The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has extended the deadline for a survey to collect information that will help inform future long-term care needs of veterans in the state.

The survey is available online and will be available through July 15.

Nearly 3,000 veterans have taken the survey already and the department extended the deadline to get more input, according to DPHHS.

DPHHS surveying veterans on long-term care needs

The department’s goal for the survey is “to thoroughly examine Montana’s veteran population demographics, assess the current state of long-term care services, and evaluate future needs. DPHHS is hoping to receive at least 5,000 respondents by the time the survey closes.”

The Veterans’ Long-Term Care Needs Survey was established through House Bill 264, which was signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte in April 2023.

The survey will evaluate the need for nursing home, domiciliary, and Alzheimer’s disease support services, as well as the various types of community and in-home care that are needed. Assessing the condition and capacity of Montana’s veteran cemeteries also falls within the scope of the project.

The  Senior and Long Term Care division of DPPHS is conducting the assessment in collaboration with the Montana Veteran’s Affairs Division.

The survey can also be downloaded online for those who prefer to print a hard copy to submit through the mail.

A detailed report will be provided to the State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee in September.

Veterans and non-veterans who would like to offer additional insights on the state of Montana’s veteran long-term care services and supports network can sign up to participate in small focus group discussions. These online discussions will be held via Zoom throughout the month of June. Those who are interested can find a registration link on the survey website.