Hyalite Country Care is a senior housing community located at 6040 S 3rd Rd in Bozeman, Montana. With approximately 33,000 people residing in the zip code of 59715, the surrounding area is heavily populated. It is a predominantly ...
Assisted Living in Montana
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Montana
- Assisted Living Directory for Montana
- Assisted Living Costs in Montana
- Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Montana
- Montana Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
- Free Assisted Living Resources in Montana
Affectionately known as Big Sky Country, Montana is famous for its wide-open plains, rugged mountains and areas of stunning natural beauty, including Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. Seniors in this majestic, unspoiled region enjoy pleasant summers, abundant recreational opportunities, exceptional air quality and a cost of living that's slightly lower than the national average.
Although Montana's total population is just over 1 million, a small percentage of America's 328 million residents, 19% percent are aged 65 or older, which is several points higher than the U.S. average. While the state's population has increased by 8% over the past decade, the number of seniors is growing faster than average. Montana already has one of the highest populations of seniors in the nation, and numbers are expected to nearly double by 2050 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Currently, Montana seniors who live in assisted living facilities pay $3,820 per month of care according to Genworth's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, which is 6% less than the national average of $4,051. Seniors who are ready to plan for the future will find information about the average cost of long-term care in Montana in this guide. It also includes quality of life metrics, financial assistance programs and helpful resources provided by government agencies and regional nonprofits.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Montana
Based on more than 100 factors gathered from government agencies and private resources, Montana has a SeniorScore of 66, which is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 72. This livability index for older adults is measured according to general quality of life, finances, health, safety, recreation and leisure.
SeniorScore™ for Montana
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
66
SeniorScore™ Overview
- Montana's SeniorScore™ of 66 is lower than the national average of 72.
49
Health & Safety
- Montana has average access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Montana has a low number of hospitals within the state.
- Montana has a low number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Montana has a low number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Montana is 78.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Montana has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Montana has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
57
Recreation & Leisure
- 35% of the population in Montana are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Montana has 79 golf courses in the state.
- Montana has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Montana has 702 churches in the state.
65
Finances
- The property taxes average 2.81% of total income in Montana, which is higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.90% of property value in Montana, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Montana is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Montana is 4.14%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Montana is $58,912, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- Montana's median household income is $46,321, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Montana is $24,606, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Montana average $38,582 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Montana average $79,960 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Montana average $29,439 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Montana average $52,661 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 6.45% in Montana, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Montana is high compared to national averages.
- 0.72% of the senior population in Montana are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
65
General Quality of Life
- Montana receives an average of 15.1 inches of rain per year.
- Montana has an average annual temperature of 43.6 degrees fahrenheit.
- Montana has an average low temperature of 30.2 degrees fahrenheit.
- Montana has an average high temperature of 55.8 degrees fahrenheit.
- Montana has an average population density of 49 people per square mile.
- Montana has a high public school quality ranking.
- Montana has a low public school safety ranking.
- Montana has a high graduation rate of 91.40%.
Montana ranks well in terms of finances thanks to the state's relatively low property and sales taxes. Long-term care costs are also moderately to significantly lower than the national average, especially when rates for assisted living facilities and nursing homes are considered. These factors helped the state earn a solid financial score of 65 out of 100.
Health and safety are two of Montana's weakest areas. The state received a modest score of 49 out of 100 in this category. Due to the state's low population density, seniors have access to fewer hospitals, residential care facilities and home health providers. A limited health care workforce also means that seniors pay more for in-home providers and adult day care. However, these data points are partially offset by the state's high number of parks, golf courses and churches, which contributed to a recreation and leisure score of 57.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Montana
Pioneer Medical Center Ltc is a 25 unit senior community situated in Big Timber, Montana. The encompassing area is sparsely populated, with around 4,000 poeple living in the zip code of 59011. With a median family income of ...
Located at 2400 Continental Dr in Butte, Montana, Butte Center is a 100 unit senior housing community. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $38,929. With around 34,000 residents in ...
