Independent Living in Montana

Senior Living and Care in Montana

As seniors get older, it is only natural for them to have difficulties with performing the activities of daily living. At this point, it is important for families to consider their options. They can choose to try to look after their loved one on their own, but this usually ends up becoming too much of a burden and most family caregivers lack the expertise required. Fortunately, there are many residential communities that offer senior living in Montana to help out.

What Varieties of Montana Senior Living Are There?

Depending upon the level of care an older adult needs, there are several different forms of Montana senior living for them to choose from. Independent living was designed for seniors who are still quite active and can mostly take care of themselves. Residents get their own senior apartments or cottages, can take part in social activities that promote healthy living, and can choose from a broad range of services. For those who need additional care, congregate housing is the better independent living alternative.

When their primary caregivers are away from the home for work or other reasons, older adults can get more care and companionship during the day in adult day services, commonly called adult day care centers. These facilities supply golden agers with general supervision, medical care, and recreational activities throughout the day.

Assisted living facilities, or assisted living communities, offer the perfect balance of freedom and onsite medical care as needed. While incorporating a belief in promoting independence in aging, these facilities encourage the involvement of friends and family members. Plus, assisted living facilities provide golden agers with their own semi-private rooms or suites, social activities, and personal care services, including help with bathing and managing medications.

The most comprehensive form of Montana senior living is nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities. They are meant for convalescent retirees and those with long term or chronic diseases. These facilities are licensed by the state to provide room and board, around the clock nursing care, as well as access to physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies.

Alzheimer's care, or memory care, is meant for older adults with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other types of chronic memory impairment. Not all senior living in Montana has this specialization, so families should do their research. All of the above forms of senior living are available in one spot with continuing care retirement communities. They are designed to give golden agers a consistent experience as they age.

What Makes Montana Great?

Situated in the Rocky Mountain range in the Western part of the country, Montana is one of the fourth largest states by area and third most sparsely populated state with just over one million inhabitants. The economy in Big Sky Country is mainly based on cereal grain farming, ranching, and other agriculture. The fastest growing industry in Montana is tourism with millions of visitors flocking to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park.

Every year, Montana hosts several cultural and arts events and festivals, including the Crow Fair and Rodeo, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and the Sweet Pea arts festival. Popular recreational activities in Montana are horseback riding, golf, watercraft recreation, fishing, skiing, cycling, camping, hunting, and hiking.

Why Do Seniors Appreciate Montana?

For a state of its size, Montana has a massive older population with about 29 percent of the state's denizens aged 55 years or over. Retirees are attracted to the low crime rates. Both violent and property crime rates are well below the national average in Montana. The cost of living is a little bit higher than the rest of the country, but the tax rates are low. In fact, in Montana, there is no sales tax. This means that items cost the amount on the price tag and nothing more.

Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula all have Level II Trauma Centers. The Billings Clinic Hospital is arguably the best hospital in the state. AARP Magazine rated it one of the safest hospitals in the United States. The Billings Clinic features 285 beds and has more than 280 physicians on staff. According to a recent poll, Montana is the least obese state in the country.

There are at least ten Area Agencies on Aging in Montana that help residents 60 and over stay healthy, safe, and independent. With the strong commitment to older adults, the low tax and crime rates, and the vast natural beauty, Montana is perfect for senior living.