M4A Service Matrix
Legend: A dollar sign ($) Indicates that the AAA provides financial subsidies to a sub-contractor to provide services, whereas a circle indicates that the AAA provides services to the community directly.
*Due to the expansive size of some regions, services may not be available in all communities within a region.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
A one-stop resource for elders age 60 and older and people with physical disabilities over the age of 18. The ADRC provides:
- Assistance to clients as they apply for publicly funded programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Social Security, SSI, Food Stamps and LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)
- Outreach & public education on long-term care topics
- Statewide educational materials regarding Medicare Part D
- Developing an Internet-based system for people to apply online to multiple public programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, LIEAP, Big Sky Rx, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Aging Services programs. The system will limit repeated collection of the same information when clients apply for public benefits.
Certified Local Ombudsman Program
Advocate for residents residing in long-term care facilities, assisted-living facilities and personal care homes. They visit facilities on a regular basis, meet with residents, their families and resident councils. They assist residents in developing strategies to address problems including mediating or negotiating with the facility’s staff, working with a resident council, getting a group of residents with similar concerns together to work on a problem, or filing a complaint on behalf of the resident. An Ombudsman may speak on behalf of the resident or family if conditions require it.
Guardianship Program
Guardians are appointed by the court to provide court ordered surrogate decision-making assistance and specialized services to individuals deemed incapacitated. Referral forms are available from the Area Agencies on Aging offices. All referrals are reviewed by the Guardianship Review Committee comprised of representatives from Area II Agency on Aging, Adult Protective Services, clergy, a community representative, and a medical professional.
Homemaker Services
Home-based domestic services available to individuals who are physically capable of overseeing their physical and personal care but who need some help from time to time. Assistance with light housework allows more aging individuals to remain living independently, in their own homes, where they are most comfortable. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Garbage removal
- Grocery shopping
- Miscellaneous errands
- Laundry
- Light housekeeping
- Mail sorting
- Meal preparation
- Washing dishes
- Socialization
Information and Assistance (Information and Referral) Services
Information and Assistance Technicians are available to help aging citizens, adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers with comprehensive information about local services such as:
- Crisis & emergency intervention
- Insurance counseling & assistance
- Legal services development & referrals
- Utilities assistance
- Meal services
- Adult protective services
- Grief & loss support
- Mental health counseling
- Food, clothing, & household needs assistance
- Educational & recreational opportunities
Representative Payee Services
An Area Agency on Aging serves as a Representative Payee for clients deemed by the Social Security Administration to be in need of help managing their money and who do not have friends or relatives able to serve in this capacity. The Payee receives Social Security payments on a beneficiary’s behalf and pays for housing and utilities, food, medical and dental expenses, personal care items, clothing, and rehabilitation expenses, if needed. The Payee can use remaining funds to pay debts, use the money to help support dependents, provide entertainment to the beneficiary and savings. Accurate records are kept and submitted to Social Security regularly.
Respite Services
The Respite Program helps provide primary caregivers with regular periods of rest (respite) through Personal Care Attendant services offered at a reasonable fee. For low to moderate-income individuals, a lower fee may be available on a sliding scale based on income.
Respite services help to reduce stress and improve the health and overall well-being of the primary caregiver, while also enhancing the care recipient’s quality of life. Research shows that respite is most effective when combined with education and supportive services to provide a complete circle of support. Our Respite Program also provides information and assistance, which helps the caregiver and care recipient understand resources available to them in the community.
State Health Insurance Counseling Program (Montana SHIP)
The Montana SHIP program is part of the Office on Aging/Senior & Long Term Care Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. It is supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Provides information, counseling, and assistance to Montana Medicare beneficiaries, family members, caregivers, and local professionals. Montana SHIP is a statewide network of volunteers and staff who are trained to deliver the most current Medicare information available. The Montana SHIP program consists of over 100 certified counselors throughout the state. They are men and women of all ages who have received extensive training in the areas of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, prescription drugs, insurance, and other related fields.
Self-directed Personal Care Program
The Medicaid program provides assistance through our Personal Care Attendant staff who help with the functions of everyday life. Clients choose their Personal Care Attendants and can set their own schedules through guidelines determined by the Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation. Personal Care Attendants provide assistance to individuals who are Medicaid eligible and require assistance with daily living tasks including bathing, dressing, exercise, eating, traveling, shopping, laundry, etc. Clients must hire and direct their own Attendant or have a personal representative help them.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
SMP helps Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries understand and stop healthcare waste, fraud and abuse. Through specialized training, this program recruits and utilizes volunteers to help in the efforts.
Veteran Directed Care Program
A partnership with the Veteran’s Administration and Montana Area Agencies on Aging. Veterans in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the Veteran or the family caregiver. Veteran-Directed Care can be used to help Veterans continue to live at home or in their community.