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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 42 nursing homes in MT using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MT
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the MT Dept. of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HC (Home Care):
Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Montana average is: 47.0% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
$2.7M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$1.4M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
51.2%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$8.6M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$4.5M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
52%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$9.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.7M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
57.8%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$6.1M*Fiscal year ending 08/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.8M*Fiscal year ending 08/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
46.3%*Fiscal year ending 08/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$1.2M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
57%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other MT nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 42 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Ashland, Montana sits in rural Rosebud County, and Heritage Living Center has served the area as a 40-bed nursing home administered by Sable Kerzmann. Reaching it means planning for a drive. The neighborhood carries a Walk Score of 3, placing it firmly in car-dependent territory, with few errands possible on foot.
Care here runs on two tracks; the first being short-term rehabilitation, which supports residents recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, while a second long-term rehab option exists for those whose needs extend further. Respite care gives families a break option, and staffing runs around the clock. Daily routines include communal dining, salon services, and an outdoor courtyard, with a regular slate of organized activities rounding out the calendar.
Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services, Quality Assurance Division oversees inspections statewide, and for Heritage Living Center those reviews have centered on emergency preparedness and staffing credentials, the kind of operational areas regulators commonly examine at nursing homes across the state.
For families weighing options in a rural stretch of southeastern Montana, Heritage Living Center offers structured rehabilitation and nursing care close to the Northern Cheyenne community, built for residents who need real clinical support rather than a lighter-touch living arrangement.
The Ivy at Great Falls sits at 1130 17th Ave S in Great Falls, Montana, and it’s a big place. With 278 beds, it’s built to handle a lot of different people at once: someone recovering from surgery who just needs a few weeks of rehab, and someone who’s going to call this place home for a long while.
The average resident stays about 152 days, somewhere between a short rehab stint and a long-term placement. Right now the facility is running at 39% occupancy, so there’s real room here. If your family is trying to move fast, that matters; since you’re not going to end up on a waiting on a waitlist.
Getting around the neighborhood on foot is doable but limited. The Walk Score sits at 43 out of 100, somewhat walkable, so you might reach a handful of nearby spots without a car, but plan on driving for most errands or visits.
Money-wise, The Ivy works with Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so there’s flexibility depending on your situation. Medicaid covers the largest share of new residents, 37%, and those stays tend to run long, averaging 10 to 11 months. That tells you something real: this is a place built around steady, ongoing nursing care for people settling in for a while, not just a quick stop on the way somewhere else.
Located in Missoula, Montana, Hillside Health & Rehabilitation is a renowned assisted living community specializing in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This community offers a comprehensive range of services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatments. Their expert team of professionals is committed to helping seniors regain their strength and vitality.
At Hillside Health & Rehabilitation, residents with cognitive impairments are provided with specialized memory care programs making sure that individuals with memory impairments can lead dignified and fulfilling lives. The community also offers end-of-life care services in collaboration with reputable hospice agencies, ensuring that residents and their families receive compassionate care during challenging times. With licensed nurses and assistants available around the clock, seniors requiring long-term care can have their needs met promptly and efficiently. Hillside Health & Rehabilitation features a well-appointed facility with 95 beds and participates in Medicare and Medicaid programs, offering flexible payment options for eligible individuals. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood, Hillside Health & Rehabilitation offers easy access to a wide range of amenities, including retail shops, restaurants, cafes, parks, and theaters. In case of emergencies, residents can quickly receive medical attention from the nearby Community Medical Center.
Overview of Immanuel Living D/b/a the Terraces at Buffalo Hill
Forty Claremont Street in Kalispell sits inside a very walkable stretch of Flathead County, Montana, close enough that many errands don’t require a car. That’s where Immanuel Living D/b/a the Terraces at Buffalo Hill operates a 140-bed community spanning independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Patty Cordell administers the property.
Rehabilitation services, respite care, and around-the-clock staffing form the operational backbone. Residents recovering from surgery or illness can use outpatient therapy and short-term rehabilitation without leaving the property, and memory care is available for those who need closer supervision and specialized daily support.
A heated swimming pool and fitness center anchor the wellness side of things, while walking paths and gardens give residents room to move outdoors. Meals come through several restaurant-style venues, including the Wooden Nickel Bistro and Lounge. Guest suites accommodate visiting family, and a general store plus library and business center round out daily life on-site. Underground and covered parking is available too. Monthly pricing starts at $5,700, and Medicare is accepted here.
Inspection records point to medication management and care planning and documentation as the areas regulators have focused on. Taken with its layered care options, from independent living through memory support, the community is set up for residents whose needs may shift over time, along with the families planning around that change.
