Support
Aiding our Seniors with options that will allow them greater independence.
Lifeline Medical Alert Systems
A fall can be a very scary event for a senior and their family. In one sudden instant, the security of a loved one is no longer certain. Scenes of a parent laying on the floor for hours or days become a constant source of worry for family and friends. Lifeline can be one answer to those concerns while still supporting a senior’s choice to remain as independent as possible. Several options are available to suit different lifestyles and living situations. Ann and her team handle the installations, repairs, and any assistance your loved one might need while using this service.
An automated medication dispenser is also available under this program and can help assist your loved ones to get the correct meds, at the correct time. We have a model on display in our lobby to allow you to see how this device can help in your home.
Please contact Aaron for pricing information or any other questions you might have about our Lifeline products.Office: 406-363-5690
Homemaker
Our friendly homemakers can provide support and assistance with:
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Cleaning the kitchen (no oven cleaning)
- Changing beds
- Dusting
- Emptying garbage
- Mopping
- Laundering of bed linens and towels
- Sweeping
- Vacuuming
- Limited Pet cleanup
Our Homemaker Coordinator Pearl or Kati would be happy to discuss specific help you may need; however, this service does not include heavy cleaning or furniture moving. Preference is given to our low income seniors and the charges for this program are based on a sliding scale to keep the support affordable. Our homemakers are insured, have passed a background check and are covered by Workman’s Compensation Insurance. Please contact Pearl or Kati with any question you might have or to schedule a home visit to get started with this program.
Happy Helpers
Ravalli County Council on Aging is providing limited Respite care to primary caregivers. Our Happy Helpers are volunteers who provide temporary relief from the continuous support and care of an adult who is elderly or disabled and dependent on others.
Our Happy Helpers will visit 1x weekly and provide friendship, companionship, and support. They will give full attention to the concerns of the caregiver and care receiver.
Caregiving is demanding. It’s ok and necessary to take a break.
Respite services benefit the care receiver as well as the caregiver. For more information contact Kati at RCCOA 406-363-5690
Ombudsman
What Does an Ombudsman Do?
A long-term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. An Ombudsman is trained to provide information and assistance to residents and their families in an effort to ensure the best quality of life possible for residents. They are also trained to resolve conflicts and provide education regarding residents’ rights.
Under the Federal Older Americans Act and state law, Montana is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and provides advocacy and support for each resident in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman:
- Advocates for residents in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
- Addresses complaints or concerns from residents and families
- Assists residents and families in the case of transfer or discharge
- Provides education to residents, LTC staff, and the public regarding resident rights
- Provides education to families and individuals about LTC placement
A Long-term Care Ombudsman Addresses:
- Residents’ rights
- Dignity and respect
- Physical, Verbal or Mental abuse
- Quality of care
- Transfer or discharge of resident
- Restraints
- Any resident or family concerns about the quality of life
Who Can Use Ombudsman Services?
- Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Family members or friends of residents living in a nursing homes or assisted living facility
- Concerned staff of a nursing home or assisted living
- Any concerned individual or citizen’s group
- Individuals and families who are considering long-term care
How to contact Ombudsman services:
Ravalli County Local Ombudsman
Kati Aiken
310 Old Corvallis Road
Hamilton, MT 59840
1-406-363-5690
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
1-800-332-2272
Money Management
The Council on Aging’s Money Management Program is a Fee-based program with a sliding scale according to income.
HELP MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE
Money Management services help their clients remain in their homes longer by ensuring that bills get paid on time, checks are deposited, and taxes are paid. This helps to avoid eviction, foreclosure, utility shutoffs, and other debt issues.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Organize & Maintain Bank and Financial Records
- Prepare & Manage Budgets
- Prepare & Deliver Bank Deposits
- Pay Bills with client’s monthly benefits
- Prepare Checks for Signature
- Balance Checkbooks
Contracted Bill Payer:
Oversees clients’ bill paying activity. Clients make decisions about their finances, retain check-signing authority, and keep their own bank accounts. Bill payers may also balance checkbooks, maintain financial records, and prepare financial budgets.
Social Security Representative Payee or Veterans Administration Fiduciary:
The Representative Payee or Fiduciary is appointed by the Social Security Administration or VA and has legal responsibility to manage only those Social Security or VA funds.
Budget Management:
The Money Management team is dedicated to helping clients manage and eliminate debt allowing for more financial freedom and meeting client’s financial goals.
Application Assistance:
Many federal, state, and non-profit programs exist to help our low-income clients with their financial needs. The Money Management team prides itself on staying on top of changes to these programs and making sure clients have access to all the help for which they qualify. Assistance with filling out applications, obtaining documentation, and following up on the submitted paperwork is all part of this service provided at no extra charge.
GETTING STARTED
For information about all these programs or if you have questions, please contact the Money Management Team at 406-375-5516
Durable Medical Equipment (Loan Closet)
Our loan closet is available to all Ravalli County residents in need of Durable Medical Equipment. We loan walkers, bath benches, commodes, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and other equipment. A monetary donation is requested with each loaned item to help sustain the Loan Closet. Approved donations of durable medical equipment are gladly accepted. Availability may vary.
Alternate DME location: Stevensville Senior Center has a small inventory of medical equipment available for Ravalli County residents 60 and over.
Loan Closet Hours Mon-Wed-Fri 9am-11:30am and 1pm-4pm
Telephone Reassurance
Feeling alone and wishing someone would call to see if you are OK? Do you have a loved one that you would like to have checked on daily? We can help. We have a volunteer who would love to give you a call. To get started, contact us to work out the details. 406-363-5690
Support Groups
Elder & Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group
- Hamilton: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month at 1:00 pm, RCEDA Business Building Conference Room, 274 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton
- Stevensville: 2nd Friday of each month at 1:00 pm, The Living Centre -Chapel (2nd floor), 63 Main St (ON HOLD. Call for details)
Contact Kati Aiken at 406-363-5690 or kaiken@ravalliccoa.org
Memory Care Support Services
Memory Care Support Services provides personalized support for older adults living with memory loss, as well as their care partners. Our goal is to work with each person to empower living at home and aging in place. Such as services to plan for handling health needs – Meals on Wheels to provide regular home-delivered meals – Home Modifications to improve home safety – In-Home Support Services including homemaking and caregiver respite – Caregiving support through support groups, classes, and one on one meetings with a Family Caregiver Support specialist
If you’re interested in Memory Care Support Services for yourself or a loved one, contact us by calling 406-363-5690 or by filling out the form below.
This is an amazing group of folks and they are a great resource for all things aging and disability-related. I hope every community can be so lucky to have an organization like this. Also, the loan closet has been a godsend to so many. Keep up the great work Paul, Kati, Sharna, and crew!
