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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 36 nursing homes in MT using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MT
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.
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 to lowest based on our ranking 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 TableNH (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.
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.
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.
$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.
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Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MT community we track that reports that metric, not just the 36 on this page.
Sarah Caldwell owns Yellowstone River Nursing and Rehabilitation, a senior care community located on Central Avenue in Billings, Montana. The facility has been in business for 2 years and reports an average resident stay of 102 days. The building’s single-story layout ensures that residents can move between their bedrooms and the main dining room without climbing stairs.
The clinical program focuses on short-term rehabilitation, continuous medical supervision, and long-term care. The nursing team provides 24-hour support, averaging 3 hours and 34 minutes of daily care per resident through 41 minutes of registered nurse coverage, 39 minutes of LPN support, and 1 hour and 50 minutes from nurse aides. State records highlight past compliance concerns regarding care planning paperwork, behavioral health services, call-light response times, safety protocols, and the lack of a full-time social worker.
The surrounding area has a walk score of 67 out of 100, meaning the neighborhood is moderately walkable and allows for some pedestrian trips. Prospective residents looking into regional nursing care can call the front office to check on current bed openings.
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.
Moorberg Cottage at St Johns is a skilled nursing home in Billings, Montana, and a member of the St. John’s senior living group. The home is built around memory care, with a program designed specifically for residents living with dementia. It sits in a single-story building on Mission Circle, a layout that keeps everything on one level and is often easier for residents with memory loss to navigate.
The community centers its daily work on dementia care rather than trying to be all things to all residents. Staff are trained to support people with dementia, and the home offers a set of specialized dementia therapies along with partnerships with outside health care providers. Both the interior and exterior are laid out to help residents orient themselves and move through the day with less confusion. The setting is secure, which matters to families weighing safety for a loved one who may wander.
Residents live in private rooms, giving each person a quiet, personal space of their own. Day-to-day life is supported by transportation services and fitness and recreation programming, which help residents stay active and get to appointments and errands. The home is roughly 5.5 miles from the center of Billings and about 1.3 miles from SCL Health St. Vincent hospital, so acute medical care is close by if it is ever needed. The immediate area is car-dependent, with a walkability score of 24 out of 100, so most trips beyond the community will involve driving.
On the clinical side, the staffing figures give a sense of hands-on support. Certified nurse aides provide close to 3 hours of direct care per resident each day, backed by roughly 1 hour and 24 minutes of registered nurse time and about 36 minutes of licensed practical or vocational nurse time daily. For a family evaluating a memory care setting, that mix of aide and licensed nursing hours is a useful signal of the day-to-day support a resident can expect.
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.
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.
Park Place Health Care Center is a 189-bed nursing home in Great Falls, MT, offering rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and ventilator care. Here, older adults can keep their peace of mind, especially with a nurturing and welcoming environment. Exceptional services, including dietitian-approved meals, 24-hour care, and transportation services, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Through individualized care plans, residents receive the utmost attention and care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Fitness activities, trivia, musical performances, and volunteer involvement are among the many activities that aim to help residents make friends and stay active. Thoughtfully furnished rooms and accessible amenities also ensure residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also have easy access to their necessities and leisure, with the Great Falls Clinic Hospital and parks available in the area. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in Montana, ensuring older adults can live to their potential in retirement.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
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 36 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
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