This is a list of potentially relevant organizations as they relate to aging services, caregiving resources, and dementia and Alzheimer's resources.

Detection and Diagnosis

Name Group Affiliation Charges Medicare Approved Amount Street Address City/Town Zip Code Phone Specialty Telehealth 
Eliad T. Culcea, MD MULTIPLE GROUP AFFILIATIONS Yes 1101 26th St S Great Falls 59405-5161 (406) 455-5000 Neurology Performance info available
Eliad T. Culcea, MD MULTIPLE GROUP AFFILIATIONS Yes 401 15th Ave S, Suite 101 Great Falls 59405-4372 (406) 315-5950 Neurology Performance info available
Deborah D. Dover, MD ATLAS NEUROLOGY LLC Yes 401 15th Ave S, Suite 101 Great Falls 59405-4372 (406) 315-5950 Neurology  
Kurt E. Hecox, MD BENEFIS HOSPITALS INC Yes 1101 26th St S Great Falls 59405-5161 (406) 455-5000 Neurology  
William E. Henning, DO MULTIPLE GROUP AFFILIATIONS Yes 3000 15th Ave S Great Falls 59405-5240 (406) 454-2171 Neurology  
William E. Henning, DO MULTIPLE GROUP AFFILIATIONS Yes 1401 25th St S Great Falls 59405-5183 (406) 455-5000 Neurology  
Geetha Kandimala, MD MULTIPLE GROUP AFFILIATIONS Yes 1917 4th St S, Suite 101 Great Falls 59405-4116 (406) 453-7570 Neurology, Sleep medicine Performance information available
Walter A. Lajara-Nanson, MD BENEFIS HOSPITALS INC Yes 1401 25th St S Great Falls 59405-5183 (406) 455-5000 Neurology  
Cody Sanders, MD BENEFIS HOSPITALS INC Yes 1401 25th St S Great Falls 59405-5183 (406) 455-5000 Neurology  
Richard J. Teff, MD BENEFIS HOSPITALS INC Yes 1101 26th St S Great Falls 59405-5161 (406) 455-5000 Neurology  

The following are articles classified by topic and sub-topic, with article titles and links.

Topic Sub-Topic Source Article Title Link
Detection and Diagnosis Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia Alzheimer's Association "10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia" https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs 
Detection and Diagnosis Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia AARP "15 Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore" https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/dementia-warning-signs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Detection and Diagnosis Cognitive Screenings and Assessments Alzheimer's Association "Cognitive Screening and Assessment" https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-medical-professionals/cognitive-assessment 
Understanding Dementia  About Dementia Alzheimer's Association "What is Dementia" https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
Understanding Dementia  About Dementia Alzheimer's Association "Types of Dementia" https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia 
Understanding Dementia  About Dementia National Institute on Aging "Infographic: Understanding Different Types of Dementia" https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia 
Understanding Memory Loss Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia Mayo Clinic "Memory loss: When to seek help" https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326 
Understanding Memory Loss Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia National Institute on Aging "Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging" https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging?utm_source=chatgpt.com

After Diagnosis

Ombudsman (State and Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Certified Regional and Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Ombudsman Interns)

For more information about Ombudsman please refer to this website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/longtermcareombudsman/

  Name Title PO Box/Address City/Town Zip Code Phone Number(s) Email Service Areas
North Central Independent Living Services, INC. Ariana Walker Local Ombudsman 601 5th Ave N Great Falls 59401 (406) 788-6423 awalker@ncils.org Cascade county
Area III Agency on Aging Carmen Sciabica  Regional Ombudsman PO Box 4210 Helena 59604-4210 (406) 444-3285 carmen.sciabica@mt.gov Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Teton and Toole counties
North Central Independent Living Services, INC. Carmen Sciabica  Regional Ombudsman PO Box 4210 Helena 59604-4210 (406) 444-3285 carmen.sciabica@mt.gov Cascade county
Area II Agency on Aging Robert Berwald Local Ombudsman 307 W. Watson St. Lewistown 59457 (406) 366-99710 bob@fccoa.net Fergus county
Area III Agency on Aging Sara Howard Local Ombudsman 300 N. Virtigina St. Suite 301 Conrad 59425 (406) 271-4191 showard@3rivers.net

Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Teton and Toole counties

 

Office on Aging - Senior and Long-Term Care Carmen Sciabica  State Long-Term Care Ombusdman PO Box 4210 Helena 59604-4210 (406) 444-3285 carmen.sciabica@mt.gov Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, and Toole counties
North Central Independent Living Services, INC. Carmen Sciabica  Regional Ombudsman PO Box 4210 Helena 59604-4210 (406) 444-3285 carmen.sciabica@mt.gov Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau and Hill counties
North Central Independent Living Services, INC. Nichole Cartwright Local Ombudsman 3220 14th St. NE Havre 59501 (406) 399-0621 ncartwright@ncils.org Blaine, Chouteau and Hill counties

