Region 1 Resources
Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, and Lake Counties
This is a list of potentially relevant organizations as they relate to aging services, caregiving resources, and dementia and Alzheimer's resources.
Detection and Diagnosis
| Name and Title | Group Affiliation | Charges Medicare Approved Amount | Street Address | City/Town | Zip Code | Phone Number | Specialty | Telehealth |
| Tanner L. Ferderer, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way, Suite C | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
| Bret D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 310 Sunnyview LN | Kalispell | 59901-3129 | Neurology | Telehealth services | |
| Bret D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
| Bret D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 350 Heritage Way | Kalispell | 59901-3167 | (406) 257-8992 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
| Kurt D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 310 Sunnyview LN | Kalispell | 59901-3129 | Neurology | ||
| Kurt D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 350 Heritage Way | Kalispell | 59901-3167 | (406) 257-8992 | Neurology | |
| Kurt D. Lindsay, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | |
| Katelyn Marsden, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way, Suite C | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | |
| Donald A. Stone, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | |
| Donald A. Stone, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 310 Sunnyview LN | Kalispell | 59901-3129 | Neurology | ||
| Donald A. Stone, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 350 Heritage Way | Kalispell | 59901-3167 | (406) 257-8992 | Neurology | |
| Dmitry Tchapyjnikov, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way, Suite C | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | |
| Marcus S. Wheeler, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 350 Heritage Way | Kalispell | 59901-3167 | (406) 257-8992 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
| Marcus S. Wheeler, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 200 Commons Way | Kalispell | 59901-1915 | (406) 752-5095 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
| Marcus S. Wheeler, MD | KALISPELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INC | Yes | 202 Conway Dr, Suite 100 | Kalispell | 59901-3153 | (406) 751-5662 | Neurology | Telehealth services |
The following are articles classified by topic and sub-topic, with article titles and links.
| Topic | Sub-Topic | Source | Article Title | Link |
| Detection and Diagnosis | Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia | Alzheimer's Association | "10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia" | https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs |
| Detection and Diagnosis | Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia | AARP | "15 Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore" | https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/dementia-warning-signs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Detection and Diagnosis | Cognitive Screenings and Assessments | Alzheimer's Association | "Cognitive Screening and Assessment" | https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-medical-professionals/cognitive-assessment |
| Understanding Dementia | About Dementia | Alzheimer's Association | "What is Dementia" | https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia |
| Understanding Dementia | About Dementia | Alzheimer's Association | "Types of Dementia" | https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia |
| Understanding Dementia | About Dementia | National Institute on Aging | "Infographic: Understanding Different Types of Dementia" | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia |
| Understanding Memory Loss | Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia | Mayo Clinic | "Memory loss: When to seek help" | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326 |
| Understanding Memory Loss | Early Signs of Memory Loss and Dementia | National Institute on Aging | "Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging" | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
After Diagnosis
| Agency | Name | Title | PO Box/Address | City/Town | Zip Code | Phone Number(s) | Service Areas | |
| Area IX Agency on Aging | Susan Kunda | Local Ombudsman | 40 11th Street West Suite 100 | Kalispell | 59901 | (406) 758-5737 | skunda@flathead.mt.gov | Flathead county |
| Area VI Agency on Aging | Lynda Mergenthaler | Local Ombudsman | 110 Main Street, Suite #5 | Polson | 59860 | (406) 830-4060 | lyndam@area6aging.org | Lake county |
| Area VI Agency on Aging | Julie White | Local Ombudsman | PO Box 245 | Hot Springs | 59845 | (406) 741-3647 | juliew@area6aging.org | Lincoln, Mineral, Sanders counties |
To learn more about Area Agencies on Aging please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging
| Area | Name | Title | Note | Street Address | City/Town | Zip Code | Phone | Fax | Website | |
| Area IX Agency on Aging | Carla Dyment | Director | 40 11th ST W STE 100 | Kalispell | 59901-5143 | (406) 758-5730 | (406) 758-5732 | Cdyment@flathead.mt.gov | https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/agency-aging | |
| Area VI Agency on Aging | Lori Thibodeau-Seay | Director | Western MT AAA | 110 Main Street Ste #5 | Polson | 59860-2316 | (406) 883-7284 | (406) 883-7363 | LoriT@a6wm.onmicrosoft.com | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org |
Caregiver Resources
This is a voucher program through Montana Lifespan Respite, where caregivers are given an opportunity to receive a voucher for paying for respite time. The link attached will allow access to the brochure, application, materials necessary for the application, and additional helpful information.
