Memory Care in Montana
Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia impact one in 10 American seniors aged 65 and older, and by 2050, nearly 14 million people will be diagnosed with progressive-degenerative memory loss. In Montana, an estimated 22,000 people live with Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to rise to 27,000 by 2025.
Residential memory care facilities offer highly specialized services designed to provide safety, security and the best possible quality of life to those living with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Not only do these services support people living with memory loss, but they can also give family caregivers much-needed relief from 24/7 caregiving duties. The average cost of memory care in Montana is $4,775 per month, which is $289 below the national average of $5,064 per month.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of residential memory care in Montana. There's information on care costs, links to financial assistance programs that help cover memory care services and a list of free memory care resources. There is also a summary of the state laws and regulations that govern residential memory care programs.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Montana
The SeniorScore combines over 100 data points to provide seniors with a snapshot of how suitable an area is for older adults. This score includes factors such as the weather, tax rates, number of health care providers and average long-term care costs, and it's divided into four categories. Montana's overall state SeniorScore is 66, which is below the national average of 72.
Montana's highest category score, 65, was for both Finances and General Quality of Life. Average long-term care costs in the state are well below the national average, and there's no state sales tax. Montana also has relatively low annual rainfall rates, beautiful natural spaces and very clean air. With a statewide population density of just 49 people per square mile, the state is ideal for seniors seeking an alternative to densely populated urban settings.
Montana scored just 49 in the Health & Safety category, and this is largely because there are relatively few hospitals, senior living facilities and home health care providers in the state.
Top Memory Care Communities in Montana
Village Health Care Center is a 193 bed skilled nursing facility. It is situated in the Franklin to the Fort area of Missoula, Montana. With a median family income of $52,542, the facility is in a generally middle ...
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 ...
Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 79 bed skilled nursing facility. It is located at 820 3rd Ave in Laurel, Montana. With an average household income of $50,512, the community is in a generally middle income area. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Community Nursing Home of Anaconda is located at 615 Main St in Anaconda, Montana. It is a 62 bed nursing home facility. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with an average family income of $37,505. ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 1130 17th Ave S in Great Falls, Montana, Missouri River Center is a 278 room senior care facility. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-household income of $39,070. With around ...
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 ...
Glendive Medical Center N H is a 75 bed senior housing facility situated in Glendive, Montana. The neighboring area has an average population density, with about 9,000 poeple living in the zip code of 59330. It is a ...
Village Senior Residence is a senior community situated in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood of Missoula, Montana. With an average household income of $52,542, the facility is in a largely middle class area. It has a medium-density ...
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. ...
Benefis Health System is a 146 bed nursing home facility situated in Great Falls, Montana. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with a median family income of $39,070. With around 32,000 individuals residing in the ...
Rosebud Health Care Center is located at 383 N 17th Ave in Forsyth, Montana. It is a 31 bed nursing care facility. With about 4,000 people residing in the zip code of 59327, the neighboring area has a ...
Located at 510 S 14th St in Livingston, Montana, Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 115 unit nursing facility. With around 13,000 people residing in the 59047 zip code, the encompassing area has an average population density. ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Montana
Residential memory care services include 24/7 support and supervision in a specialized, noninstitutional setting designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia. In general, memory care costs anywhere from 20% to 30% more than assisted living in a given area. Cost data isn't currently available for memory care in Montana, so we've estimated average memory care rates by adding 25% to the assisted living rates listed in Genworth's 2019 Cost of Care Survey.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Montana is $4,775 per month, which is below the national average of $5,064. Residential memory care rates in neighboring Idaho average $4,660 per month and $4,725 in Wyoming. Care costs are also below the national average in North Dakota, where memory care services run approximately $4,256 per month, while in South Dakota costs run about $4,375 per month.
- Montana: $4,775
- United States: $5,064
- North Dakota: $4,256
- South Dakota: $4,375
- Idaho: $4,660
- Wyoming: $4,725
The Cost of Memory Care in Montana's Top Cities
Memory care costs in Montana vary based on location. The lowest rates in the state are in Great Falls, where the average cost of residential memory care is $4,750 per month. In Billings, rates run about $5,438 per month while rates are highest near Montana's western border in Missoula, where memory care costs an average of $6,116 per month.
- Great Falls: $4,750
- Billings: $5,438
- Missoula: $6,116
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Montana
Montana seniors who need care have a number of community-based and residential services to choose from. According to data from Genworth, the least expensive option is day care services at an average of $2,167 per month. In-home care from either a homemaker or home health aide costs $4,576 per month, while residential care starts at $3,820 per month for assisted living. Skilled nursing care in a specialized facility is the costliest care option at $7,717 per month for a semiprivate room.
