Adult Day Programs
Now Serving Families Across Southern Maine — We’ve Grown to Meet Your Needs!
Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Adult Day Program — now in three convenient locations — provides engaging, dementia-focused support for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Each center fosters meaningful connections that stimulate the brain, slow memory loss, and reduce depression and isolation — all while offering vital respite and support for caregivers.
- Sam L. Cohen Center, Biddeford: Our original, award-winning program.
- Anderson Learning Center, Springvale: Opened in 2024 to bring care closer to western York County.
- NEW! Portland Center: Now serving the Greater Portland area from 2320 Congress Street.
Each center provides the same safe, enriching, and compassionate environment — uniquely tailored to the community it serves.
Why Choose Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Adult Day Program?
For your loved one:
- Stay connected and engaged. Our person-centered activities nurture social connection, cognition, and joy.
- Experience a safe, welcoming space.
- Build confidence and purpose. Programs are matched to individual interests — art, music, movement, gardening, games, and conversation.
For you, the caregiver or referral partner:
- Enjoy essential respite time. Rest, work, or recharge while your loved one receives quality, compassionate care.
- Get expert guidance and connection. We offer caregiver coaching, support groups, and dementia education.
- Trust in proven quality. The Adult Day Program helps individuals stay at home longer and improves well-being for both care partners.
What Happens in a Typical Day?
Every day brings new opportunities for connection, creativity, and calm.
A typical schedule may include:
- Gentle movement or chair exercise
- Music and singing sessions
- Art, crafts, and creative expression
- Gardening and outdoor activities
- Cognitive games and memory exercises
- Reminiscence and storytelling
- Community guests, presentations, or special events
- Relaxed social time
Every participant is encouraged — but never pressured — to join in what feels right for them.
Who Can Attend?
Our program welcomes:
- Adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or memory loss.
- Individuals in the mild to moderate stages of dementia.
- Individuals whose caregivers seek dependable support and structure in the daily care routine.
Early participation helps individuals adjust, build relationships, and experience the full benefits of socialization and stimulation.
Getting Started Is Easy
- Reach Out: Contact Nicole Garrity, Adult Day Program Manager, at 207-396-6508 or ngarrity@smaaa.org.
- Schedule a Visit: Tour your local center, meet our caring staff, and explore program options.
- Try a Free Trial Visit: Experience a 3-hour session to see how the program fits your loved one’s needs.
- Set Your Schedule: Choose the days and times that work best for your family. We’ll handle the rest.
Cost & Financial Assistance
We believe quality care should be accessible.
- Private pay and long-term care insurance are accepted.
- State and VA funding may cover part or all of the cost for eligible participants.
- Our team will help you explore financial aid or subsidy options based on your situation.
Locations
- Sam L. Cohen Center, 30 Barra Road, Biddeford
- Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen St, Springvale
- The Portland Center, 2320 Congress Street, Portland
All centers share the same heart:
- Warm, home-like decor
- Safe and accessible
- A focus on dignity, engagement, and joy
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t wait until caregiving feels overwhelming — we’re here to help now.
- Call: 207-396-6508
- E-mail: ngarrity@smaaa.org
Schedule a free trial visit or tour today. Let’s work together to support your loved one’s quality of life — and yours.
From a Caregiver - Craig and Frank's story
The son of a member of the Adult Day Program shares how our services help both him and his father:
Frequently Asked Questions
The latest research suggests people with cognitive loss who regularly engage in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. Close personal relationships stimulate the brain, thus, effectively slowing down the memory loss process and combating depression and isolation.
Many of our members are in the mild to moderate state of memory loss. Supports like SMAA’s Adult Day Programs enable caregivers to have reliable options for respite immediately. It gives the person with dementia an opportunity to develop a routine and make connections. The sooner your loved one can start, the longer they will receive the benefits of our active and enriching programming.
Members are recognized as unique individuals. Person-centered activities are suggested based on their personal interest and abilities. There are several group and individual activities for members to choose from at any given time during their day. Activities include art, entertainment, gardening, exercise, and music – just to name a few!
Focus on the positive social interaction. For our members at the Center this is “their club.” Members make new friends, engage in old hobbies, and try new ones. The day is filled with laughter, joy, and the comfort of well-trained staff and friends.
SMAA’s Adult Day Programs serve people with a wide array of abilities and diagnoses. We promote socialization and encourage people to come to combat isolation and inactivity, regardless of their diagnoses.
A trial visit is 3 hours long and gives us a chance to get to know the prospective member. This will help us better gauge if the program will be a good fit for your loved one. A trial visit also gives the prospective member a chance to experience the program on their own. For many this can relieve the anxiety some people have about attending. The trial visit is FREE!
There are some occasions when the Adult Day Program is not a good fit for an individual – if they exhibit hard-to-manage behaviors or require constant one-on-one care, for example. SMAA’s Family Caregiver Support Program will provide you with resources and education to help you in your caregiving journey. Please call 1-800-427-7411 and ask to speak with a Family Caregiver Support Specialist. Alternatively, you can email referral@smaaa.org
