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Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living in Portland, ME

Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living is an assisted living community in Portland, ME.

Information last verified: March 4, 2026

86 Holiday Drive, Portland, ME 04103

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.3 from 82 reviews

5 stars

50

4 stars

18

3 stars

5

2 stars

3

1 stars

6

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Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living Costs & Pricing

Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living offers competitive pricing for its residents, with monthly costs that stand at $4,195 for a studio and $5,195 for a one-bedroom apartment. When compared to the broader market in Cumberland County and the state of Maine, Birchwoods presents an attractive value proposition. The average cost for a studio in Cumberland County is approximately $4,969, while the state averages around $4,889, indicating that Birchwoods is not only more affordable than local competitors but also provides a quality living experience. Similarly, the one-bedroom rate of $5,195 aligns closely with the county's average of $4,770 and exceeds the state's average of $4,572; however, this slight premium may reflect enhanced services or amenities offered by Birchwoods. Overall, prospective residents can find comfort in knowing they are choosing a senior living option that balances quality with cost-effectiveness amidst regional alternatives.

Floor plans	Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living	Cumberland County	Maine
Studio	$4,195	$4,969	$4,889
1 Bedroom	$5,195	$4,770	$4,572

Overall Review of Birchwoods At Canco Senior Living

common 26 reviews mention this

Staff are caring and responsive

Residents and families frequently describe the staff as caring and attentive to questions and needs.

Across the reviews, families describe staff who are kind, friendly, and willing to help, often communicating with families and following up when concerns come up. Several mention day-to-day responsiveness, including medication management and quick attention when health questions arise. Many also credit staff with keeping residents comfortable and engaged, even when activities are limited at times.

caveat 9 reviews mention this

Understaffing affects care response

Multiple reviewers say staffing is too thin, which slows response times and limits assistance.

A recurring theme is that staffing levels can fall short, especially on weekends, leading to slower responses and less help for residents who need assistance. Some reviewers connect the shortage to management decisions and higher turnover, while others describe days when residents struggle to get to meals without help. Even in reviews that are otherwise positive, staffing is raised as a concern that affects consistency of care.

common 10 reviews mention this

Food quality is mixed

Dining gets mixed feedback, with some calling it good and others describing it as average or poor.

Several reviews say the food is good, delicious, or excellent, and families note meals being delivered or served regularly. Others describe the food as average, cafeteria-like, or not to their loved one’s taste, including at least one account of very poor meals. A few also mention changes during COVID-related closures that affected dining and activities, which may have influenced what residents experienced.

differentiator 4 reviews mention this

Cottages add space and autonomy

The cottage-style setup is highlighted as giving residents more space and independence than typical assisted living.

Some reviewers specifically praise the cottage layout, describing it as a thoughtful way to blend independence with support. Families mention choosing cottage-style options for more room and a small kitchenette, and others point to outdoor space like a patio area. One reviewer also calls out cottages as a key part of what made the community feel like the right fit.

common 16 reviews mention this

Cleanliness and room comfort stand out

Many reviewers emphasize the facility is clean, bright, and comfortable, especially common areas and rooms.

A strong number of reviews describe a clean environment, including clean common areas and apartments, with some specifically mentioning no odor and consistent cleaning. Families also describe rooms as comfortable and well-sized, including renovated or bright spaces in their visits or stays. There are occasional concerns about cleanliness in specific situations, such as bathroom conditions during visits, but the overall impression remains that the building is maintained.

caveat 2 reviews mention this

Value is a plus, but rates climb

Reviews point to value as a reason some chose Birchwoods, while others mention rate increases over time.

One reviewer says they picked the community because it was the least expensive option they were considering, and another describes the overall experience as a good value. Others raise concerns about rates increasing, pairing that with broader frustrations about staffing and turnover. Taken together, cost comes up as both a selling point for some families and a downside for others.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

80 resident community capacity

Types of Care

Assisted Living

Pets

Cats allowed
Dogs allowed

Amenities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

Portland International Jetport (3 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments

Care Services

12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Coordination with health care providers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments

Dining

Diabetes diet
Meals provided
Restaurant style dining
Special dietary restrictions
Vegetarian

Activities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Fitness programs
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities

Videos

Nearby Places of Interest

This area of Portland, Maine offers a convenient and vibrant neighborhood for senior living. With several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals within a short distance, residents have easy access to medical care and services. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, providing opportunities for socializing and enjoying delicious meals. The parks in the area offer green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. Additionally, the availability of transportation options like the Portland Transportation Center makes it easy to get around the city. For entertainment, there is a theater in close proximity for enjoying movies. Overall, this neighborhood provides a blend of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Physicians

Giles Eye Care (0.4 miles)
Maine Medical Partners Otolaryngology - Portland Office (0.9 miles)
Decory Yvonne (1 miles)
Eyecare Today (1.3 miles)
Access Wellness (1.4 miles)
Chest Medicine Associates (1.4 miles)
Mkm Ent Associates at Mercy (1.5 miles)

Cafes

Coveside Coffee (0.9 miles)
Tandem Coffee Roasters - Cafe & Roastery (1.7 miles)
Bintliff's American Cafe (2 miles)
The Holy Donut (2 miles)
Little Woodfords (2.1 miles)
Coffee By Design (2.2 miles)
Bard Coffee (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

Woodford F & B (1 miles)
Rising Tide Brewing Company (1.7 miles)
Portland Zoo (1.8 miles)
Root Wild Kombucha (1.8 miles)
The Shop By Island Creek Oyster (1.8 miles)
Terlingua (2 miles)
Oxbow Blending and Bottling (2 miles)

Pharmacies

Walgreens (1.1 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
Cvs North Portland (1.3 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
Rosemont Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
Walgreens (1.8 miles)
Apothecary By Design (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

HealthSouth (1.4 miles)
Maine Medical Center-Brighton Campus (1.5 miles)
Portland Public Health Division (2.1 miles)
The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (2.2 miles)
Maine Medical Center - Chaplain's Office (2.2 miles)
Mid Coast Hospital (2.3 miles)

Parks

Deering Oaks Park (1.9 miles)
Lincoln Park (2.1 miles)
Congress Square Park (2.3 miles)
Fort Allen Park (2.4 miles)

Transportation

Portland Transportation Center (2.2 miles)

Theaters

Patriot Cinemas (2.2 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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