon, ME– nearly 5.15 miles southwest
Pricing and How to Pay
Paying for senior care in Bangor, Maine, involves considering several factors, including the level of care needed, the type of facility, and the specific services required. The average cost of Residential Assisted Living in Bangor is approximately $4,750 per month. This cost can vary based on the individual’s care needs, the amenities provided by the facility, and other factors.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Bangor, ME
- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
- Acadia Hospital
- Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Sunbury Primary Care
- Address: 360 Broadway, Bangor, ME, 04401
- Phone: 207-262-1825
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Resources and Links – Maine
Legal Services for the Elderly of Maine Maine residents age 60 and older can call the statewide Legal Helpline to get free and confidential help with legal problems. The Helpline Attorneys provide information and advice on a wide variety of non-criminal legal problems including elder abuse and protection orders, housing issues including eviction and foreclosure, consumer debt, public assistance benefits, guardianship, Medicare/MaineCare, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Advance Directives, and health care coverage disputes. LSE also has attorneys located in offices across the state that provide legal representation in some situations. If LSE can’t help, callers are offered referrals to private attorneys, potentially at reduced fees.
Office of Aging and Disability Services The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) supports Maine’s older and disabled adults by providing Adult Protective, Brain Injury, Other Related Conditions, Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Long Term Care, and Aging and Community services to the people of Maine.
Adult Protective Services Intake The Office of Aging and Disability Services provides or arranges for services to protect incapacitated and dependent adults age 18 and over. If you or someone you know is being abused, neglected, exploited or is unsafe, call Adult Protective Services to make a confidential report
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) The Maine SHIP grant is administered by the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and is a partnership between OADS, five area agencies on aging (AAA), the Bureau of Insurance, and the Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE). The Program Director is responsible for program administration, training activities and project coordination among the partners. Counseling and outreach activities are performed primarily by staff and volunteers at the AAAs. Staff attorneys at the LSE Hotline counsel beneficiaries by phone and refer them to AAAs if face-to-face assistance is required while the Department of Insurance furnishes relevant publications and offers consultation and training support.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.