- Memory Care: $4,775
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $2,167
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,820
- Nursing Home Care: $7,459
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Montana
Big Sky Waiver Program
Phone Number: 1-800-219-7035
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/csb
The Big Sky Waiver Program is Montana Medicaid's home and community-based waiver program. This waiver provides a range of long-term community-based and residential services to Medicaid-eligible seniors aged 65 and older as well as adults who qualify for Medicaid due to disability.
The program is open to Medicaid-eligible applicants who require the level of care provided in a nursing home, but who can be supported in a community-based setting such as a memory care facility. Waiver benefits are assigned on a case by case basis and may include personal care, private duty nursing and behavioral management. Residential care is also covered, although waiver participants are responsible for the room and board portion of their care costs.
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound
Phone Number: myVA311 or (844) 698-2311
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
VA pension beneficiaries who require memory care services may be eligible for additional cash benefits through one of two VA enhanced pension programs: VA Aid and Attendance and VA Housebound Allowance. Money from these programs can be used to help cover memory care costs.
To qualify for Aid and Attendance, applicants must be legally blind; bedridden due to a chronic illness or disability; reside in a nursing facility; and/or require assistance with one or more activities of daily living. For Housebound, applicants must have a permanent disability that limits their ability to leave their home, which may be a memory care facility.
Montana Memory Care Rules and Regulations
Residential memory care programs and facilities in Montana are licensed and regulated through Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, Quality Assurance Division.
Montana seniors living with mild to moderate memory loss who are able to participate in their care planning may reside in a category 'A' or 'B' assisted living residence, while those who are unable to self-direct their care can only be placed in a category 'C' facility.
Scope of Care | ALFs that offer memory care services must provide at least three healthy meals daily along with age-appropriate social activities. Residents must receive assistance with personal care, laundry and housekeeping and be provided with transportation to local health care services. Seniors and adults with dementia may be admitted to any memory care facility so long as they do not require 24/7 nursing care, pose a threat to the health and safety of other residents or lack the ability to interact with their environment. |
Care Plan Requirements | Within 21 days of admission, each resident must be provided with a comprehensive care plan that details the residents' health, their care needs and preferences, and their treatment plan. This care plan must be reviewed at least once per year or whenever the resident experiences a major change in their physical and/or cognitive health. |
Medication Management Requirements | All prescription and over-the-counter medication must be stored in a secure, locked room or container. Residents who reside in category A or B facilities may self-administer medication with assistance from staff. Licensed medical staff in category C facilities may administer medications in accordance with their license. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All memory care staff who have direct contact with residents must successfully pass a criminal record check prior to commencing work in a memory care facility. |
Staff Training Requirements | Memory care staff must complete a comprehensive orientation session that includes information on working with residents who have dementia. Caregivers must also have basic CPR and first aid training. |
Medicaid Coverage | Montana's Big Sky Waiver is a home and community-based Medicaid waiver program that includes medical and nonmedical services for Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with dementia. |
Reporting Abuse | Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable adult or elder is being abused, neglected or exploited must file a report with Adult Protective Services online or by calling 1-844-277-9300. Issues involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of a senior should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Montana
Alzheimer's Association — Montana Chapter
The Montana Chapter of the national Alzheimer's Association provides a wide range of services to those living with memory loss, their loved ones and professional caregivers. The Chapter offers free in-person and online support groups, one-on-one counseling and referrals to local long-term memory care services.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Montana's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program works on behalf of long-term care residents and assisted living facilities. Each volunteer ombudsman must successfully complete a 45-hour training course and pass a criminal background check. Long-term care residents, their families and community members can contact the LTCO to learn about resident rights, file complaints about services provided in a long-term care facility and escalate issues to the appropriate authorities as needed.
State Agencies
Area Agencies on Aging in Montana
State and federally funded services for seniors aged 60 and older are administered through Montana's network of six Area Agencies on Aging. These regional AAAs help older adults remain as independent as possible by ensuring a variety of supports are available. Programs vary with each region and may include case management, respite services and help with accessing financial assistance for memory care.
To contact the nearest AAA, call the nationwide AAA referral line at (877) 222-3737, call the Help Line for Montana at (800) 551-3191 or use the online AAA office locator.
Social Security Offices in Montana
Montana seniors aged 65 and older who have very few countable assets and a low income may qualify for a monthly cash benefit known as the Optional State Supplement. This cash benefit is administered by the Social Security Administration, and eligibility may enable seniors to qualify for additional benefits at the state and county level.
Montana seniors can locate their nearest Social Security office by phoning the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or using the online office locator tool.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Montana
Veterans, survivors and dependents can contact their nearest VA office to learn about services and programs for those living with memory loss. Veteran Services Officers are available to assist with VA benefits applications and appeals, including applications to the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound enhanced pension programs.
To locate the nearest VA office in Montana, call myVA311 or search the VA online directory.
Other Cities in Montana