Programs and Services

Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living Center provides personal health and routine nursing service. It is not designed as a health care facility, but does provide a range of supportive health-related services. These include medication assistance, arrangements and coordination of other skilled nursing and health care services, and general health oversight – monitoring and addressing expected and observable health changes.

Since a registered nurse is not available around the clock, residents and families must take responsibility for informing caregivers when there is a new health-related concern, a prescription change or an order from a doctor or health care provider. Certain skilled nursing services, such as a hospice, may need to be provided by Home Health or other nursing resources.

Staff will respond to a health care emergency as it would react to a person living in its own home. In the case of a fall, injury or health emergency, the staff is generally prepared to provide first aid and comfort care. Staff will call for a nurse’s advice and local emergency services will be called if necessary. Although staff is trained in CPR, each resident will have their own instructions on the administration of CPR.

Emergency transportation to the hospital may be provided by family members if time permits or by a local emergency ambulance service. The cost of emergency transportation will be billed directly to the resident although it will be ordered at the discretion of the staff.

Support Services

For aging in place to occur, services may be added, increased or adjusted to compensate for the physical and/or mental decline experienced by an individual. The assisted living center staff is generally available to meet a wide range of personal care needs and scheduled routine nursing needs. Additional needed services may require outside support or ancillary services.

The assisted living provider works with residents and families to identify and coordinate services of physicians, home health therapists and skilled nurses, podiatrists, clinical social workers or psychologists, as well as family members and volunteers, to meet changing needs. These services are not covered by the Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living Center monthly rate, although some coverage may be available through Medicare.

Staffing

At St. Joseph Assisted Living all caregivers are required to be Montana Certified Nursing Assistants who are trained by the facility to provide personal service. A registered nurse is available in the facility during weekdays and is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide the staff and residents with advice. The registered nurse oversees medication management and supervises delegated nursing tasks. Although the nurse will respond to health concerns and questions raised by residents, the nurse is primarily a resource for staff. The resident’s primary health care relationship remains with his or her physician. Our staff works with residents and families to coordinate outside resources when skilled nursing or professional therapy services are required.

Levels of Care

St. Joseph Assisted Living Center programs are designed for seniors who need some personal assistance with managing activities of daily life. Personal care services are provided in the privacy of your apartment. You and your caregivers determine your level of care. Before you move into your apartment at St. Joseph Assisted Living Center, we will talk with you about the best service package for your needs and review your services quarterly. If you need different services, we have additional levels of care to meet your needs.

Level One (basic package) - included in monthly rate:

  • 24-hour health care staff
  • 24-hour emergency call system in sleeping area and bathroom
  • All utilities (except long distance phone service)
  • Satellite cable TV and Sirius Radio
  • Communication with family and physician when health status changes
  • Coordination of appointments as requested
  • Daily activities, social events and wellness programs
  • Daily dressing assistance (minimal)
  • DSL wireless Internet service
  • Daily staff interaction
  • Room tray service available
  • Laundry facilities
  • Linen and towel services and weekly housekeeping
  • Medication assistance
  • Monthly vital signs and weight monitoring
  • Quarterly reviews
  • Registered dietician
  • Three nutritional meals daily
  • Daily bathing assistance
  • Wellness check each shift

Pharmacy

The clinical pharmacist regularly communicates with the assisted living Registered Nurse. This pharmacist will be familiar with all of your medications and can answer any questions.

Safety

A medical problem could arise when two or more medications have been prescribed that should not be used together. The best way to avoid such problems is to have a single pharmacy provide all of your prescriptions. The pharmacist then becomes familiar with your medications and can employ his expertise to monitor your medication use, limiting or preventing any problems from occurring with your medicines.

Packaging

Your medication will be provided in a special package with your name on it. This helps to ensure you receive:

  • The correct medication
  • The correct dose
  • The correct frequency to take the medicine

Delivery

The Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Pharmacy makes daily, planned deliveries to the assisted living community so you will not run out of medication.

Billing

You receive one bill a month for all your medications, allowing you to understand and manage your pharmacy costs. The St. Joseph Medical Center Pharmacy offers competitive pricing.