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Home of the legendary folk hero Paul Bunyan, Bangor is a thriving city with 32,262 residents. Senior citizens represent 16.6% of the population, which is slightly higher than the national average. As the state’s third-largest city, Bangor offers a wealth of activities and amenities, and some of Maine’s most spectacular natural areas are within easy reach. Although Bangor was largely built by the lumber trade, it’s evolved into a modern city with world-class shops, restaurants and performing arts venues. Another perk for retirees is the area’s affordable cost of living, which is 15% lower than the national average.
Seniors who need occasional assistance can choose from 20 assisted living communities located in Bangor and the surrounding area. The median cost of these services is $4,842 per month according to research from Genworth Financial. While this is higher than the national median, it’s lower than the average costs in many other parts of New England.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in Bangor costs $4,842 per month, which is $542 higher than the U.S. median but $1,100 lower than the statewide average of $5,942. The local rate is also lower than costs in other states in New England. In Rhode Island, seniors pay $4,950 per month. Assisted living in Vermont costs $5,310, and residents in Massachusetts and New Hampshire pay $6,085 and $6,650, respectively.
Bangor provides a good value compared to other cities in the region. The nearest competitor is Burlington, Vermont, where assisted living costs $5,425 or $583 more per month. Boston, Massachusetts, and Lewiston are similarly priced at $6,100 and $6,150. In Portland, seniors pay an average of $6,583 per month. At $7,560, monthly costs in Manchester, New Hampshire, are $2,718 higher than in Bangor.
Maine offers a Residential or Assisted Housing program that can help with the cost of personal care, occupational and physical therapy and many other services provided in assisted living facilities and similar settings. These programs are available to adults who require a nursing home level of care and meet state-specified income and asset limits. To learn more about the long-term care services available through MaineCare, visit our page on Assisted Living in Maine.
| Contact | Description | |
| Eastern Area Agency on Aging | (207) 941-2865 | Funded by the state and federal government, this nonprofit serves as a single point of contact for adults and families who need more information about age-related services in the Bangor area. It offers Medicare counseling, money management assistance and transportation services. Seniors can take advantage of events and activities sponsored by the agency, including tai chi, book clubs, Medicare workshops and art classes. |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | (800) 750-5353 | Since 1974, LSE has been providing free information and legal services to disadvantaged and economically needy Maine residents over the age of 60. Its Bangor office assists with questions about Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, health care, estate planning and housing. Attorneys also handle guardianship petitions and intervene in cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. |
| Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (207) 621-1079 | The long-term care ombudsman is a federally mandated support system available to consumers in need of assisted living, nursing home care or related services. These volunteer advocates provide confidential information and advice. They advise residents on their rights, help consumers access long-term care and resolve disputes related to providers’ services and/or policies. |
| Gateway Seniors Without Walls | (207) 889-3031 | Sponsored by the University of Maine and several local communities, Gateway Seniors Without Walls is a grass-roots senior center offering a rich array of recreational programs and resources for older adults in Bangor, Orono and surrounding areas. Activities promote self-expression, socialization and physical fitness. Informational services are available to support those who are transitioning to long-term care or need help with Medicare and federal benefits. |
| Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services | (207) 941-3005 | The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services office in Bangor serves vets and military families in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Accredited veterans service officers provide free, confidential assistance to help residents access benefits sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state agencies and local partners. It can help with health care, long-term care, pensions, survivors’ benefits and transportation. |
| University of Maine Center on Aging | (207) 262-7920 | Located in Bangor, the UMaine Center on Aging supports age-related education, research and community services. In addition to training future long-term care professionals and gerontologists, it offers an extensive assortment of resources for seniors and their families. It supports a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a Senior Companion Program and additional initiatives that encourage community involvement and senior leadership. |
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services licenses and oversees assisted living facilities in Bangor and communities statewide. These activities are conducted by the Division of Licensing and Certification, Assisted Housing Program. See our page on Assisted Living in Maine for more details.
