Montana nursing homes and skilled nursing directory

Find Nursing Homes in Montana

Montana is known as the Treasure State, probably because so many seniors enjoy their golden years here. If you’re looking for 24-hour accommodations complete with board and skilled nursing care, then Montana nursing homes can be a great place to start. Seniors can take advantage of the 91 licensed nursing homes in Montana to receive care covering a range of injuries and infirmities. Care and counseling of the elderly is a top priority that you’ll find should you decide to move to a nursing home in Montana.

Nursing Homes in Montana - Cost Comparison

City	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum	Monthly Median
Billings	$6,150	$7,050	$6,240
Great Falls	$7,170	$8,610	$7,530
Missoula	$6,150	$7,830	$7,350
Rest of State	$5,100	$7,110	$6,150

Finding quality nursing home care for your loved one can be very expensive. On average, Montana nursing home care totals around $80,300 annually for a private room and $76,650 annually for a semi-private room. Depending on your loved one's medical needs, it can be difficult to estimate the annual cost of their nursing home stay. To help, we’ve compiled a list of nursing home costs from across the state. Please note that these costs are based on a semi-private room.

For more information on nursing home care costs in Montana, check out: Genworth's 2015 Cost of Care Survey - Montana.

Recreation & Attractions in Montana

Montana is well known for its beautiful landscape and relaxing atmosphere, which makes it a great location for nursing home care. But, what sort of attractions and recreation is there to do in the Big Sky Country? One of the most obvious recreation activities in Montana is taking the time to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of this great state. One of those ways to do that is by going to Glacier National Park or Flathead Lake. You and your loved one can also get a taste of Montana history by checking out the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument or the Museum of the Rockies. No matter what activities your loved one enjoys doing, Montana is sure to have a variety of entertainment available.

Outdoor lovers will have to take a trip to the Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of biking and walking trails, countless lakes, glaciers, thick forests, and tall waterfalls. There is also a 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road to view the park.

Senior centers like the one in Bozeman can be great outlets offering fitness, educational opportunities, health seminars, and services, as well as special events throughout the year. For a nominal membership fee, seniors can have access to quality wholesome activities each and every day.

Montana's Climate, Geography & Culture

Montana is a state full of incredible, natural beauty, which can be found in Big Sky and Lake McDonald. As a quintessential state of the west, Montana offers plenty of opportunities to experience its culture through places like the Western Heritage Center in Billings.

Due to the Continental Divide, Montana experiences a varying climate with distinct weather differences occurring on the east and the west sides of the state. Beginning in November, Montana’s winters are characterized by two opposing forces. In the east, it is common that temperatures fall below freezing into the single digits. The heaviest snowfall occurs between November and March with snow accumulating between 50-70 inches annually. In the west, it is common that winter temperatures are mild, with readings rising into the 50-degree range. Montana winters are interrupted by several days of warm spells, which the residents refer to as Chinook weather. As spring arrives, the snow is transformed into light rainfall occurring most frequently between May and July. On the western side of Montana, summer temperatures rise into the mid 70 to low 90-degree range. On the opposite side of the Montana’s big sky, temperatures will be higher, rising into the high 80 to mid 90-degree range. It is common for heat waves to arrive in the summer bringing temperatures around 100 degrees.

Montana's Nursing Home Regulations & Laws

The Department of Public health and Human Services is the agent responsible for licensing nursing homes in Montana. Nursing homes in Montana are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found in the health care facilities on Montana's Secretary of State website. Nursing homes that also participate in Medicare and Medicaid must comply with federal nursing home regulations. Nursing homes are inspected on a regular basis. In order to be able to work in a Montana nursing home, the person must complete an approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Program (NATCEP).

Crime & Safety in Montana

Residents can rest assured that crime rates in Montana are lower than the national average in terms of violent and property crimes per square mile. The Wild West is, fortunately, a lot less wild than before, so your loved one will have luck with finding a safe and skilled nursing home to call home. Below, we've listed some of the statistically safest cities in Montana to live in. We highly recommend considering these cities first when seeking a convalescent care home for your loved one.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Colstrip	0.00	3.85
Livingston	0.56	8.65
East Helena	0.97	8.25
Dillon	2.36	8.26

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Montana Nursing Homes

Since programs like Medicare and personal insurance do not often cover the major expenses of nursing home care, many seniors apply for coverage through federal and state joint funded assistance programs like Medicaid. To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older, blind or disabled, and receive clearance from a physician that nursing care is needed. Monthly income cannot exceed $2,000 for individuals applying for Medicaid, along with other limitations.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Nursing Home Care in Montana

Just because a senior enters a nursing home doesn’t mean their freedoms as an American citizen are left behind. The federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law ensures that you are treated with dignity and provided with the appropriate care and accommodations. You still retain the right to manage your own finances and participate in nursing home activities. If your rights are ever violated in a Montana nursing home then contact a lawyer well versed in elder law.

Montana Nursing Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Montana are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 10 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.