Council on Aging Council on Aging

Legal Services

Senior citizens may have general legal questions relating to their health or medical treatment, residence, or business affairs. Limited legal advice and counseling by Howard and Howard Law Office (765-1213) is available at no cost to the senior citizen for certain services, such as the creation of wills or PoAs. The Montana Legal Services Developer in the Office on Aging (800-332-2272) provides elder law training and resources for seniors, family members, and social outreach workers. The program also develops pro bono and local legal services referrals, training materials, and telephone assistance to seniors on related matters.

SMP (Senior Medical Patrol)

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteers empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. The SMP volunteer makes a determination about whether or not fraud, errors, or abuse is suspected. When fraud or abuse is suspected, they make referrals to the appropriate state and federal agencies for further investigation. If there are billing errors, the volunteer can help resolve the issue with the provider. Sheridan County’s SMP Volunteer is Mary Nyhus. Call Angie Manley at 765-3412 for a referral to her.

Home Delivered Meals

Home Delivered Meals are available within city limits in Plentywood and Medicine Lake to people over the age of 60 (or who has a spouse over the age of 60), who is permanently or temporarily housebound due to illness or disability. A $7.00 suggested donation for these meals is requested, although no one can be turned away due to the inability to pay. People under age 60 who require home-delivered meals are also welcome, at regular current meal prices. For people outside of the service areas who would benefit from prepared meals, we may be able to arrange for frozen meals that meet our nutritional requirements to be delivered. Call Angie Manley at 765-3412 for more information.

Public Transportation

Quality Transit offers rides to the public, as well as to Seniors, on weekdays within Sheridan County. Quality Transit also offers fee-based transportation for out-of-county mideical reasons. Please call 765-1018 for scheduling and fee information. Donations are encouraged to help sponsor the service.

Respite Care

The Sheridan County Council on Aging contracts with local facilities to provide Respite Care to area families. Caregivers of
elderly people are often hard-pressed for time to see to their own needs. Respite Care workers from Sheridan Memorial can come into the patient’s home to provide personal care services during the day (18-20 hours per month), or the senior can spend the day at La Casa, up to five days per month.
 

If necessary, elderly patients may also spend up to three nights safely cared for at La Casa or Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home (depending on the level of care necessary) when their regular caregivers must be out of town.
 

Minimal fees are $5.00 per hour for in-home care, $20.00 per day for Adult Day Care, or $35.00 per night for hospital/nursing home stays. Call SMH Home Care at 765-3735 or LaCasa at 765-1669.

Nail Care

Sheridan County Aging Services has funding to subsidize Nail Care Services performed by
Sheridan Memorial Hospital staff. Nail care will be provided by either nurses or by aides, depending on the recipient’s
needs. Call Sheridan Memorial Hospital, 765-3433 for details.