Rocky Mountain Care Center, a skilled nursing residence located in Helena, has announced that it will be closing its doors on December 24. The facility, which has been in operation for 45 years, has provided excellence in care to its residents over the years. Operated by Lantis Enterprises, the care center is attached to the old St. John’s Hospital at 30 S. Rodney St. It is home to 25 residents who were informed of the closure on Tuesday.
The decision to close Rocky Mountain Care Center was described as a result of various challenges, including declining Medicaid reimbursement rates set by the state Legislature. The Chief Operating Officer of Lantis Enterprises, Wendy Soulek, mentioned that Medicaid funding has been a longstanding issue and has contributed to the closure of many nursing homes in recent years. Despite the care center's excellent team and 5-star rating, changes in the healthcare landscape have led to a shift away from traditional nursing homes towards alternatives like assisted-living facilities and home-based services.
Soulek emphasized the impact of the closure on both residents and staff, stating that it has been a difficult decision. She acknowledged the changing demographics in Montana, particularly with the upcoming retirement of the Baby Boomer generation, and highlighted the need for more nursing home facilities in the state. The closure of Rocky Mountain Care Center is part of a larger trend of nursing home closures in Montana, with nine facilities shutting down in the past six to seven months.
The Montana Health Care Association's Executive Director, Rose Hughes, expressed concerns about the Medicaid underfunding of nursing homes and the subsequent impact on residents. She emphasized the importance of adequate reimbursement rates to ensure the quality of care for older Montanans. Hughes called for legislative action to address the funding gap and prevent further closures of essential care facilities. Despite the challenges facing Rocky Mountain Care Center and similar facilities, the hope remains that lawmakers will prioritize sustainable funding solutions to support the long-term care needs of Montana residents.