Montana Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living in Montana for couples

Assisted living facilities are communities in which senior adults can spend their retirement, enjoying the immediate access to healthcare, general services, and amenities. Also known as residential care facilities, these senior living centers in Montana welcome retirees over the age of 62. Some facilities might be willing to lower the age requirement (minimum age of 55). Couples are allowed to live together in assisted living community and all residents must be able to meet the financial demands.

How many ALFs are there in Montana? In the state of Montana, there are over 64 assisted living facilities. These senior living communities can be found in the following cities: Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula. All the ALFs in the region are licensed and regulated by the Montana Department of Health Services. Senior living centers ensure the rights of residents are respected, and enforce specific training policies for prospective staff.

Before admission, all applicants undergo an assessment, which involve the documentation of the following aspects: physical traits, health status, cognitive patterns (memory included), mood and behavior (mentally unstable, presence of depression, anxiety, aggression), and treatments (including medication for mental issues, such as antidepressants). Based on the results of this assessment, an individualized service plan will be developed.

The individualized service plan covers all aspects related to the resident's needs, including how these are going to be met. It is worth mentioning that some of these facilities are willing to accept residents who require a higher level of care, provided they have a comprehensive health care plan (limited applications). ALFs reserve the right to refuse those who are mentally unstable, represent a danger to themselves or others, or who have limited mobility. Prospective residents should have a good state of health and capable of leaving an independent lifestyle, with minimal assistance.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Montana

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Montana is around $3,900, which is close to the national median of $4,000. Montana assisted living facilities are more expensive than those of neighboring states, such as Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The only exception is represented by Wyoming, with an average monthly cost of $4,200.

Within the state of Montana, the cost of assisted living varies, but the differences are not that noticeable. The most expensive ALFs are found in Missoula, with an average of $4,700, while Great Falls has cheaper rates, with a median of $3,350. Assisted living is more affordable than in-home care and memory care, and considerably cheaper than nursing home care. Independent living, however, costs less than assisted living and other long-term care options.

Assisted living costs in Montana

The main benefit of assisted living facilities is that these senior living centers offer assistance with daily living activities. Seniors also have access to adapted living units, specialized healthcare, services, and amenities. In the state of Montana, they can choose between different assisted living communities, with the mention that most of them do not offer skilled nursing care or have this service available on a limited timeframe (maximum three months). The costs of assisted living are influenced by the benefits offered, as well as the various care packages.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Montana

How much does assisted living cost in MT? The average cost of assisted living in Montana is $4,450 per month or $53,000 per year. This is a bit lower than the national median of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are located in Missoula, averaging at $4,650 per month or $55,000 per year. Great Falls has the most affordable facilities of this kind, with an average cost of $4,150 per month or $49,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in MT? When it comes to memory care, the average cost is $5,500 per month or $66,000 per year. This is slightly lower than the national median of $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state of Montana, the most expensive memory care communities are found in Missoula, with an average cost of $5,800 per month or $69,000 per year. The most affordable facilities of this kind are located in Great Falls as well, averaging at $5,100 per month or $61,000 per year.

Assisted living costs more than adult day health care, but it is more affordable than home care, home health care, and nursing home care. Memory care costs more than in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. It is only surpassed by nursing home care, which has an average cost of $7,500 per month or $90,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

Prospective residents are expected to cover a deposit fee before moving into the respective assisted living community. This is returned when the residential stay begins and the contract concludes. Residents only have to cover the monthly fees, as such facilities do not have entrance fees. Among the factors influencing the overall costs, there are: marital status, care offered, living unit type and size, available amenities and services. General services and utilities are available, including housekeeping, meal plans, general maintenance, laundry and linen service. Should additional services be available, these are usually offered at extra cost.

Care fees are included in the overall costs, with the mention that these are influenced by the number of daily living activities the resident in question requires assistance with. As for the care packages, these usually include emergency response systems, daily planned activities, physical and occupational therapy, scheduled transportation, and medication management. Spouses who live together must be able to pay for a second occupancy fees. Also, some utilities might be available at extra cost, such as the Internet and cable access. Healthcare is commonly offered by third-party providers, for an additional payment covered by the residents themselves.