To learn more about Area Agencies on Aging please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website:  https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging

Name of Organization Additional Affiliation Primary Contact Primary Contact Title Phone Fax Primary Contact Email Street Address City/Town State Zip Code Website
Area III Area Agency on Aging North Central AAA Sue Bender Director (406) 271-7553 (406) 271-2769 sbender@aoamt.org 311 S Virginia St Ste 2 Conrad MT 59425-2335  
Area VII Agency on Aging   Kimberliegh Thiel-Schaaf Director (406) 454-6990 (406) 454-6991 Kthiel-schaaf@cascadecountymt.gov 1801 Benefis Court Great Falls MT 59405 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/157/Aging-Services

Caregiver Resources

This is a voucher program through Montana Lifespan Respite, where caregivers are given an opportunity to receive a voucher for paying for respite time. The link attached will allow access to the brochure, application, materials necessary for the application, and additional helpful information.  

https://dphhs.mt.gov/respite/VoucherProgramApplication

Memory Cafés are social gatherings for individuals living with dementia/Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and others that may care about the individual experiencing memory loss. They offer opportunities for connection and engagment in meaningful activities. 

Memory Café - Great Falls Public Library Great Falls Great Falls Public Library, Cordingley Room (Basement of the Library) 1st Tuesday 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (406) 453-0349

 

Regional Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group - Cascade County Extension Cascade County Extension Great Falls In-Person Slutton Cancer Center Conference Room 3rd Monday 12:00 PM Felicia O'Brian, Mary Jacobsen (406) 454-6980 (extension 303), (406) 454-0991

National Support Groups

Caregiver Online Support Group - Family Caregiver Alliance Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/
African American Caregiver Support Group - Family Caregiver Alliance Spring Creek Inn Bozeman https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/
LGBTQ+ Community Support: Caregiving for our Families and Friends - Family Caregiver Alliance Spring Creek Inn Bozeman https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/

Online/Community Message Boards

Caregivers, those living with Dementia, Alzheimer's ALZConnected - Alzheimer's Association Visit this webpage to connect to the message board

To learn more about Area Agencies on Aging please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website:  https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/adrc/

Name of Organization Additional Affiliation Location Phone Areas Served Link
Area VIII Agency on Aging ADRC Cascade County Aging Services Great Falls (406) 454-6990 Cascade County https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/adrc/

To learn more about Senior Centers in Montana please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website:  https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging

 

Name Mailing Address Address Phone Website
general city or county websites are listed for centers without a website		 Area Agency on Aging
Belt Senior Center   19 Castner St, Belt, MT 406-277-3861

https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers

https://www.facebook.com/p/Belt-Golden-Agers-Senior-Center-100075498294861/

 Area VIII
Big Sandy Senior Center PO Box 557, Big Sandy, MT 59520 166 Johannes Ave W, Big Sandy, MT (406) 378-2405 https://www.facebook.com/bigsandyseniorcenter/ Area III
Cascade Community & Senior Center   #2 Central Ave W, Cascade, MT 406-468-9883 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers Area VIII
Centerville Senior Center   668 Stockett Rd, Stockett, MT 406-736-5549 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers Area VIII
Choteau Senior Center   29 Main Ave N, Choteau, MT 406-466-2121   Area III
Conrad Senior Center 106 S Delaware, Conrad, MT 59425 311 S Virginia #3, Conrad, MT (406) 217-3911 https://www.facebook.com/people/Conrad-Senior-Center/61556674696736/ Area III
Dutton Senior Center   15 Main St, Dutton, MT 59433 (406) 476-3291   Area III
Eagle Shield Senior Center PO Box 76, Browning, MT 59417   406-338-7257 https://www.nrcnaa.org/service-locator/center/120 Area III
Fairfield Senior Center   420 Central Ave, Fairfield, MT 406-467-2574   Area III
Fergus County Council on Aging 307 W Watson, Lewistown, MT 59457 307 W Watson, Lewistown, MT 59457 (406) 535-7486

