Best Independent Living in Montana

The Living Centre has spent 12 years in Stevensville, Montana, operating out of a 50-bed building at 63 Main St. 31 of those beds are filled, putting occupancy at 61%. It’s not in a walkable stretch of town; a Walk Score of 38 means a handful of errands might be doable on foot, but most trips are going to mean getting in a car.

Residents get physical therapy through the facility’s rehab services, there’s a doctor on staff, and staffing runs around the clock. Home care is also offered as a separate service line. On the nursing side, residents receive close to five hours of total nursing care each day, and just over an hour of that comes specifically from registered nurses, with nurse aides covering roughly three and a half hours of daily hands-on care.

There’s a library, a spa, and a dining room, plus the Indulge Salon, a named on-site program for residents who want salon services without leaving the building. The activity calendar rotates through musical performances, games, and fitness sessions, so there’s more than one way for residents to fill their days. For families sorting out how to pay, The Living Centre accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, which covers most of the common paths people use to fund a nursing home stay.

On the regulatory side, state inspections here have tended to focus on a handful of recurring areas: environmental and hazardous materials safety, care planning and documentation, resident rights and protections, and fall and injury prevention. That’s a fairly standard set of focus areas across nursing homes generally, not something unique to this facility.

What all of this points to is a mid-sized nursing home built around rehabilitation and consistent nursing oversight, with a rounded set of daily amenities and broad payment flexibility layered on top. For a family looking at short-term rehab or longer-term nursing care with multiple ways to cover the cost, that combination is the clearest signal the community offers.

Overview of The Iris Senior Living

The Iris Senior Living community provides world class hospitality and care for retirees. With an emphasis on independent living, services are catered to the residents, ensuring compassionate and dignified care all around. The retirement home is filled with an abundance of opportunities waiting to be discovered, ensuring to help each one fulfill a purposeful life. The Iris is the home where residents are nurtured and about to explore a new chapter in their lives.

Life at Iris is centered around a range of personalized care services such as 24-hour nursing staff, medication management, incontinence care, ADLs, housekeeping and laundry services, mobility assistance, and emotional and behavioral management. 

Overview of The Springs at Missoula

The Springs at Missoula is a captivating residence nestled in the heart of Missoula, Montana. This vibrant and serene community is bursting with its own unique charm, offering a comprehensive range of living options, including independent living, assisted living apartments, and specialized memory care benefits for those with dementia. At The Springs, residents are treated to a culinary experience like no other, with delectable, seasonally inspired menus that cater to their discerning tastes. The community takes pride in providing ample opportunities for connection and engagement, ensuring that every resident can find fulfillment and joy in their daily activities.
One of the hallmarks of The Springs is its exceptional array of community amenities. Residents are greeted with lush green spaces and elegant dining options, creating an ambiance of sophistication and comfort. The community boasts a charming café, a rejuvenating salon and barbershop, and a state-of-the-art fitness center that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. Convenient on-site laundry facilities add to the ease and convenience of everyday living. Moreover, The Springs warmly welcomes furry friends, embracing a pet-friendly environment that enhances the sense of home and companionship.

Overview of St. John‘s United

St. John’s United operates a 104-bed nursing facility at 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, Montana, administered by Karna Rhodes and owned by Gerald Pearsall. This voluntary non-profit church-affiliated community is car-dependent (Walk Score 6), 7.9 miles from downtown Billings with immediate access to Fuller Family Medicine. Current census: 26 residents (25% occupancy), average stay 129 days. Payer mix: 63% Medicare (28 days typical), 36% private pay (5–6 months), 1% Medicaid (18–19 years).
Staffing (Q4 2025): 262 total personnel including 29 RNs, 14 LPNs, and 164 CNAs. Total nursing delivers 5 hours 16 minutes per resident per day (35% above Montana average); weekend nursing reaches 4 hours 43 minutes (38% above state norm). Staff-to-resident ratio of 3.32:1 significantly exceeds benchmarks.
Care modalities include nursing home, independent and assisted living, memory care, home care, and hospice. Amenities: private rooms, aquatic center, fitness center, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and storage. 2023 financials: $34.4 million revenue, $19.6 million payroll, $984,311 net income. The facility ranks first statewide in payroll investment.
Quality outcomes show mixed results. Long-stay residents experience falls with major injury at 3.0% (31% better than state), pressure ulcers at 4.3% (32% better), and urinary tract infection at 2.0% (27% better). However, weight loss reaches 11.4% (85% worse), functional decline scores 23.4 (8% worse), and antipsychotic use stands at 20.8% (9% worse). No monetary penalties in three years.
The inspection record reveals significant compliance challenges. Over 34 months (August 2023–July 2025), four inspections yielded 33 deficiencies; 686% above Montana’s per-inspection average. July 2025 annual inspection cited 6 deficiencies: grievance policy gaps, medication errors exceeding 5%, incomplete care plans, expired food disposal, hand hygiene failures, and infection control breaches. A concurrent complaint investigation identified 2 deficiencies for delayed abuse/investigative findings reporting (2 days late).
August 2024 routine inspection documented 15 deficiencies spanning medication assessment, delayed abuse reporting, assessment accuracy, care planning, fall prevention, psychotropic medication governance, dietary and kitchen sanitation failures, and vaccination gaps. An August 2024 complaint investigation substantiated 2 deficiencies: delayed neglect reporting and 3-hour late insulin delivery. April 2024 complaint investigation found 1 deficiency: incorrect antiepileptic dosing for 27 days.
August 2023 routine inspection identified 7 deficiencies including unmet caregiver preferences, dementia care planning gaps, pressure ulcer management, missing equipment, absent nonpharmacological interventions, medication errors, and refrigerator temperature control failures. An August 2023 complaint investigation confirmed 1 deficiency for absent nonpharmacological documentation preceding antipsychotic initiation.
All violations carry moderate severity; no critical or serious citations exist. Deficiency patterns center on medication management, care planning, incident reporting timeliness, infection prevention, dietary operations, and failure to implement nonpharmacological approaches before chemical restraint, demonstrating compliance persistence without documented systemic resolution