What goes into memory care costs?

Memory care communities cater to the specific needs of dementia seniors, providing them with adapted housing and specialized care. Memory care residents also have access to healthcare, assistance with ADLs, and around-the-clock monitoring. Their daily routine includes the access to various services and amenities. As for the care packages, these are developed with consideration to the different forms of dementia and the illness stage. The specialists working with the respective communities employ various safety features, helping residents feel less confused and also to protect them against wandering or injuries.

One of the chief goals these communities have in common is to delay the progression of dementia. This objective is achieved through daily therapy sessions, where seniors can work on their cognitive, speech, and memory skills. Utilities and general services are also offered, including meal planning and preparation, general maintenance, laundry and linen service, and housekeeping. Additional services might be available, such as mobility assistance, diabetes care, wound care, and mobility assistance.

Senior living in Montana - cost comparison with other states

The average cost of assisted living in Montana is slightly below the national median, as previously mentioned. Montana is more expensive than all of its neighboring states. The overall costs are as follows: Idaho - $3,800 per month or $45,000 per year; Wyoming - $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year; South Dakota - $3,350 per month or $40,000 per year; North Dakota - $3,300 per month or $39,000 per year.

In Montana, memory care also has an average cost that is just below the national median. Montana is more expensive than its neighboring states, with the exception of Washington, which has higher rates. The overall costs are as follows: North Dakota - $4,200 per month or $50,000 per year; South Dakota - $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year; Wyoming - $5,200 per month or $62,000 per year; Idaho - $4,700 per month or $56,000 per year; Washington - $7,500 per month or $90,000 per year.

Finding the best senior living facility in Montana for your needs

Montana has a wide range of long-term care communities to explore, each with its own benefits in terms of care and housing. Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care, keep in mind that each facility has its own costs, in accordance with the services offered. The best thing you can do is take a look at the different options and compare the advantages each has to offer.

Backed by years of experience and knowledge, we are happy to guide caregivers and their loved ones through the decision-making process. Just give us a call and we will offer you detailed information on the costs of each senior living facility. We take pride in our ability to assist seniors discover the best long-term care communities for them or their loved ones, with careful consideration to their needs and available budget.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Montana

Aside from room and board, residents have access to a wide array of services. These services are the same for both married couples and single adults. The general plan of services might include: housekeeping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, 24-hour security, errand running, shopping, scheduled transportation, emergency call system, meal planning and preparation, etc.

The main scope of care is represented by the assistance offered for ADLs. Depending on this, assisted living facilities can be divided into Category A, where residents cannot receive assistance with maximum 4 ADLs, and Category B, where residents can benefit from added assistance and a limited period of skilled nursing care (maximum duration one month). Health care assessments are performed regularly to determine the resident's current needs.

Some facilities fall into additional categories, Category C and Category D. These are the kind of communities that have integrated memory care units, catering to dementia residents, or those that accept people with behavioral issues/mental instability. Medication management is a service provided to all residents; the staff can handle the task or they can supervise senior adults while taking their treatment.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Montana

Montana-based ALFs have apartment-style or bedroom-style units. Married couples can stay together and enjoy a private lifestyle. Single adults can opt for rooms with single or double occupancy, depending on their personal preferences. All living units must have a minimum square footage and be located within a short distance from common areas, such as the dining room. Accessibility features should be available and each unit should have an emergency call system. Pets are allowed in most facilities, with pet-friendly policies being enforced more and more often.

There are diverse opportunities for spending one's time, including a wide range of social and recreational activities. Among the most common amenities, you will find: swimming pool, gym, computer room, library, woodworking shop, painting studio, learning center, gardening area, weekly religious service, social club. Dementia residents have access to specific amenities, including guided walks, therapies to help them preserve their skills, and memory gardens.