Memory Care in Maine

Maine Senior Living and Care

At no point in American history has there ever been as many older adults in this country as there are now. There are a couple reasons for this. First, innovations in healthcare services and technology are helping people to live longer and longer. Plus, the sizable baby boomer generation is beginning its later years. Thankfully, there are dozens of Main senior living facilities to keep up with the growing demand for elder care.

What Makes Maine Great?

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east and Canada to the north, Maine is the ninth least populous state with about 1.3 million inhabitants. The state is known for its heavily forested interior; mostly rocky, jagged coastline; picturesque waterways; and rolling, low mountains. Maine's seafood cuisine is world famous. The Pine Tree State's capital is Augusta and its largest city is Portland. The first European settlers were the French in 1604.

An important part of Maine's economy is outdoor recreation and tourism. The state is a favorite destination for camping, skiing, sport fishing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, and sport hunting, especially moose, bear, and deer. According to crime rates, the safest state in the country is consistently Maine.

Why Are Seniors Drawn to Maine?

Maine has a massive senior population with about 31 percent of the state's residents being 55 years of age or older. Golden agers are attracted to the low crime rates for both violent and property crimes. The taxes and cost of living are just slightly more than the national averages, but that is the price people are willing to pay to live in such a beautiful, clean, and safe state.

There are several world class hospitals in Maine. One of the best ones is Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland. It is a teaching hospital with 637 licensed beds and is designated a Level I trauma center. In fact, U.S. News & World Report recently listed MMC as one of the top hospitals in America for orthopedics, gynecology, and heart care. Other major hospitals are Eastern Maine Medical Center, Mid Coast Hospital, and Central Maine Medical Center.

Types of Senior Living in Maine

Based on the degree of care a golden ager needs, there are many different forms of senior living in Maine. Skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes, are meant for convalescent older adults and those with chronic or long term maladies. These are state licensed to supply room and board along with nursing care at all hours of the day and night. In addition, they provide access to occupational, physical, and other rehabilitative therapies as well as specialized care.

When their primary caretakers have to go to work or must be away from the home for other reasons, seniors can get additional companionship and care throughout the day in adult day services, also known as adult day care centers. Adult day care centers provide general supervision, recreational activities, and health care during the day.

Assisted living facilities, or assisted living communities, offer the ideal combination of onsite medical care and freedom. These facilities provide retired people with social activities, personal care services, and their own semi-private or private suites or rooms. They promote the involvement of family members and close friends while maintaining a belief in encouraging independence and dignity in aging.

Independent living is designed for golden agers who can mostly care for themselves and are still quite active. Residents can participate in recreational activities, can pick from a full menu of services, and get their own cottages or senior apartments. Congregate housing is a suitable independent living choice for those older adults who need more aid.

Continuing care retirement communities offer all of the above forms of Maine senior living in one location. This gives seniors a consistent atmosphere as they progress through their twilight years. Memory care communities, commonly referred to as Alzheimer's care facilities, give older adults with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other types of chronic memory loss the treatment and security they need.

Golden Agers Stay Engaged in Maine

Maine care about the quality of life of its older adults. That is why there are five area agencies on aging in the state that promote dignity, economic self-reliance, and independence for retirees aged 60 and over. With the strong dedication to golden agers, the low crime rates, and the vast natural beauty, it has never been a better time to consider Maine for senior living.