The Heron House sits tucked away on a quiet, wooded 3-acre lot along Route One in Cumberland Foreside, just a short drive from Portland, Falmouth, Freeport, and Yarmouth, and folks say there's a nice feeling of both peace and community when you're there, probably because the grounds feel private and there are old trees all around, and everyone seems to know each other by name. The building is single-story and has 24 beds, offering private and semi-private rooms that come with half bathrooms, cable, internet, in-room WiFi, and some have wheelchair accessible showers, and there's always a nurse on staff, though only part-time, and the specialized staff handle everything from medication administration to general personal care for people who need help with daily tasks or more specific care like diabetic support, incontinence management, and companion care, so there's less worry for families about appointments and such because staff help out with coordination.
They call themselves a Level IV Residential Care Facility and offer assisted living services, memory care, independent living options, and nursing home-type care too, and they really do stick to the comforts and routines of home, so there's homemade meals with special diets handled, arts and crafts activities, music, a cooking club, gardening groups, game nights, story sessions, and outings to keep everyone busy, plus fitness and wellness programs for those who want to stay active. Residents can bring pets, and the place is pet-friendly inside and out, so you see dogs or cats now and then in the common areas, and there are gardens and outdoor patios where people gather in warmer weather, and even though smoking isn't allowed inside, the air is clean and easy on everyone. Studio apartments and single-room units are available, so each person has some privacy while being able to join in community dining, whether that's eating in the dining room or having meal trays brought to their rooms, and guests are welcome at meals.
They put effort into making daily life smoother, with on-site beauty and barber services, an in-house pharmacy, laundry and dry cleaning, and help from aides for things like getting ready or running small errands, and there's a complimentary transportation service for doctor visits or outings, so friends and families don't have to worry about driving every time. For those times when extra help is needed, like during recovery from illness or for end-of-life care, The Heron House provides respite and hospice care with a focus on dignity and comfort, and they've got services for both short stays and longer-term needs, including physical therapy and rehabilitation. The building's entirely smoke-free inside both public and private areas, and there are all sorts of safety features, including wheelchair-accessible spaces, guest parking, and secure outdoor spaces.
Nichole Lessard serves as the Administrator, and the place is family-owned and operated, which seems to help with the sense of connection and consistent communication people talk about, and they've received some awards for quality care and having engaging activities. Religion, education, music, and crafts happen in-house for those who want to join, and there's even a resident musical group some evenings. The Heron House takes check payments, has an all-inclusive pricing structure, and is licensed by the state under RCD39488, and for many, it's the quiet location, skilled staff, warm setting, and home-like feel with a real sense of community that stand out compared to many other options in the area.
