HELENA - "Montana's growing older quicker than most states. A lot of younger people have left the state, so we do have a rapidly aging population," explained AARP Montana's Bob Bartholomew. "And we will be in the top three or four of states of percentage of older people."

Providing that care to the ever-growing older population is going to be more difficult that it would initially seem. "The challenge is the ability to pay for it but also the worker shortage that we have, the healthcare worker shortage. Whether it's in the nursing home, assisted living or our home care." As focus turns to community-based care, it will take more money and more healthcare workers to see to the needs of the elderly.

Up to 28% of older people are estimated to suffer from mental health problems that warrant intervention. Remaining at home may be an essential part of over care and treatment.

"The family, the friends, the church, whatever support system that person has. It helps keep that person feeling good about themselves, feeling like they're a viable member of the community," added Mental Health Program Manager Marcia Armstrong. "And it helps with the depression that might come if you're stuck in a nursing home or the isolation which attributes to the depression."