Regional Support Groups
| Name | City/Town | Location | Monthly Dates | Time | Contact Name | Contact Phone |
| Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group | Polson | Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Avenue E (59860) | 2nd Wednesday | 1:30 PM | Arlene Kintz |
(406) 270-1212 |
National Support Groups
| Caregiver Online Support Group - Family Caregiver Alliance | Family Caregiver Alliance | https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/ |
| African American Caregiver Support Group - Family Caregiver Alliance | Spring Creek Inn Bozeman | https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/ |
| LGBTQ+ Community Support: Caregiving for our Families and Friends - Family Caregiver Alliance | Spring Creek Inn Bozeman | https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/ |
Online/Community Message Boards
| Caregivers, those living with Dementia, Alzheimer's | ALZConnected - Alzheimer's Association | Visit this webpage to connect to the message board |
To learn more about Area Agencies on Aging please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/adrc/
| Area VI Agency on Aging ADRC | Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging, Inc. | Polson | (406) 883-7284 | Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Salish Kootenai Reservation, Sanders | https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/adrc/ |
| Area IX Agency on Aging ADRC | Kalispell | (406) 758-5730 | Flathead | https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/adrc/ |
To learn more about Senior Centers in Montana please use the following link, which will take you to a page of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging
| Name | Mailing Address | Address | Phone | Website general city or county websites are listed for centers without a website |
Area Agency on Aging |
| Arlee Senior Center | PO Box 392, Arlee, MT 59821 | 34532 Wessinger, Arlee, MT | (406) 726-3213 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | Area VI |
| Arlee Tribal Senior Center | (406) 726-3221 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | |||
| Big Fork Community Center | 8560 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911 | 406-837-4157 | https://bigforksenior.center/bigfork-senior-center/ | Area VI | |
| Charlo-Moise Senior Center | PO Box 1, Charlo, MT 59824 | 56686 HWY 212, Charlo, MT | (406) 644-2531 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | Area VI |
| Dixon Senior Citizens Center | PO Box 85, Dixon, MT 59831 | 35 3rd St, Dixon, MT 59831 | (406) 246-3310 | https://mfbn.org/resource/dixon-senior-center/ | Area VI |
| Elmo Tribal Senior Center | (406) 849-4044 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | |||
| Golden Ager's Senior Center | 121 E Second St, Whitefish, MT | 406-862-4923 | https://www.whitefishcommunitycenter.org | Area IX | |
| Heron Senior Center | 1260 Upper River Rd, Heron, MT | (406) 741-2343 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/uncategorized/sanders-county-senior-centers/ | Area VI | |
| Hot Springs Senior Center | 101 Main Street, Hot Springs, MT | 4067412344 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/uncategorized/sanders-county-senior-centers/ | Area VI | |
| Kalispell Senior Center | 40 11th St W, Kalispell, MT 59901 | (406) 609-5351 | https://kalispellseniorcenter.com | Area IX | |
| Kootenai Senior Center | PO Box 74, Troy, MT 59935 | 304 3rd St, Troy, MT 59935 | (406) 295-4140 | http://www.kootenaiseniorcitizens.com | Area VI |
| Mission Valley Senior Center | 528 Main St W, Ronan, MT 59864 | (406) 676-2371 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | Area VI | |
| North Valley Senior Center | PO Box 676, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 | 205 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 | 406-892-4087 | https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/agency-aging/resources/personal-well-being | Area IX |
| Noxon Senior Center | PO Box 17, Noxon, MT 59853 | 211 2nd St, Noxon, MT | (406) 847-6000 | https://www.facebook.com/NoxonSeniorCitizensCenter/ | Area VI |
| Plains Senior Center | 205 West Meany Street, Plains, MT | (406) 826-3018 |
https://www.facebook.com/plainsseniorcenter/ https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/uncategorized/sanders-county-senior-centers/ |
Area VI | |
| Polson Senior Citizens Center | 504 3rd Ave E, Polson, MT 59860 | (406) 883-4735 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | Area VI | |
| Polson Tribal Senior Center | (406) 883-6877 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | |||
| Ronan Tribal Senior Center | (406) 676-5495 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | |||