Aspen Meadows Retirement Community is a 90 room senior housing community situated in Billings, Montana. With a median per-household income of $51,516, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It is heavily populated, with about 48,000 ...
Located at 57 Main St in Stevensville, Montana, The Living Centre is a 50 bed senior housing facility. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-household income of $44,956. It has an average ...
Bridger Rehab and Care Community is a 103 room nursing home facility located in Bozeman, Montana. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 33,000 individuals living in the zip code of 59715. With an average per-household income ...
Mountain View Healthcare Community is an 86 room nursing home facility located in Bozeman, Montana. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 33,000 individuals living in the zip code of 59715. With an average per-household income of ...
Kindred Transitional Care and Rehab - Park Place is located at 1500 32nd St S in Great Falls, Montana. It is a 189 unit skilled nursing facility. With about 32,000 poeple living in the 59405 zip code, the ...
Located around the Evergreen neighborhood of Kalispell, Montana, Immanuel Skilled Care Center is a 155 bed senior care facility. With about 51,000 individuals residing in the 59901 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a ...
Primrose Personal Care Home and Adult Day Care is a residential care facility located near by the Lockwood neighborhood of Billings, Montana. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median household income of $59,035. ...
Billings Health and Rehab Community is a 160 unit nursing care facility. It is located at 2115 Central Ave in Billings, Montana. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median per-household income of $51,516. ...
Country Home PCH is a 14 bed senior housing community. It is located at 1568 US Highway 191 S in Malta, Montana. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average family income of $36,453. ...
Cedar Wood Healthcare Community is a 76 bed nursing home facility located in Red Lodge, Montana. With around 5,000 people residing in the 59068 zip code, the surrounding area is sparsely populated. It is a largely middle income ...
Located at 1305 E 7th St in Whitefish, Montana, Whitefish Center is a 100 unit senior care facility. With approximately 14,000 people residing in the 59937 zip code, the surrounding area has an average population density. It is ...
St. John's Lutheran Ministries is a 186 room senior community situated in Billings, Montana. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 48,000 individuals living in the zip code of 59102. It is a predominantly middle class area, ...
Located at 1225 Perry Ln in Glasgow, Montana, Valley View Home is a 96 room senior housing facility. The surrounding area has a sparse population, with approximately 5,000 individuals living in the 59230 zip code. It is a ...
Located at 1002 E Kagy Blvd, Bearcreek Respite Care Center Adult Day Services is a senior housing facility in Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with roughly 33,000 residents in the 59715 zip code. With an ...
Missouri River Medical Center N H is located at 1501 Saint Charles St in Fort Benton, Montana. It is a 45 bed senior community. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with a median household income ...
Libby Care Center is a 101 unit senior housing facility situated in Libby, Montana. With approximately 11,000 people residing in the zip code of 59923, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is a predominantly working class ...
Situated within the Upper Rattlesnake area of Missoula, Montana, Missoula Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 53 unit skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area has an average population density, with approximately 19,000 people residing in the 59802 zip code. ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Montana
With an average monthly cost of $3,820, assisted living facilities in Montana are relatively affordable compared to the U.S. median of $4,051. Based on these estimates, seniors statewide save $230 per month or about $2,770 per year compared to the national average. However, Montana is moderately more expensive than neighboring states on the border between the Plains and the Rockies. Regional cost differences range from $415 per month when compared to North Dakota to just $40 more per month when compared to Wyoming.
- Montana: $3,820
- United States: $4,051
- Idaho: $3,728
- Wyoming: $3,780
- North Dakota: $3,405
- South Dakota: $3,500
The Cost of Assisted Living in Montana's Top Cities
According to Genworth Financial, assisted living rates in Montana have decreased or remained stable in recent years although long-term care costs are increasing nationally. Statewide, seniors pay approximately $3,820 per month for assisted living. However, rates are higher in most of the Treasure State's major cities. Apart from Great Falls, where seniors residing in ALFs pay $20 less per month, average monthly rates are $530 higher in Billings and $1,070 higher in Missoula. Based on these statistics, seniors could save $6,400 to $12,800 per year by choosing an assisted living community in one of Montana's more affordable metropolitan areas.