https://fccoa.net

https://area2aging.org/senior-center-locations/

 Area II
Fort Benton Golden Age Center PO Box 1092, Fort Benton, MT 59442 1410 Front St Suite A, Fort Benton, MT 59442 (406) 622-3601   Area III
Geraldine Senior Center PO Box 256, Geraldine, MT 59446 420 Main St, Geraldine, MT 59446 (406) 737-4362   Area III
Geyser-Raynesford Senior Citizens RR1 Box 4, Raynesford, MT 59469 305 East Hill Ave, Geyser, MT 59447 (406) 735-4344 https://area2aging.org/senior-center-locations/ Area II
Great Falls Senior Center   1004 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 406-454-6995 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers Area VIII
Highwood Senior Center   1095 McGuire, Highwood, MT 59445     Area III
Judith Basin Senior Citizens PO Box 443, Stanford, MT 59479 91 1st Ave S, Stanford, MT 59479 (406) 566-2761 https://area2aging.org/senior-center-locations/  Area II
Judith River Senior Citizens PO Box 32, Hobson, MT 59452 105 2nd St W, Hobson, MT 59452 (406) 566-5433 https://area2aging.org/senior-center-locations/  Area II
Kevin Senior Citizens Center   4 1st Street SW, Kevin, MT 59454 (406) 337-2115 https://courts.mt.gov/external/selfhelp/resources/toole.pdf Area III
Liberty County Senior Center PO Box 13, Chester, MT 59522 618 E Adams Ave E, Chester, MT 59522 (406) 759-5244 https://www.libertycountymt.gov/senior-center Area III
Meagher County Senior Center PO Box 682, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645       Area IV
Monarch/Neihart Senior Center   300 S Main, Neihart, MT 406-236-5998 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers Area VIII
Parkview Senior Center PO Box 1383, Cut Bank, MT 59427 715 E Main St, Cut Bank, MT 59427 (406) 873-2961 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parkview-Senior-Center/1618637751732989 Area III
Power Whistle Stop PO Box 153, Power, MT 59468 306 Central Ave, Power, MT 59468 (406) 463-2440   Area III
Senior Citizens c/o Virginia Melichar PO Box 165, Moore, MT 59461       Area III
Shelby Senior Center   739 Benton Avenue, Shelby, MT 59474 406-434-2992 https://courts.mt.gov/external/selfhelp/resources/toole.pdf Area III
Sun River Valley Community & Senior Center   13319 US Highway 200, Fort Shaw, MT 406-264-5707 https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/161/Cascade-County-Senior-Centers Area VIII
Sunburst Senior Center   122 1st Ave West, Sunburst, MT 59482 406-937-2115 https://courts.mt.gov/external/selfhelp/resources/toole.pdf Area III
Valier Senior Center PO Box 512, Valier, MT 59486 514 Montana St, Valier, MT 59486   https://www.townofvalier.com/facilities Area III

Title Group Additional Affiliation Website
Resources Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan Coalition Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan https://mtalzplan.org/resources/
Montana Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Montana Geriatric Education Center University of Montana https://www.umt.edu/montana-geriatric-education-center/alzheimers-dementia/resource-adrd-montana.php
Dementia Resources for Caregivers Missoula Aging Services   https://missoulaagingservices.org/get-help/dementia-resources/dementia-resources-for-caregivers.html
State of Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center   Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services https://montana.my-adrc.org
Family Caregiver Resources for Montana AARP Montana AARP https://states.aarp.org/montana/caregiver-resources
Montana 211   Montana 211 https://montana211.org/about
Resources for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers Alzheimer's Association of America   https://alzfdn.org/caregiving-resources/

The following are examples of helplines that individuals in need may call for additional support.

Name of Service Source Source Type About Website Link (use these links to access online chat options) Helpline Phone Number Text Line Number  Hours
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline Alzheimer's Association Helpline (phone), Online chat option, Online form option "The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is a free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. Connect with a live person who can provide information, local resources, crisis assistance and emotional support." https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline (800) 272-3900   24/7
Alzheimer's Foundation of America National Toll-Free Helpline Alzheimer's Foundation of America Helpline (phone), Online chat option, Text message option "If Alzheimer’s is in your life, help is within your reach.  AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline is open seven days a week and staffed entirely by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care.  The Helpline is accessible by phone, web chat, and text message to assist callers with topics such as:

Signs and symptoms of dementia-related illnesses
What to do if you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with a dementia-related illnesses
How to speak with someone about memory problems
Caring for a family member with a dementia-related illness
Building a care team and support network
Self-care for caregivers
Finding local caregiving support services
Handling behavioral changes
Navigating communication among family members
Brain health and wellness information
No question is too big or small."		 https://alzfdn.org/afahelpline/ (866) 232-8484 (646) 586-5283 7 days a week: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET
VA's National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Helpline (phone) "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Line (CSL) is a toll-free number 1-855-260-3274 for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services. Our dedicated CSL team provides information on caregiver support services, counseling, educational services, and referrals (electronic notifcation) to local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) staff at VA medical centers (VAMC)." https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp 1-(855)-260-3274 (toll-free)   Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

This is a list of potentially relevant organizations as they relate to aging services, caregiving resources, and dementia and Alzheimer's resources.

