Independent Living Communities in Montana

For seniors looking to maximize their free time and reduce the stress of managing a property, independent living in Montana can be the perfect option. Flexible housing options offer fully furnished apartments, townhouses, or even small cottages in communities full of elder peers. Independent living offers a wide range of opportunities for seniors including, social enrichment and entertainment.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In MONTANA

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Cost Comparisons of Montana's Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Butte $1,850 $2,668 $2,387
Bozeman $2,015 $2,600 $2,235
Great Falls $2,100 $2,755 $2,300
Helena $1,674 $2,283 $1,978

Montana has 23 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,002 per month.

Every independent living community offers a unique range of amenities and services. You’ll likely find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers anywhere you go. Medical services are available but usually, come at an extra cost. Independent living is about sustainability when it comes to pricing - here you can compare several cities in Montana to choose the best option!

Recreation & Attractions in Montana

Montana’s natural beauty is an attraction for people living in this state. Due to the beauty of the Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, people enjoy hiking, walking, picnicking - other types of outdoor activities! Residents can enjoy taking in the sights of the many rock formations, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife that Montana has to offer.

Montana's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in Montana has the average temperature of 46 degrees with an average high temperature of 58 degrees and a low temperature of 33 degrees. The summers are usually hot and dry and the winters are cold and snowy. During the winter months, chilly weather brings average temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees. Summers have average temperatures in the 80s. The western part receives warmer winters and cooler summers with lighter winds, while the east receives less humidity. Montana receives 11 inches of rainfall and 38 inches of snowfall annually. 

Montana is a quintessential state of the American West, remaining as one of the most important regions for Native American tribes such as the Shoshone, Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet, and Flathead who had occupied the land nearly 3,000 years prior to the arrival of Europeans in 1743. When gold was discovered, Montana became an outpost for those trying to strike it rich, leading to conflicts between Native peoples and settlers. 

Today, Montana's culture is largely centered upon agriculture and ranching which make up the social fabric of its scarce residents. Many people are quick to guide visitors to the natural beauty and the traditions of the land. 

Montana Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Montana independent living communities are overseen by Department of Public Health and Human Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical standard in order to preserve the rights of every single resident. Upon public request, reports detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them can be accessed at each community. 

Crime & Safety in Montana

Montana has many neighborhood watches, police departments, and crime stoppers who all aim to prevent and reduce crime such as the Montana Crime Prevention Association, Montana Crime Prevention Conference, and the Department of Montana Board of Crime Control.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Colstrip0.003.85
Livingston0.568.65
East Helena0.978.25
Dillon2.368.26

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Montana Independent Living

Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover independent living in most situations, so seniors will want to consider how they can pay for this long-term care option. Although most seniors pay for this care option with their pensions, personal savings, and other assets, there are still other methods to consider. 

To start, Veterans’ Benefits can be used by a single person to receive $1,644 a month, with couples eligible for around $1,949. Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for $1,056 a month.

If you are blind, have a disability or children, and don’t already receive a sustainable income you may be eligible for to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Additionally, you must be older than 65 years of age and be a citizen of the United States of America. The average payout for this program is around $733 a month, which helps but may not be enough on its own to pay for independent living. 

Another option is a senior living line of credit, allowing people to use up to $50,000 of unsecured credit to pay for their care as needed. Funds are sent directly to your community and repayment terms are flexible. Senior living lines of credit allow you to only use what you need with little to no collateral required. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Montana

Residents of independent living communities in Montana retain their rights to personal privacy, to file official complaints, and most importantly to receive the care they need in a safe, and healthy environment. Your safety and satisfaction are the most important things to uphold while living in your independent senior community. If you believe a violation has been made, don't hesitate to reach out to a lawyer familiar with elder law. For more help or review the Montana Ombudsman.

Montana Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

According to state and federal HIPAA laws, your records must be maintained and made available to you through your health care provider or community. This information is highly confidential and should not be shared without your permission. After submitting a request and a small fee, your records will likely be available to you within 30 days. In the state of Montana, it is required that these medical documents will be maintained 10 years following your discharge from a medical facility or care community. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.