The Village Health & Rehabilitation in Missoula is a 193-bed nursing home offering a full care continuum: nursing home, memory care, respite, and skilled nursing services. Situated at 2651 South Avenue West, it caters to residents needing various levels of nursing and rehabilitative support, including those with memory impairment who benefit from its specialized memory care unit.
Clinically, the home maintains a robust staffing structure. Registered nurses average 1 hour 2 minutes of care per resident daily, supported by nurse aides providing 2 hours 40 minutes per resident day. Licensed practical nurses contribute an additional 14 minutes. This combination mirrors a substantial investment in hands-on daily care and clinical oversight. The community extends this staffing through evenings and weekends, with registered nurse coverage of 46 minutes per resident on weekend days. Physical therapy services support occupants in post-acute recovery and mobility maintenance. The somewhat walkable neighborhood bears a Walk Score of 49, meaning transportation is required for most trips, while some errands can be done on foot. For families traveling to visit, this accessibility profile represents a modest local context. As a large-scale facility, The Village Health & Rehabilitation can support an array of resident needs in one community, decreasing the need for transfers as care requirements evolve.
It’s encouraged that prospective families tour the facility to see how its scale and staffing model match their loved one’s care priorities.
Overview of Central Montana Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Central Montana Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 62-bed nursing home in Lewistown, Montana, providing skilled nursing, home care, and hospice services. Managed by EmpRes Healthcare Management, the facility is located just off the city center and sits about a mile from Central Montana Medical Center, ensuring fast access to hospital-level support.
The home accommodates both short-term rehabilitation and long-term clinical stays, with residents receiving 24-hour care from licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. Therapy programs support physical and cognitive recovery, while a registered dietitian designs personalized nutrition plans. Everyday assistance includes help with dressing, bathing, medication management, and specialized dementia care. The surrounding rural area in Fergus County is quiet and has a walk score of 39, indicating most daily visits and errands will require a vehicle.
State records show the facility operates with a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, demonstrating consistent compliance with safety and care standards. The center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, providing families with multiple options to manage the cost of care.
Prospective residents looking for skilled nursing or transitional rehabilitation in central Montana can contact the center directly to confirm current room availability.
Overview of St. James Healthcare Transitional Care Unit (tcu)
Located in the heart of Butte, Montana, St. James Healthcare Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is a reliable senior living community, offering extensive memory care services. This 129-bed care community ensures residents dealing with Alzheimer’s are provided with the cae they need in a safe and secure living environment. A compassionate care team is readily available to provide residents the care and services they need to thrive and continue living the lifestyle they want.
Residents are provided with special activity and programs designed to provide them the stimulation they need to stay active and maintain their cognitive abilities. Three homemade meals are offered daily to ensure residents have the noursihment they need to stay healthy. With access to various conveniences, comprehensive care services, and a vibrant programming, residents here are guaranteed to maintain their optimal function to live full lives.
Grandview Transitional Care Cottages is a highly rated nursing home in Great Falls, MT, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community also ensures older adults can feel at home, especially with upscale amenities in a nurturing setting. With 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and transportation services, residents receive high-quality services dedicated to helping them maintain their independence. Through personalized care plans, the community ensures residents can recover and return to their routines with ease.
Stretching exercises, fun events, and games provide residents with more opportunities to learn new hobbies and have fun. Indoor walkways, cozy living room with a fireplace, and outdoor gardens also foster interactions and relaxation. Located near the Great Falls Clinic Hospital in the quiet residential area of Great Falls, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is a great choice for senior living in Montana, as it has top-notch services and well-maintained amenities.
Cooney Home is where residents thrive; they provide quality caregiving for skilled nursing and rehabilitation. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where residents and staff are encouraged to create friendships and build a mutual level of trust with each other. Families can rest easy knowing their loved ones are in good hands because of the dedicated team of professionals. Cooney Home is ideal for seniors looking for a homelike setting in a nurturing environment.
The nursing home activities aim to enhance the quality of life for its residents by ensuring that seniors can satisfy their holistic wellness. Additionally, they house state-of-the-art technologies that help recover a range of medical conditions– wound care, neurological recovery, lymphedema, and pulmonary programs; as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Moorberg Cottage at St Johns is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Billings, MT. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, so the community may be a good fit for someone who needs that level of ongoing care.
Residents have private rooms, providing a single private living space. The building is single-story.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Montana
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Montana?
Assisted living in Montana is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Montana Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Montana Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 42 nursing homes in Montana. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Montana?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Montana, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Montana?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
Nursing Homes in Montana at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.9/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Montana. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.2/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Montana. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Montana. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.0/ 5
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