Al
Aug 2026
We had a wonderful lunch after our tour of this facility. Nicely appointed, clean and quiet place to live. Check it out.
Dirigo Pines
9 Alumni Drive4.5(57 ratings)· Orono average: 4.2
Part of Grace Management · 62 communities · 4.6★ average
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1 / 6Quick Facts
- Memory care setup
- Secured memory care unit called the Arbor
- Nursing oversight
- RN hired to oversee Meadowbrook memory care neighborhood
- Medical access
- Primary care provider visits residents weekly on-site
- Independent living perk
- Cottage snow removal and maintenance included
- Payment structure
- Self-pay, staff assist with long-term care insurance paperwork
What Families Think
An automated summary of family reviews and public information. Not verified by MyLivingChoice; confirm services, staffing and pricing with the community.
Reviewers of Dirigo Pines in Orono overwhelmingly describe a caring, close-knit community where many residents have stayed for years, moving through independent living, assisted living, and memory care as their needs changed. Families frequently praise staff warmth and compassion, though a handful of reviews raise serious concerns about a memory-care transition, staffing levels, and a perceived decline after a management change.
What reviewers praise
- Full continuum from independent living through memory care
- Weekly on-site visits from residents' primary care provider
- RN added to oversee memory care neighborhood
- Cottages include home maintenance, plowing and shoveling
- Many residents stayed 5-14+ years, report high satisfaction
- Staff repeatedly described as compassionate and attentive
What reviewers flag
- One report of abrupt memory care move with no family contact for 14 days
- One report of only one CNA per memory care area
- Mixed opinions on food, one reviewer called it pre-packaged and microwaved
- One report of care decline, staff turnover and a missed medication after management change
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Dirigo Pines is a senior living community in Orono, Maine offering Assisted Living, Memory Care and Independent Living. Amenities include Guest Meals, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 57 reviews.
About Dirigo Pines
Dirigo Pines is an assisted living and independent living community in Orono, Maine, with a dedicated memory care unit (the Arbor Unit) for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. The community serves residents across multiple neighborhoods, including Meadowbrook.
Families consistently praise the staff's attentiveness and genuine care. Many highlight low staff turnover as a meaningful advantage, one family noted this consistency "allowed both my stepmother and us to build trusting relationships." Residents benefit from coordinated activities like the annual Carnival, and families report the team goes the extra mile in end-of-life planning and special occasions, including accommodating family celebrations on-site. Recent operational improvements, such as hiring a dedicated RN to oversee one neighborhood, have strengthened communication and care quality.
The community holds a 4.5 out of 5 stars across 55 reviews. While the vast majority of recent feedback is five-star, two older one-star reviews describe abrupt transitions into memory care and restrictive visitation policies during a specific period, suggesting care experiences have varied depending on circumstance and timing.
Types of Care at Dirigo Pines
Assisted LivingIndependent LivingMemory CareRespite / Short-Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Guest Meals
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
- Security
Activities
- Birthday / Holiday Parties
- Religious Services
- Social Activities
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Dirigo Pines
4.5overall · 57 ratings combined
4.5★ on Google (57)
Bob B
Aug 2026
I'm in the process of moving into an apartment at Dirigo Pines Inn. I don't have to sell my house right away and I have a lot of downsizing. Dirigo has been very helpful so far, providing a lot of services with more to come once I move in. Although I'll still do some cooking in the great kitchen, the food is good at the provided meals. I'm also looking forward to having someone else do the cleaning.
alba juric
Jul 2026
Dirigo Pines, I am a widow and was living in a very comfortable large home and decided I needed a change so here I am. I made the change, it was a hard decision but I am content and there is much going on. We have a delightful Chef that knows how to present a delicious menu, no more cooking for me!! I have my 2 cats with me and they both enjoy the peaceful life. So make an appointment and check things out. ~Alba
Alison
Jan 2026
I love Dirigo Pines! They offer wonderful services, from the warmth and competence at the reception desk to the excellent food and welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests alike. Special kudos to the Activities planning; terrific quantity and variety of activities tailored to residents' preferences and needs. Thanks to all the hardworking staff!
Tracy G Maine
Dec 2025
My friends father is being taken well care of by staff. Their food looks healthy, lots of activities and people bring their pets when they come to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Dirigo Pines offer?
Dirigo Pines offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care and Respite / Short-Term Care.
Does Dirigo Pines offer respite or short-term stays?
Yes. Dirigo Pines lists respite and short-term care among its options. A respite stay gives a family caregiver a planned break while your loved one receives full care, and it also works as a low-commitment trial before a permanent move.
Where is Dirigo Pines located?
Dirigo Pines is located at 9 Alumni Drive in Orono, Maine.
What do families say about Dirigo Pines?
Dirigo Pines carries a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 57 Google reviews. Reviewers of Dirigo Pines in Orono overwhelmingly describe a caring, close-knit community where many residents have stayed for years, moving through independent living, assisted living, and memory care as their needs changed. Families frequently praise staff warmth and compassion, though a handful of reviews raise serious concerns about a memory-care transition, staffing levels, and a perceived decline after a management change. Reviews on MyLivingChoice come from families who confirmed a connection to the community and appear with the reviewer's first name and last initial.
How can families visit Dirigo Pines?
Submit the Request Information form on this page, or contact Dirigo Pines directly, to arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Dirigo Pines? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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