Deering Pavilion is an 11-story residence at 880 Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine, managed by the Diocesan Bureau of Housing and owned by the Catholic Diocese, for adults aged 62 and older or those with physical handicaps, and there are 200 studio and one-bedroom apartments with open floor plans, big windows showing views of the forest, ocean, mountains, or city skyline, and the apartments come with large closets and emergency pull cords in the bathrooms and living areas for peace of mind. Rent is based on 30% of a resident's income and includes heat, hot water, electricity, air conditioning, and internet access, which helps a lot when budgeting.
The building sits on a seven-acre wooded lot with lighted gardens and walking paths, which are convenient for strolls anytime, day or night, and there's spacious parking for both residents and guests who drive. Inside, Deering Pavilion set aside 23 common areas including a family-style dining room, a recreation room with tables for crafts and a pool table, a media room with comfortable seating and a big-screen TV, and a library that has computers for public use, making it easy for folks to socialize or enjoy hobbies whenever they want. There's a convenience store onsite, a laundry facility, and a beauty salon for residents to use, so running errands or getting a haircut doesn't mean leaving home.
The community offers both independent living and assisted living options, so residents who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or taking medicine can get support, and there's also Alzheimer's and memory care for people with dementia, including safety features and therapies to help prevent wandering and confusion. Healthcare support also covers incontinence, non-ambulatory, and diabetic care, and the staff focuses on being helpful and kind, making things feel welcoming. Residents get chef-planned meals in various dining areas, and there are both onsite and offsite activities, including devotional services for those who like spiritual activities.
All in all, Deering Pavilion doesn't advertise specific prices, but it does have a rent structure that helps those with low incomes, and it's aimed toward providing a comfortable, social, and secure place for older adults and people with physical disabilities to live with dignity while enjoying the views, the gardens, and the everyday comforts of a well-run building.