The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Westbrook, ME

Avita of Stroudwater earned its place on our top 10 list because of its innovative Artist in Residence Program as well as its culinary team's emphasis on providing fresh, locally-sourced fare that's both delicious and nutritious. We also liked the facility's Learning for Life program, which provides residents with opportunities to explore various areas of interest using online learning, in-person study groups and peer mentorship. This community is family-owned and small pet-friendly. Floor plans include studio and one-bedroom apartments. Companion suites are also available. Besides the restaurant-style dining room, there is an on-site coffee shop where residents can enjoy casual snacks and beverages.

We were impressed by the extensive range of activities and amenities provided by this facility and feel that they accurately reflect the needs and desires of 21st-century retirees. The thoughtfully curated activity calendar includes diverse options such as beer tasting sessions, hot chocolate bars, tai chi, on-site musical performances, daily happy hours and evening movies. The patio area is large, with comfortable seating areas and easy access to walking trails. This facility is small-pet-friendly and offers studio and one-bedroom apartments.

This facility has studio, one- and two-bedroom units equipped with emergency call systems, kitchenettes or kitchens and in-room cable. All pets are welcome here. On-site amenities include a full-service beauty salon/barbershop, a private party space where residents can entertain friends and family, scheduled transportation, a computer room, a library and a TV room. The outdoor common spaces feature raised garden beds, patios with grills and fire pits, landscaped gardens and on-site hiking trails.

This facility is among a handful of assisted living facilities in the state of Maine that has a licensed nurse on staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We liked the personal touches provided by the staff, such as the delivery of grocery items and daily trash pickup. Residents also receive customized assistance with routine grooming, dressing and bathing, medication management and housekeeping and linen services. We were also impressed by the range of community outings Gorham house provides, such as visits to local museums, lunch and dinner cruises and lunches at popular local restaurants.

This facility's open-concept floor plans include pet-friendly studio and one-bedroom apartments as well as companion suites. All units have contemporary full-sized kitchen appliances and washers and dryers. There are outdoor patios and porches, an on-site movie theater and a gym where residents can participate in chair yoga, tai chi and other low-impact fitness activities. Along with assistance getting dressed, bathing and grooming on an as-needed basis, staff also provides help with transfers in and out of bed and with getting to and from the restaurant-style dining room for meals and to other community activities.

Residents of 75 State Street can choose from studio and one-bedroom units with emergency call systems, individual temperature controls and in-room cable and internet. We appreciated that this facility accepts pets of all sizes rather than imposing limits. The staff includes dietetic technicians to help ensure that all residents' nutritional needs are met, and professional chefs prepare meals from local ingredients as much as possible. There is also an on-site coffee shop with snacks and drinks.

This community caught our eye because of the range of dining options that residents can choose from. Room service is available all day long, and reservation-only private dining is available for personal festivities. There is an on-site fine dining restaurant with a formal dress code where residents can dress for dinner and show off their elegant attire while enjoying expertly prepared steak and seafood as well as more casual options. Sandwiches, salads, sweets can be found at the on-site deli counter and bistro. There is a classic American restaurant as well that serves three meals per day and also offers an a la carte menu.

With a resident capacity of just 24, Ledgeview Assisted Living is the smallest facility on our top 10 list. We liked its more intimate setting and the extra-personalized care each resident received. The family-owned and operated facility is situated on three scenic areas, and units have beautiful views of the woods and garden where residents are often able to catch glimpses of Maine wildlife. All rooms are bright and spacious with wall-to-wall carpeting, and common spaces are cozy and homelike.

While we liked everything about this facility, we were particularly impressed with the quality of the on-site entertainment and activities. The state-of-the-art screening room features digital HD with surround sound and receives over 700 channels, and residents can enjoy everything from new releases to old favorites, all with complimentary popcorn. The game room has two billiards tables, Wii games, a poker table and darts. There are monthly wine and cheese gatherings, welcome teas for new residents, summer block parties and an annual lobster bake each August.

We especially loved the common areas in this facility. The dining room features a fireplace and a grand piano, and the sunroom offers a bright, cheerful atmosphere. The on-site movie theater features sumptuous leather seating for ultimate comfort, and the outdoor terrace, gardens and walking paths provide residents with plenty of fresh air and exercise. Social activities include barbecues, happy hours, afternoon teas and, in true Maine tradition, lobsterfests. The facility also hosts regular live music and theater performances.