| Salish Senior Center | PO Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 | Area VI | |||
| St. Ignatius Senior Center | PO Box 758, St. Ignatius, MT 59865 | 212 N Main St, St. Ignatius, MT | (406) 745-4462 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/lake-county-resources/ | Area VI |
| Thompson Falls Senior Center | 1191 Mt. Silcox Road, Thompson Falls, MT | (406) 827-3457 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/uncategorized/sanders-county-senior-centers/ | Area VI | |
| Tobacco Valley Senior Center | PO Box 745, Eureka, MT 59917 | 310 1st Ave E, Eureka, MT | (406) 297-2188 | https://www.facebook.com/p/Tobacco-Valley-CommunitySenior-Center-100070069666933/ | Area VI |
| Trout Creek Senior Center | 18 Larch Street, Trout Creek, MT | (406) 827-4461 | https://www.westernmontanaagingservices.org/uncategorized/sanders-county-senior-centers/ | Area VI |
| Title | Group | Additional Affiliation | Website |
| Resources | Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan Coalition | Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan | https://mtalzplan.org/resources/ |
| Montana Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource | Montana Geriatric Education Center | University of Montana | https://www.umt.edu/montana-geriatric-education-center/alzheimers-dementia/resource-adrd-montana.php |
| Dementia Resources for Caregivers | Missoula Aging Services | https://missoulaagingservices.org/get-help/dementia-resources/dementia-resources-for-caregivers.html | |
| State of Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services | https://montana.my-adrc.org | |
| Family Caregiver Resources for Montana | AARP Montana | AARP | https://states.aarp.org/montana/caregiver-resources |
| Montana 211 | Montana 211 | https://montana211.org/about | |
| Resources for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers | Alzheimer's Association of America | https://alzfdn.org/caregiving-resources/ |
The following are examples of helplines that individuals in need may call for additional support.
| Name of Service | Source | Source Type | About | Website Link (use these links to access online chat options) | Helpline Phone Number | Text Line Number | Hours |
| Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline | Alzheimer's Association | Helpline (phone), Online chat option, Online form option | "The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is a free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. Connect with a live person who can provide information, local resources, crisis assistance and emotional support." | https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline | (800) 272-3900 | 24/7 | |
| Alzheimer's Foundation of America National Toll-Free Helpline | Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Helpline (phone), Online chat option, Text message option | "If Alzheimer’s is in your life, help is within your reach. AFA’s National Toll-Free
Helpline is open seven days a week and staffed entirely by licensed social workers
specifically trained in dementia care. The Helpline is accessible by phone, web chat,
and text message to assist callers with topics such as: Signs and symptoms of dementia-related illnesses What to do if you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with a dementia-related illnesses How to speak with someone about memory problems Caring for a family member with a dementia-related illness Building a care team and support network Self-care for caregivers Finding local caregiving support services Handling behavioral changes Navigating communication among family members Brain health and wellness information No question is too big or small." |
https://alzfdn.org/afahelpline/ | (866) 232-8484 | (646) 586-5283 | 7 days a week: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET |
| VA's National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Helpline (phone) | "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Line (CSL) is a toll-free number 1-855-260-3274 for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services. Our dedicated CSL team provides information on caregiver support services, counseling, educational services, and referrals (electronic notifcation) to local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) staff at VA medical centers (VAMC)." | https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp | 1-(855)-260-3274 (toll-free) | Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
This is a list of potentially relevant organizations as they relate to aging services, caregiving resources, and dementia and Alzheimer's resources.
