Maine Veterans' Homes - Scarborough sits at 290 US Route 1 and has served veterans and their families since 1990, offering 150 beds for a full range of care needs like long-term, short-term, skilled nursing, residential care, and memory care for those with dementia. This independent nonprofit runs as part of six homes in Maine and is set up specially for veterans, their spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents, with veterans always getting priority for a spot, and families can also get support with applications, including help getting military paperwork or understanding VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Staff have experience caring for people who served in the US Armed Forces and keep up with the latest care standards thanks to partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, local nursing schools, and medical residency programs.
Eligibility for care means a person must have served in the US military for at least a day of active duty, gotten an honorable discharge, and been a Maine resident at service or application, and there are over a hundred staff members working both full and part time to meet the wide range of needs. The Scarborough home has a focus on respect, dignity, and comfort, with quiet rooms for private time, a barber and beauty shop, a Veteran hall with projection TV, and community transport options in wheelchair-accessible vans and buses for outside events or celebrations. There are structured activities like movie nights, games, casino visits, fishing trips, and outings to restaurants and shopping, and folks can stay connected using computers, iPads, Skype, or FaceTime. The dining rooms serve cook-to-order meals from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., with room service and a special kitchen for families to use during visits.
The care team, led by administrator Patty Nutting, includes an on-site Medical Director, physician services, 24-hour RN coverage, and customized care plans built for every resident, covering nursing, therapy, meals, social services, and activities. Therapy options cover speech, occupational, and physical rehabilitation, plus specific care for elders with Alzheimer's and other memory challenges, respiratory therapy, and even a Rehab-to-Home Recovery program for those needing short-term support before going home. Assisted living supports daily personal needs like bathing or dressing, and memory care relies on its own programming and dementia waivers to help people stay as independent as possible. Safety comes from emergency alert systems, housekeeping, and regular wellness checks, with structured options for special diets, including diabetic and allergy-sensitive meals.
Volunteers and local veteran groups join in, and community fundraising helps support new programs or extra comforts. The home also holds a unique atmosphere, being both modern and comfortable, and gives peace of mind knowing staff see it as their responsibility and privilege to look after those who served. With roomy common areas, community events, a game room, meal services, and quiet outdoor and indoor spaces, the Maine Veterans' Homes - Scarborough works to support veterans, their families, and their memories through all stages of life.
