The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Yellowstone County, MT for 2024

Yellowstone County, which is located in the south-central region of Montana, has more than 160,000 people and a growing senior community that currently accounts for nearly 17 percent of residents. According to data gathered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, one in 10 seniors in Yellowstone County who receive Medicaid services have Alzheimer's disease. 

In Yellowstone County, as in all of the state, memory care is provided in Category C assisted living facilities. These facilities must have 24-hour awake staff and meet extensive training and building requirements. These facilities are monitored by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Yellowstone County has five memory care facilities, all of which are located in the city of Billings. 

• Yellowstone County's short-term particle pollution levels are high, with the county receiving a D from the American Lung Association for this type of pollution. This may be a concern for families whose senior loved one has a condition like diabetes or COPD.
  
• In Montana, most forms of retirement income are subject to state income tax, including Social Security benefits for those whose income is above a certain threshold. This may be a concern for retirees with restrictive memory care budgets in Yellowstone County. 
  
• Yellowstone County's overall cost of living is slightly higher than the statewide median and about 3 percent higher than the national median. Healthcare expenses, including doctor's visits and hospital stays, are generally about 5 percent less expensive here than in the nation as a whole. This may help seniors and families offset other living expenses. 
  
• Yellowstone County is prone to very warm summers with highs near 90 degrees and very cold winters with lows near 10 degrees. The region receives about 45 inches of annual snowfall versus the national average of 26 inches, which may pose a challenge for seniors who use mobility aids.  

Note: Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures. 

Memory Care costs in Yellowstone County start around $6,400 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,743 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Yellowstone County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Montana page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Montana page.

Yellowstone County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Montana are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Montana page for more information about these laws.