| Name | Affiliation | Specific Areas Served | Website | About |
| Area Agencies on Aging | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services | Montana | https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/AreaAgenciesonAging | |
| Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services | Montana | https://dphhs.mt.gov/respite/ | From their website: "Mision Statement: The mission of the Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition is to establish a statewide coordinated system of easily accessible, quality and affordable respite care services for Montana’s family caregivers or individuals regardless of special needs." |
| Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan | Montana | https://mtalzplan.org | From their website: "The Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia Coalition (formerly known as "Work Group") was established in June 2014. It is a state-wide partnership consisting of several key national, state, and local partners interested in improving care and support to Montanans with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, their families, and caregivers. The Coalition consists of members representing multiple industries and stakeholder groups including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Senior and Long-term Care Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Governor’s Office, other government agencies, patient advocacy groups, patient advocates (caregivers), Assisted Living/Long-Term Care facilities, senior services groups, regional healthcare organizations and providers, the Veteran’s Administration, educators, researchers, legislators, Montana’s Native American population, and the LGBT community." | |
| Montana State University Extension | Montana State University | Montana | https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/ | |
| Rocky Mountain Development Council | Helena Area | https://www.rmdc.net | ||
| Action for Eastern Montana | Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure, Valley, Wibaux, & Fort Peck and Northern Cheyenne Indian Nations | https://www.aemt.org | From their website: "The Community Action Partnership is a national, nonprofit organization that works to strengthen, promote, represent and serve its network of member Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to assure that the issues of poverty are effectively presented and addressed. Action for Eastern Montana is committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life within the communities we serve by promoting education, advocacy and dignity for achieving independence." (https://www.aemt.org) | |
| Alzheimer's Association | United States | https://www.alz.org | ||
| Alzheimer's Association - Montana Chapter | Alzheimer's Association | Montana | https://www.alz.org/montana | |
| AARP | United States | https://www.aarp.org | ||
| AARP Montana | AARP | Montana | https://states.aarp.org/montana/ | |
| Alzheimer's Foundation of America | United States | https://alzfdn.org | ||
| Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association | Montana | https://sfx.vqo.mybluehost.me/M4A/ | From their website: "The Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association (M4A) is a private,
non-profit organization that provides a unifying voice on issues that promote independence,
dignity, and economic viability for Montana’s aging adults. Montana’s Area Agencies on Aging grew from the Older Americans Act of 1965 which developed federal, state, and local structures to administer programs to help the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities. As local, grass-root resources, Area Agencies have advisory counsels who review and comment on all programs affecting aging citizens. M4A is the leading source of information for Montanans, policymakers, and service providers on aging, healthy living and benefits. Programs and services are designed to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of older adults and to reduce the burden on families and caregivers. " |
The following are articles classified by topic and sub-topic, with article titles and links.
| Topic | Sub-Topic | Source | Article Title | Link | About |
| Caregiving | Planning for the Future | BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving (PHCOE-DC); Montana Alzheimer's & Dementia State Plan | "A Guide on Advanced Care Planning Resources For People Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners" | https://mtalzplan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/A-Guide-on-Advanced-Care-Planning-Resources.pdf | From the guide: "This resource guide contains a range of tools, materials and information related to advanced care planning, including financial, housing, medical, legal, and palliative/hospice care assistance. It is the result of a comprehensive, environmental scan of available dementia-specific advanced care planning resources." |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Alzheimer's Association | "Stages and Behaviors" | https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors\ | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Alzheimer's Association | "Early-Stage Caregiving" | https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/early-stage | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Alzheimer's Association | "Middle-Stage Caregiving" | https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/middle-stage | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Alzheimer's Association | "Late-Stage Caregivng" | https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/late-stage | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | National Institute on Aging | "Caregiving Toolkit: Information and Resources to Support Caregivers" | https://www.nia.nih.gov/toolkits/caregiving | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Alzheimers.gov | "Tips for Caregivers and Families of People with Dementia" | https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers?utm_source=chatgpt.com | |
| Caregiving | Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver | Family Caregiver Alliance | "Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers" | https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/ | |
| Caregiving | Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver | National Institute on Aging | "Caregiver's Handbook" | https://order.nia.nih.gov/publication/caregivers-handbook | |
| Caregiving | Memory Loss and Driving | Family Caregiver Alliance | "Dementia and Driving" | https://www.caregiver.org/resource/dementia-driving/ | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | National Institute on Aging | "What is Long-Distance Caregiving?" | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-distance-caregiving/what-long-distance-caregiving | |
| Caregiving | Planning for the Future | Montana State University Extension | "Alzheimer's Dementia Legal and Financial Resources" | https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/ | |
| Caregiving | Montana State University Extension | "Alzheimer's and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers and Their Families" | https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/magorderform.html | ||
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Montana State University Extension | "Resources for Caregivers and Others Concerned About Memory Loss Packet" | https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/packet/index.html | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Montana DPHHS | "Caregiver Corner" | https://dphhs.mt.gov/respite/Caregivercorner | |
| Caregiving | Memory Loss and Driving | AARP | "We Need to Talk" | https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/we-need-to-talk/?cmp=RDRCT-37253cf3-20200402 | |
| Caregiving | Information and Education for Caregivers | Dementia Action Collaborative, Washington State | "Safety Concerns for People with Dementia: Info Kit" | https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/stakeholders/documents/AD/Dementia%20Safety%20Information%20Toolkit.pdf |