An update from HLRC Director Duane Murray

It’s seems over the past few years any news about the Hi-Line Retirement Center has been bad news.

Just a few months ago the facility announced operating as a nursing home was no longer financially feasible. The facility had notified the Department of Health and Human Services that they would close the nursing home in 90 days and reopen as an assisted living facility.

Residents began moving out to Sweet Home in Chinook, and Northern Montana Care Center in Havre. Unfortunately an assisted living facility does not meet the needs of the community, and once the nursing home is gone it would be very difficult to open another facility in town. Thankfully there were those in the community who refused to standby and allow this to happen. I must admit that it took several visits from different concerned citizens to convince me to jump on board. The one thing that changed my mind was being told the facility could not be salvaged, it was a sinking ship, and there was no hope.

Well, I’m kind of like Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, don’t tell them that being down 28-3 going in to the fourth quarter that it is over, that no team in Super Bowl history has ever come back after being down by more than two touch downs.

Upon arriving October 1, 2016 I honestly did not know what to expect. I needed to replace the director of nursing, office manager, office assistant, social services, maintenance supervisor, all in the first week.

There have been some real challenges in the past few months, changing our billing software to simplify things, start doing payroll, and all the billing in house.

I am so blessed with great staff, board of directors, and the support of the local community. Currently we are fully staffed with local staff, and we are using no travel nurses or travel CNA’s.

Yes, there are still challenges ahead of us, but Hi-Line Retirement Center is here to stay. There are over 50 residents who depend on Hi-Line Retirement Center for their daily care. A total of 60 full and part time employees rely on the facility for a pay check. The annual budget of nearly $4 million has a huge impact on the local economy.

Thanks to all the staff, families, residents, community members who refused to accept failure and defeat. The Hi-Line Retirement Center is here to stay.