- Billings: $4,350
- Missoula: $4,893
- Great Falls: $3,800
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Montana
Assisted living is just one long-term care option for Montana seniors to consider. It's a popular alternative to skilled nursing facilities, which are almost twice as expensive. Assisted living communities typically provide good all-around value since monthly rates include housing, meals and a wealth of organized activities. Such benefits aren't available through home health providers although monthly rates for these services are approximately $750 higher. Additionally, residential facilities offer a more comprehensive range of services, including medication management and around-the-clock care when compared to adult day health centers, which cost $1,650 less per month.
- Assisted Living: $3,820
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $2,167
- Nursing Home Care: $7,459
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Montana
Big Sky Waiver Program
Phone Number: (800) 219-7035
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/csb#147868309-montana-big-sky-waiver-program
The Montana Big Sky Home and Community-Based Services program is a 1915(c) Medicaid waiver that covers the cost of care in assisted living facilities and other residential settings. Case managers develop personalized service plans that include therapy, personal assistance, nutritional support and housekeeping. Seniors must be financially eligible for Medicaid and require a nursing home level of care. They must also have unmet needs that can only be fulfilled through this program. Referrals are handled by Mountain-Pacific Quality Health, and the Office of Public Assistance in each county can assist with Medicaid eligibility screenings. There is a waiting list for this program.
VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound
Phone Number: (800) 827-1000
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Military veterans and spouses who currently receive a VA pension may be eligible for supplemental payments that can help with the cost of assisted living, personal care or related services. Pensioners may receive Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, but they can't be enrolled in both programs simultaneously. Housebound pension supplements are available to individuals who are home-bound most of the time due to a permanent disability. Aid and Attendance is available to individuals who need help with activities of daily living, are confined to a bed due to an illness, have severe vision impairments or receive nursing home care due to a disability. Applicants must meet medical and financial eligibility requirements to qualify for either pension supplement.
Supplemental Security Income/Optional State Supplement
Phone Number: (800) 772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
Supplemental Security Income is a federal cash benefit administered by the Social Security Administration. These distributions can be used for housing and essential expenses, including assisted living. SSI is funded by general U.S. Treasury resources rather than Social Security income withholdings. More than 8 million Americans currently receive this benefit. It's open to Montanans who are 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income and resources. In 2020, individual SSI recipients must have no more than $803 in monthly unearned income or $1,175 for couples. Federal SSI payments before state contributions are $783 per month per person or $1,177 per month for couples. Additionally, seniors who reside in an assisted living facility may qualify for an optional state supplement valued at $94 per month for individuals or $193 for couples.
Montana Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities in Montana are regulated by the Department of Public Health and Human Services' Quality Assurance Division and Licensure Bureau. The agency processes licensing applications and renewals, prepares standardized forms and develops training materials to ensure that assisted living facilities comply with the following administrative regulations.
