A New Chapter: Benefis Breaks Ground on Healthy Aging Center

Visit the Healthy Aging Center blog to follow along with the project.

Benefis Health System broke ground May 1 on an innovative project that aims to bridge care gaps for patients who want to stay fit, sharp, and active during their senior years.

The Healthy Aging Center will open next year along 10th Avenue South as part of Benefis East Campus near the Women’s and Children’s Center.

"With shovels in the dirt, we celebrate potential. By the end of next year, we’ll walk through the doors of that potential realized," said Shannon Hoiland, Benefis Health System Board chair. "This will be a place where people from down the street and across the region can find simplified care, where they can recommit to their health, and where they can find support for embracing the opportunities and promise of their retirement years."

The 15,000-square-foot outpatient clinic will address issues of nutrition, medication, cognitive health, and mobility with dedicated specialists focusing on prevention and adaptations. Patients will be able to see specialists in related fields such as audiology at the center instead of trying to navigate the larger system and will work with a patient navigator to help further simplify healthcare and ensure better follow-up.

While traditionally healthcare resources have focused on caring for the frail elderly and those with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, little has been invested in healthier aging. Benefis aims to upend that model by bringing together geriatric specialists and services focused on supporting health maintenance through aging to promote patients’ continued independence.

Benefis CEO John Goodnow said he's particularly excited about this project and the way it will help with care coordination for seniors and keep them independent, "healthy, happy, and active" for as long as possible.

Five years from now, a quarter of Montana’s population will be 65 or older, which will make Montana among the six states with the oldest population. That adds to the urgency of this unique project.

Donors will play an important role in shaping the project. If you can contribute, please visit Benefis.org/Give.