Located in the heart of Bozeman, Montana, The Springs at Bozeman is an exquisite assisted living community with a cozy charm. Residents can enjoy each day to the fullest, where a warm and welcoming atmosphere prevails. This community offers a unique opportunity to experience retirement living that is comfortable, secure, and filled with joy and excitement.
This senior living community boasts an array of unparalleled amenities to enrich the lives of seniors. With various dining options, including multiple inviting venues and an on-site pub, residents can savor their meals and socialize. For those seeking an active lifestyle, The Springs at Bozeman presents a remarkable fitness center with a heated indoor pool and spa. Engaging in a plethora of activities, residents have the chance to forge cherished memories with loved ones. Beyond this, The Springs offers a full-service salon, inviting relaxing spaces, and two spacious outdoor courtyards. Step into the embrace of The Springs at Bozeman’s cozy embrace and discover the simplicity and delight that retirement living can bring.

Overview of Touchmark on Saddle Drive – Helena

A beautiful senior living community that offers exquisite living options such as cottages or condo-style rooms for residents of independent living, assisted living, and memory care living. Regardless of what kind of living option you are in, management and staff are guaranteed to provide resort-like accommodations with exceptional hospitality. The luxurious and elegant senior living community is beautiful, offering a dedicated environment wherein every need of each old is met.  Touchmark on Saddle Drive strives to provide its residents with a comfortable lifestyle of everyday living, making it an ideal place to call a new home.

Many studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments have a full kitchen, walk-in closets, air conditioning, central heating, washer, and dryer. Inclusive services include scheduled transportation, housekeeping, religious services, and a full-service salon. Touchmark also provides a private dining room, guest suites, activity rooms, and courtyards– to name a few.

Overview of Mission Ridge

A member of the St. John’s senior living home, Mission Ridge is a senior home nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Billings, Montana. At Mission Ridge, residents experience vibrant senior care living. The retirement home is the definition of high quality care, offering luxurious amenities and personalized services that redefine senior living. Within a secure and supportive environment, a dedicated team works tirelessly to create a sanctuary where confusion dissipates, memories are cherished, and patience is ever-present.

Mission Ridge strives to provide a stress-free and enjoyable environment for its residents, ensuring that the community is safe and secure. Moreover, they house professional and caring staff who assist with everyday living and provide residents with a 24-hour emergency call system. Finally, private apartments include a balcony or patio and a washer/dryer unit available. 

Overview of The Auberge at Missoula Valley

The Auberge at Missoula Valley, located in the breathtaking town of Missoula, Montana, is a haven of assisted living for seniors, providing a nurturing and enriching environment. With a deep commitment to delivering exceptional care, this community adheres to the highest assisted living guidelines, ensuring the well-being and happiness of every resident. Here, assisted living is more than just a concept—it’s a compassionate and personalized approach that promotes independence and dignity.

From assistance with daily tasks to specialized memory care services, The Auberge at Missoula Valley offers comprehensive support to seniors, helping them navigate their golden years with ease and grace. Carefully designed living spaces provide comfort and tranquility, while the professional and dedicated staff is always on hand to provide the necessary care and support. From safety measures and accessibility features to personalized care plans and wellness programs, residents can rest assured knowing that their well-being is prioritized at every turn.

Overview of Highgate at Bozeman

Located in picturesque Southwest Montana, Highgate at Bozeman presents a harmonious blend of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options for seniors. This captivating assisted living community offers a serene and homelike atmosphere, highlighted by views of the Bridger and Madison mountains. This community is located close to essential amenities such as shopping, banking, and grocery stores, ensuring the utmost convenience for senior residents. 
Highgate at Bozeman enjoys a privileged setting in one of the Rocky Mountain West’s most diverse small towns. Situated just north of the iconic Yellowstone National Park, residents immerse themselves in a captivating environment that celebrates nature’s splendor and fosters a strong sense of community. Highgate at Bozeman stands as a haven where seniors can embrace their golden years while relishing in the beauty and vibrant charm of the surrounding region.

The Iris, located in Great Falls, MT, is a senior living community offering independent living services and amenities which provides modern conveniences and comfort for their residents. Their accommodation options ranging from studio, to one-to-two bedroom units offer spacious bedrooms and living areas, kitchenette, and private bathrooms.
Additionally, the monthly rent includes three restaurant-style meals, 24/7 staff availability, and weekly housekeeping and laundry. For added sense of security, a monitored care team call system is also available in the accommodations, so the residents may rest assured that help is always available.