Montana continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Montana Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option.

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions in Montana

Montana is a state swelling with incredible, natural beauty as can be found in Glacier National Park which is known as the Crown of the Continent. As a quintessential state of the west, Montana offers a range of opportunities to experience its culture through places like the Western Heritage Center in Billings. Helena, Montana’s capital provides residents and visitors with numerous museums, galleries, restaurants, and a rich history displayed through its architecture. Even though your CCRC may provide plenty of activities, exploring your city can help keep you active and social.

Montana's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Montana is in a mountainous region, so hikers and explorers will love traversing the landscape. Many choose to live out their latter years absorbing the serenity that Montana can provide. With major metro areas at a minimum, the quaint and quietness beckon many to the mountain state.

Montana's CCRC Regulations and Laws

Rules and regulations are put into effect to ensure that all Montana CCRCs are up to par. A full breakdown of these regulations can be found on the Montana Government website. These regulations include strict health codes, extensive employee background checks, and routine inspections of facilities. These regulations are to make sure you or your senior have the best possible care.

Crime and 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 seniors should have luck with finding a safe community to call home. Below are some of the safest cities to live in and can be a good start to consider.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Colstrip	.88	6.18
East Helena	.48	7.78
Dillon	.96	10.38

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Montana

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a buy-in option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. These include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior & Elderly Rights for CCRCs in Montana

The Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved during your stay at a CCRC. Also, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood prior to signing your continuing care contract. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal representative familiar with senior law. Coupled with Montana’s natural beauty and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Montana CCRCs: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. Many times an applicant’s health records are required in tandem with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents of CCRCs or receiving any other type of medical attention in Montana are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. Residents can access these records at any time by filling out the proper forms and paying a small fee.