Missoula Area Agency On Aging

Information and assistance:the resource center provides information, assistance, and one-on-one consultation regarding aging services to older adults and their caregivers, including adult children seeking local referrals from a distance. Common topics include long-term care, estate planning, medicare and medicaid, and homeowner/renter tax credits. Resource staff also provide older adults with free benefits screenings to determine what cost-saving benefits they may be eligible for, and then assist individuals to complete, submit, and track applications. In fiscal year 2025, staff answered 27,481 calls and helped 4,098 clients, compared to 22,705 calls and 4,230 clients in fiscal year 2024.the money management program helps older adults and other at-risk individuals manage their personal financial affairs through serving as a representative payee, providing bill payment services, helping with budgets, and advocating to prevent financial exploitation or abuse. In fiscal year 2025, this program served 40 clients compared to 40 in fiscal year 2024.montana smp (senior medicare patrol) funded by the administration on aging, is a statewide program which utilizes trained volunteers to help reduce medicare and medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse. In fiscal year 2025, montana smp educated approximately 13,000 medicare beneficiaries compared to 14,044 beneficiaries in fiscal year 2024. The ombudsman program advocates for residents living in long-term care facilities by helping them understand and exercise their right to good care. Ombudsmen are impartial mediators who investigate resident concerns and provide information, suggest solutions, and press for improvements on behalf of residents. In fiscal year 2025, ombudsman made 2,809 contacts with residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities compared to 2,750 contacts made in fiscal year 2024.

In-home services:in-home support services staff, called client support specialists, help older adults age at home safely and comfortably and give primary caregivers the opportunity to take time for themselves. In fiscal year 2025, mas provided 2,444 hours of in-home support services to 66 clients. This compares to 2,626 hours of care for 46 clients in fiscal year 2024.the caring companion program matches volunteers with older adult clients to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Thirty-two (32) clients were matched with companions, and volunteers served 1,757 hours in fiscal year 2025.the veteran directed care program empowers qualifying veterans to hire, employ and supervise personal care attendants to help with daily needs in support of independence. Mas care coordinators assist veterans to develop and implement care plans to meet their personal needs. In fiscal year 2025, 112 veterans were served compared to 102 veterans in fiscal year 2024.care management program staff assist older adults with complex needs to navigate and access health and social care systems to support safety, independence, and quality of life. In fiscal year 2025, the program served 52 clients, the majority of which are individuals living with memory loss or dementia. This compares to 64 clients served in fiscal year 2024.the family caregiver support program assists adult family members and other informal providers of in-home care to older adults. Staff connect caregivers and their loved ones to mas services, such in-home services, caring companions, and respite (which provides caregivers temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities). Caregivers can also participate in ongoing support groups or take a powerful tools for caregivers class. In fiscal year 2025, mas supported 75 family caregivers compared to 82 in fiscal year 2024.the home modification program provides older adults (homeowners and renters) with affordable assistance with minor home modifications and repairs to improve accessibility and address safety concerns. Projects include installation of grab bars and accessible bathroom fixtures, safety latches and accessible handles, hand railings, smoke/o2 detectors, weatherization, light fixture replacements, drywall patching, etc.