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

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/

Agency Name Title PO Box/Address City/Town Zip Code Phone Number(s) Email Service Areas
Office on Aging - Senior and Long-Term Care Sonja Foster Regional Ombudsman Intern PO Box 459 Butte 59703 (406) 782-5555 sfoster@swmads.org Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell, and Silver Bow counties; Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Meagher, Park, Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell, and Silver Bow counties
Area IV Agency on Aging Sonja Foster Regional Ombudsman Intern PO Box 459 Butte 59703 (406) 782-5555 sfoster@swmads.org Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Meagher, and Park counties
Area V Agency on Aging Sonja Foster Regional Ombudsman Intern PO Box 459 Butte 59703 (406) 782-5555 sfoster@swmads.org Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell, and Silver Bow 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

 

Area V Agency on Aging Joe Gilboy Director (406) 782-5555 (406) 782-5662 Jgilboy@swmads.org PO Box 459 2103 Harrison Ave Butte MT 59703 https://www.swmads.org

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 @ Butte Public Library/The Springs at Butte Butte Alternate between Butte Library (Summer) and The Springs at Butte (Winter) 2nd Wednesday 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Julie Bushmaker (406) 498-7285 juliebushmaker@gmail.com

Regional Support Groups

Dementia support group Community of Caring Support Group The Springs at Butte Butte In-Person The Springs at Butte (their facility's community center) 3rd Tuesday 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Kristin Chiamulera (406) 494-0083 Respite care is offered and they often provide take-home dinners. They offer education to attendees typically every other month.

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 V Agency on Aging ADRC Southwest Montana Aging and Disability Services Butte (406) 782-5555 Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell, Silver Bow 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
Name Mailing Address Address Phone

Website

general city or county websites are listed for centers without a website

 Area Agency on Aging
Beaverhead Senior Citizens Center   126 S Montana, Dillion, MT 59725 (406) 683-4265 https://www.swmads.org Area V
Belmont Senior Center   615 E Mercury St, Butte, MT 59701 (406) 723-7773 https://www.swmads.org Area V
Boulder-Basin Senior Center PO Box 557, Boulder, MT 59632 134 Main Street, Augusta, MT 59410 406-562-3623 https://www.rmdc.net/what-we-do/senior-services/senior-centers/rural-senior-centers.html Area IV
Heart Butte Senior Center PO Box 99, Heart Butte, MT 59448    (406)-338-2222 https://www.blackfeet.health/hsc Area III
Metcalf Center, Smelter City Senior Center   115 E Pennsylvania Ave, Anaconda, MT 59711 (406) 563-3504 https://www.swmads.org Area V
Spring Hill Senior Program PO Box 39, Lima, MT 59739   (406) 660-0477 https://www.swmads.org  
Whitehall Senior Center PO Box 248, Whitehall, MT 59759 3 North Division, Whitehall, MT 59759 406-287-5336 https://www.rmdc.net/what-we-do/senior-services/senior-centers/rural-senior-centers.html Area IV

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