Name Affiliation Specific Areas Served Website About
Area Agencies on Aging Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Montana https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging  
Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Montana https://dphhs.mt.gov/respite/ From their website: "Mision Statement: The mission of the Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition is to establish a statewide coordinated system of easily accessible, quality and affordable respite care services for Montana’s family caregivers or individuals regardless of special needs."
Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan   Montana https://mtalzplan.org From their website: "The Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia Coalition (formerly known as "Work Group") was established in June 2014. It is a state-wide partnership consisting of several key national, state, and local partners interested in improving care and support to Montanans with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, their families, and caregivers. The Coalition consists of members representing multiple industries and stakeholder groups including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Senior and Long-term Care Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Governor’s Office, other government agencies, patient advocacy groups, patient advocates (caregivers), Assisted Living/Long-Term Care facilities, senior services groups, regional healthcare organizations and providers, the Veteran’s Administration, educators, researchers, legislators, Montana’s Native American population, and the LGBT community."
Montana State University Extension Montana State University Montana https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/  
Alzheimer's Association   United States https://www.alz.org  
Alzheimer's Association - Montana Chapter Alzheimer's Association Montana https://www.alz.org/montana  
AARP   United States https://www.aarp.org  
AARP Montana AARP Montana https://states.aarp.org/montana/  
Alzheimer's Foundation of America   United States https://alzfdn.org  
Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association   Montana https://sfx.vqo.mybluehost.me/M4A/ From their website: "The Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association (M4A) is a private, non-profit organization that provides a unifying voice on issues that promote independence, dignity, and economic viability for Montana’s aging adults.

Montana’s Area Agencies on Aging grew from the Older Americans Act of 1965 which developed federal, state, and local structures to administer programs to help the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities. As local, grass-root resources, Area Agencies have advisory counsels who review and comment on all programs affecting aging citizens.

M4A is the leading source of information for Montanans, policymakers, and service providers on aging, healthy living and benefits. Programs and services are designed to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of older adults and to reduce the burden on families and caregivers. "

The following are articles classified by topic and sub-topic, with article titles and links.

Topic Sub-Topic Source Article Title Link About
Caregiving Planning for the Future BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving (PHCOE-DC); Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan "A Guide on Advanced Care Planning Resources For People Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners" https://mtalzplan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/A-Guide-on-Advanced-Care-Planning-Resources.pdf From the guide: "This resource guide contains a range of tools, materials and information related to advanced care planning, including financial, housing, medical, legal, and palliative/hospice care assistance. It is the result of a comprehensive, environmental scan of available dementia-specific advanced care planning resources."
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Alzheimer's Association "Stages and Behaviors" https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors\  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Alzheimer's Association "Early-Stage Caregiving" https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/early-stage  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Alzheimer's Association "Middle-Stage Caregiving" https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/middle-stage  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Alzheimer's Association "Late-Stage Caregivng" https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/late-stage  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers National Institute on Aging "Caregiving Toolkit: Information and Resources to Support Caregivers" https://www.nia.nih.gov/toolkits/caregiving   
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Alzheimers.gov "Tips for Caregivers and Families of People with Dementia" https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers?utm_source=chatgpt.com  
Caregiving Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver Family Caregiver Alliance "Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers" https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/   
Caregiving Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver National Institute on Aging "Caregiver's Handbook" https://order.nia.nih.gov/publication/caregivers-handbook   
Caregiving Memory Loss and Driving Family Caregiver Alliance "Dementia and Driving" https://www.caregiver.org/resource/dementia-driving/   
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers National Institute on Aging "What is Long-Distance Caregiving?" https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-distance-caregiving/what-long-distance-caregiving   
Caregiving Planning for the Future Montana State University Extension "Alzheimer's Dementia Legal and Financial Resources" https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/  
Caregiving   Montana State University Extension "Alzheimer's and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers and Their Families" https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/magorderform.html  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Montana State University Extension "Resources for Caregivers and Others Concerned About Memory Loss Packet" https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/packet/index.html  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Montana DPHHS "Caregiver Corner" https://dphhs.mt.gov/respite/Caregivercorner  
Caregiving Memory Loss and Driving AARP "We Need to Talk" https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/we-need-to-talk/?cmp=RDRCT-37253cf3-20200402  
Caregiving Information and Education for Caregivers Dementia Action Collaborative, Washington State "Safety Concerns for People with Dementia: Info Kit"  https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/stakeholders/documents/AD/Dementia%20Safety%20Information%20Toolkit.pdf