Scope of Care | In Montana, assisted living facilities provide personal care while ensuring residents' safety and well-being. These services include housekeeping, meals, transportation, recreational activities, self-medication and assistance with the activities of daily living. |
Care Plan Requirements | State regulations require ALFs to develop personalized care plans for each resident on or before the expected move-in date. Service agreements must consider the resident's mood, behavior, cognitive patterns and ability to perform ADLs. Additionally, service plans must be reassessed within the first 60 days. |
Medication Management Requirements | Self-administration is the most common medication management option in all types of assisted living facilities although direct-care staff members may assist residents as needed. In Category B and C facilities, medications may be administered by a licensed medical professional or nurse-supervised staff member. Medication management may also be offered by third-party providers. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Since 2019, Montana has required all assisted living employees to undergo a name-based background check and child abuse screening. Facilities are prohibited from employing individuals who have been involved in instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, exploitation or the misappropriation of property. |
Staff Training Requirements | Direct-care staff members must have an appropriate state-authorized caregiver endorsement and specialized training to ensure residents' safety and well-being. Facility administrators must have a current license and have successfully completed state-approved training modules or be working toward these qualifications. Administrators and staff members in Category C facilities are subject to additional training requirements related to cognitive health challenges. |
Medicaid Coverage | Medicaid 1915(c) waivers may be used to pay for services provided in assisted living facilities. However, enrollment in these programs is limited. |
Reporting Abuse | Suspected abuse should be reported to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (800) 332-2272 and Adult Protect Services at (844) 277-9300. Under Montana law, health care professionals and ALF employees are mandatory reporters. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Montana
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is overseen by the Montana Office on Aging's Senior and Long-Term Care Division. This service provides information about long-term care and represents individuals who live in one of the state's 350 licensed residential health care facilities. Ombudsmen advocate for residents' rights, handle disputes and investigate reports of abuse. The state has more than 30 certified ombudsmen who have complete the state's 45-hour training program. They also help seniors establish resident councils and take steps to improve their quality of life.
Contact: Montana residents can contact their regional Area Agency on Aging or call the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman hotline at (800) 332-2272 to learn more.
Montana Agencies
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Address: 1100 N. Last Chance Gulch, 4th Floor, Helena MT 59601
Phone Number: (406) 444-4077
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
The Department of Public Health and Human Services provides a wealth of resources and financial assistance programs through its Senior and Long-Term Care Division. The agency oversees Montana's 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, manages the state's Adult Protective Services reporting system, provides insurance counseling and controls the Community Services Bureau, which serves Medicaid-eligible residents. Its many branches and programs are designed to protect the health, safety and well-being of older adults who live at home and in licensed care facilities, including assisted living communities.
Area Agencies on Aging in Montana
Montana has 10 Area Agencies on Aging that provide services at the local and regional levels. These nonprofits are overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state's Aging Services Bureau. Local AAAs provide Medicaid waiver services that can be used for residential care, assisted living and in-home services. They also coordinate transportation, meals and services available through the Older Americans Act. Interested seniors can call the statewide helpline at (800) 551-3191, or reach their local AAA directly using the information on this contact sheet.
Veterans Affairs Offices in Montana
Montana veterans and family members can access a variety of medical and financial resources through the Montana Department of Military Affairs. The agency manages nine regional offices and three veterans' homes that provide skilled nursing services and residential care. Veterans in Montana are also eligible for federal programs, including VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These financial supplements can help pensioners pay for assisted living facilities and certain types of in-home or institutional care. To learn more, veterans and military families can contact their nearest VA location or call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (844) 698-2311.
Social Security Offices in Montana
The Social Security Administration is a vital resource for Montana seniors interested in applying for state or federal assistance. In addition to managing retirement benefits, the agency administers Social Security Disability payments, Home and Community-Based waivers, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare/Medicaid health coverage. Funds from these programs can be used to pay for assisted living facilities and similar services. Seniors who have questions about these options or want to apply for benefits can get answers by calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or by making an appointment at their local SSA office. Montana has nine regional SSA offices located in Billings, Butte, Bozeman, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.
Other Cities in Montana
- Anaconda
- Belgrade
- Big Timber
- Bigfork
- Choteau
- Columbia Falls
- Columbus
- Deer Lodge
- East Helena
- Eureka
- Forsyth
- Fort Benton
- Hot Springs
- Judith Gap
- Laurel
- Libby
- Malta
- Manhattan
- Plains
- Red Lodge
- Roberts
- Roundup
- Scobey
- Shelby
- Sheridan
- Sidney
- St Ignatius
- Stevensville
- Superior
- Three Forks
- Townsend
- Whitefish
- Whitehall
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