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BIG SKY SENIOR SERVICES
935 Lake Elmo Dr Ste. B Billings, MT 59105
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This is the third in our series of articles on the programs and non-profit organizations that receive support through the Yellowstone County Senior Mill Levy Fund. Big Sky Senior Services receives funds in support of its payee services, in-home senior care, care management, and trainings on dementia awareness and the prevention of elder abuse and exploitation. Its programs served 442 seniors last year, up 8% from the previous year. This organization serves the critical function of helping keep seniors independent, and in their homes. They work alongside the Adult Resource Alliance to help serve some of the most low-income seniors in Yellowstone County.
“We believe we are one of Yellowstone County’s best kept secrets, and we want that to change.” Tyler Amundson, Big Sky Senior Services’ Executive Director continues to remind people. Big Sky Senior Services prides itself on helping seniors that have not been able to find resources elsewhere. They serve to keep seniors independent, in their homes, and free and safe from abuse. They have been working toward this goal since 1977. National survey results highlight a desire to be cared for at home, as well as the need for accessible and affordable home-based services. Nearly 90% of Americans age 50 and older want to “age in place.” Big Sky Senior Services offers the only in-home care program on a sliding fee scale. Many of their clients would have very little support if it weren’t for staff from the non-profit who help them manage their finances, clean their homes, do basic
medication setups, bathe, go to the grocery store, get to doctor appointments, and more.
One of the biggest concerns Big Sky Senior Services has seen during the pandemic is the increased isolation of seniors. They have many dedicated staff and volunteers who have helped to overcome those challenges, but are looking for more people to help out. Big Sky Senior Services could use more qualified staff, caregivers and volunteers who would want to be a companion, or can help with handiwork around a senior’s home.
58% of Big Sky Senior Services’ clients live on less than $2,177 per month and many live on less than $1,000 a month right here in our community. If you know, or are, a Senior who could use their help, or if you want to volunteer you can reach them at (406)259-3111 or www. BigSkySeniorServices.org.
List of services at Big Sky Senior Services:
• Household Chores • Nursing Services • Pet Care Services • Caretaker Support/Respite • Transportation • Personal Care • Companionship • Money Management • Representative Payee and Case Management • Training for Businesses and Organizations ongoing • Dementia Friendly and Preventing Elder Abuse
Programs of Big Sky Senior Services:
SENIOR HELPING HANDS
Their team of Caregivers go into people's homes to help with household tasks, personal care, pet care, and nursing services. If you are looking for in-home care at reasonable rates you will find it at Big Sky Senior Services.
PREVENTION OF ELDER ABUSE
Their team of dedicated staff is trained to help people find resources and manage their money through payee services. Each person in this program is supported and offered respect to help them remain independent and free from abuse.
FRIENDS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
They pair volunteers with homebound seniors experiencing social isolation. Volunteers companion seniors both in person and over the phone. Want to volunteer? Call Suzanne at 406-259-3111.
Community Collaboration Projects:
YELLOWSTONE GUARDIANSHIP COUNCIL
The Council consists of community volunteers who bring their expertise to serve individuals who are deemed by www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 21
This picture was drawn by one of Big Sky Senior Services’ clients, reminding us that seniors have unique talents and amazing value in our community. Helping them remain independent can increase the very fabric of our community.
a court to lack the capacity to make medical or financial decisions and have no family member available, willing, or suitable to do so on their behalf.
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY BILLINGS
This community team is made of volunteers who raise dementia awareness and develop respect and inclusion for persons with dementia, their care partners, and families through training of businesses and organizations, and support for people with dementia.
