Dirigo Pines

Meredith Ares _{on Google}

Jul 9th, 2023

I have lived at Dirigo Pines, in an independent living cottage, for almost 5 years. I love it here. Its a welcoming community where residents can be as sociable or as private as they choose and there is a wide variety of activities for those who wish to participate. A big plus for me is that I dont have to worry about home maintenance. And when it snows, my driveway is plowed and my walkway is shoveled before I finish breakfast!

Lisa Norsworthy _{on Google}

Jun 28th, 2023

I have had two elderly relatives at Dirigo Pines. The current administration has done a great job of motivating the staff to be caring and attentive. One extremely good change they have made in the last year was to hire an RN to oversee the Meadowbrook neighborhood. This has made a big improvement in the level of care and communication with families. Meadowbrook has private, spacious and cheerful rooms. Nothing institutional about it. The food is fantastic...I wish I had Louis and his staff cooking for me! It is self-pay but they will do the paperwork for long-term care insurance. When I get to that point, I hope I can go there vs. the standard nursing home!

Bill Rieth _{on Google}

Nov 23rd, 2023

More than a year ago, my brother was was diagnosed with dementia. He had always lived alone but now needed help with everything. Although I live out of state, I became his guardian and set out to help move him into a place where hed be safe, well cared for, and able to enjoy his remaining years. After an extensive search, I decided that the memory care unit in Dirigo would be a good choice, and in January we moved him in. I must admit that I had my concerns about being 1000 miles away and unable to visit often to see firsthand his care and wellbeing. However we spoke frequently over the phone, and each time Id him ask how things were really going he always said, Oh they couldnt be better. I believe he meant it!
In October, he suffered a major cardio event from a preexisting issue that made it necessary to begin palliative care. I was privileged to spend his remaining 3 weeks with him in Dirigo which also allowed me to witness firsthand the care and love he had been receiving all along.
There are many on the staff who obviously contributed to his excellent care and happiness during his time that I would like to thank. However, there are a few whos names stand out me: Nathan, Stephanie, Sarah, Jackson, Rachael Miller
I particularly want to thank 2 others for going above and beyond the call of duty to make my brothers remaining time full and enjoyable. Monica Nicknair, Life Enrichment manager for her excellence in drawing him out and ensuring that his days were active and happy. And Jessica Lundquist, who took the time to really get to know him, becoming a friend who listened to his needs and concerns, advocating for him when he needed it - key to his happiness and comfort at Dirigo.

Ron Gastia _{on Google}

Aug 20th, 2023

My best friend for the past 50 years is a resident of the Memory Unit at Dirigo Pines. He has advanced Alzheimer's. When he first arrived, he could speak very little that was understandable, yet was very mobile. Over the period since his arrival, he has lost the ability to speak, is bedridden, likely doesn't know who I am, and responds to stimuli only sometimes. I visit him often, and I pay particular attention to how he is being treated. In the beginning, staff encouraged him to exercise and participate in activities. As the disease progressed and he could no longer participate in such activities, they continued to work with him in any way possible. In my experience, the staff at Dirigo Pines take very good care of him, and treat him with dignity. If I have a concern, the staff immediately address it. I've been approached by staff, whom I haven't yet met, and politely asked of my connection, which I have appreciated because it informs me that they are concerned for the well-being of the residents.
I've played music for my friend, to which he appears to positively respond. Staff have expressed that they have been using music with some residents with very good results. I appreciate such efforts.
I haven't been concerned with the cleanliness or sanitation of the facility, and I am quite conscious of such things. The staff are pleasant and appear to enjoy working with the residents. The Executive Director, Paul Arbour, is very easy to speak with, is accessible, and appears to have genuine concern for the residents.
I appreciate all that Dirigo Pines and its staff have done for my friend.

Francis Sinclaire _{on Google}

Jul 3rd, 2023

I have been associated, directly and indirectly, with Dirigo Pines Retirement Community since its beginning. Like all human endeavors, it has experienced ups and a few downs. Recently, I have learned that a new employee has been hired to look after the specific needs of the Cottage community, an area that seemed to me a bit forsaken under the organization's current ownership. That hiring has been a giant step forward, returning the Community to its highest standards. Dirigo Pines is always has been a wondrous place to retire, beautifully landscaped, well designed and configured Inn and Cottages, assorted activities, fantastic food, close proximity to the University of Maine and all that it offers, walking distance to a fine golf course, and, best of all, it's in Maine!