Veyma J
Nov 2025
went to visit my grandmother & nurse Matthew was exceptional! very kind, caring, and answered all my questions. the facility was clean the CNAs are absolutely amazing.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 102
- Medicare rating
- 4 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 102
- Inspections
- View history (50 citations)
- Care continuum
- Independent, assisted, memory care, rehab, skilled nursing on one campus
- Ownership type
- Nonprofit community, founded 1929 as Jewish Home for Aged
- Therapy availability
- Rehab therapies offered seven days a week
- Care model
- Household model with private rooms and baths
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews of The Cedars in Portland, Maine are mixed: several families praise specific caregivers, therapy outcomes, and the overall campus, while others report serious understaffing and slow response times, especially around end-of-life and hospice care. This is a nonprofit continuum-of-care community founded in 1929, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing on one campus.
The Good
- Reviewers praise specific nurses and CNAs by name
- Successful rehab outcomes after hip fracture cited
- Smooth transition described from independent to assisted living
- Newer buildings designed for residents with mobility challenges
- Enhanced assisted living program noted as filling a care gap
The Bad
- Multiple reports of long waits after pressing call button
- One account of father left in same position ~18 hours
- One report of inadequate end-of-life pain management protocols
- One report of no follow-up after formal complaints to administration
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
The Cedars is a senior living community in Portland, Maine offering Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.9 out of 5 across 72 reviews.
About The Cedars
Cedars Nursing Care Center is a comprehensive, non-profit senior living community in Portland, Maine, offering a full continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care. Founded in 1929 as the Jewish Home for Aged, the community serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The community provides private apartments and rooms within an active environment. Residents enjoy assistance with activities of daily living when needed, innovative programming, and person-centered care. Memory care services are available for people with memory loss, featuring cutting-edge therapies and meaningful activities within a close-knit community setting.
Short-term rehabilitation services are available for seniors recovering from hospitalization, including specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapies offered seven days a week in a state-of-the-art therapy gym. Long-term skilled nursing care is provided within a vibrant community environment.
The Cedars emphasizes innovative approaches to aging, drawing on the arts, outdoors, and intergenerational connections to help older adults learn, grow, heal, and thrive. Programming includes social and cultural activities, health and wellness services, and delicious dining choices.
The community operates under the Household Model of person-centered care and has been recognized for its commitment to holistic wellness. Recent additions include the Sam L. Cohen Households, featuring private rooms and baths, as well as The Atrium, which has been certified as a Maine Environmental Leader by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Types of Care at The Cedars
Memory CareSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Cable or Satellite TV
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of The Cedars
3.9overall · 72 ratings combined
3.9★ on Google (72)
MDCCLXXV
Sep 2025
Some of the personnel that work at this facility are quite kind and eager to help, but unfortunately that’s Pennie’s on the dollar when considering her overall care. Understaffed is a mild understatement, and the percentage of staff that can’t be bothered to lend a hand nor willing to perform basic wellness and comfort checks is disheartening. Our mother’s roommate sat in her chair begging someone to contact the nurses station since she’d hit her red button over an hour prior and nobody had come in to check on her. Same with my mother, we hit the red button for her and 45 minutes later a CNA came in to ask if someone from the nurses station had come in yet. There’s nothing timely happening here, and getting requests from patients in the hallways asking us to send a nurse to them because nobody is listening to them hurts your heart. I won’t be recommending this facility for anyone, ESPECIALLY for any kind of care related to Hospice. A few good eggs, but overall exceptionally poor service and a couple crabby attitudes in an environment that begs for empathy and knowledgeable staff. I feel bad for anyone’s parent who gets left here to fend for themselves.
Kaitlyn Morse
Jul 2025
The Cedars is a standout campus with a thoughtful approach to aging. Its newer buildings reflect a clear commitment to individualized care, especially for residents with mobility challenges. The enhanced assisted living program fills a critical gap and is delivered with intention. Across levels of care, The Cedars continues to evolve in ways that reflect both professionalism and respect for the people who live there.
Adele Joy-Jones
Jul 2024
I would not recommend this facility to anyone and explained the reasons to Katharine O'Neill, the COO. My father was in the Sam L Cohen household and when you are paying over $15,000 a month, you expect at minimum, good care. The care staff are compassionate, but they are understaffed. At one point my father who was unable to move was left in the same position for almost 18 hours. Several times I pushed the call button only to wait 45 minutes to an hour for anyone to come into the room. A high percentage of the care staff are not educated in end of life comfort care, which was distressful to my father and our family. Calls of complaints to the administrative level were received; however, there was no follow up as promised. For end of life care there were no protocols in place for pain management such as IV pain medications, or a Macy catheter. I was put into a stressful position to move my dad to the Gosnell House for his last few hours of life, so that he could get the pain medication that he needed. This is the first poor review I have ever left and if I could leave a negative star review I would. Short of a couple wonderful caregivers at this facility, I would advise you to look elsewhere. ** Their response is pathetic. "Working behind the scenes to meet the needs of your father during his stay.". But yet they didn't meet those needs.
Margaret Myatt
Jun 2024
Mom was at the Atrium for 10 years? She loved her apartment. Was at the Hoffman Center for rehab after a hairline hip fracture. The balance between rest and physical therapy was well managed. She moved to Cedars assisted living and the transition went well. Great staff! Lovely facility. Would recommend. I don't know how the costs compare. Please give it a good look. Mom is happy.
Government Inspection History
6 inspection visits in the last three years, 50 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Feb 6, 2026Fire Safety Complaint1 citation
Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 23, 2026
Jun 25, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard19 citations
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 15, 2025
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Install a two-hour-resistant firewall separation.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 3, 2025
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 30, 2025
Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2025
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 27, 2025
Apr 3, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard10 citations
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 10, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 10, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 10, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 10, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 10, 2024
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 10, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 10, 2024
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 10, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 10, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 10, 2024
Feb 20, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 29, 2024
Aug 22, 2023Health Complaint2 citations
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 22, 2023
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 22, 2023
Dec 1, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard17 citations
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 26, 2023
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Install proper backup exit lighting.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 26, 2023
Use approved construction type or materials.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 26, 2023
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 26, 2023
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2023
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does The Cedars offer?
The Cedars offers Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is The Cedars located?
The Cedars is located at 630 Ocean Avenue in Portland, Maine.
What do families say about The Cedars?
Reviews of The Cedars in Portland, Maine are mixed: several families praise specific caregivers, therapy outcomes, and the overall campus, while others report serious understaffing and slow response times, especially around end-of-life and hospice care. This is a nonprofit continuum-of-care community founded in 1929, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing on one campus.
How did The Cedars do on recent health and safety inspections?
The Cedars had 6 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 50 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit The Cedars?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with The Cedars and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at The Cedars? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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