Horizon Lodge

Pros

• Klein is friendly.
• The reviewer expresses thanks.

Cons

• The place allegedly includes food costs in rent in a deceptive way.
• The grandmother is charged $350 for food she cannot eat.
• The claim that food is included in rent is contradicted by management and not honored.
• The staff are described as money-hungry and profit-driven.
• A lettuce price around $5 is cited as evidence of overpriced food from vendors.
• Voucher users are said to be price-gouged to cover rent, effectively exploiting residents.
• They advise keeping family members away from the facility.

Review

A family member's account paints a picture of a senior living place in Great Falls that left them feeling misled and angry about how something as essential as meals was being billed. The writer says the contract claimed that food costs were included in the rent, but the staff told a very different story, implying that what you pay for housing would not automatically cover meals. In their view, this creates a confusing, conflict-filled situation where the stated terms don't align with what the facility is trying to bill.

The central gripe is a specific charge: a $350 food bill for their grandmother, a person who "can't even eat" what the facility would provide. The reviewer emphasizes that the grandmother should be covered by rent if the contract truly bundled food costs, yet staff have insisted that the arrangement wasn't going to be honored as described. The tension is palpable as they feel a dual standard - what the contract says on paper versus what the staff claim in practice - and they worry that the elderly resident is being hit with an expense that doesn't reflect actual needs or consumption.

In a sign of rising frustration, the writer says they are taking action beyond complaints: they would call the state and bring in a case worker, possibly even a lawyer. They describe the situation as not right and indicate a willingness to pursue outside help to untangle the billing and protect their grandmother. The sentiment of being taken advantage of is echoed in the later updates, where the writer makes it clear that this is not a situation they believe future family members should endure.

The updates add a more pointed critique. They reiterate the fear that a voucher intended to make rent affordable is being complicated by a separate, sizable food bill - hundreds of dollars that, in their view, far exceed what would be necessary for someone who doesn't eat large amounts. They question the prices claimed by the facility's vendors, suggesting that if the living costs are truly high, one should demand thorough pricing from the food supplier or switch to a more reasonable vendor. The overall tone is that the operation feels "money hungry," and the manager's explanation - in particular, a claim that a head of lettuce costs "5 something" and that others' pricing would be similarly inflated - only fuels their suspicion that residents are being financially exploited.

The reviewer also notes broader consequences: their grandmother is on a waiting list to return to Great Falls along with other residents, which adds to the sense of instability and mismanagement. The sense is that this facility is not just a questionable billing choice for a single resident, but part of a broader pattern that makes living there feel unsafe or irresponsible for families who rely on vouchers to make ends meet. They describe a system they perceive as price-rapped and untrustworthy, a sentiment that compounds their reluctance to recommend the place to anyone.

Even small details contribute to the negative impression. The person adds that they "only used the parking lot to turn around," a line that hints at a lack of inviting services or a welcoming atmosphere. It suggests that the facility isn't accommodating even basic needs for visitors, further coloring the experience as unfriendly or unhelpful. Taken together, these elements create a vivid portrait of a place that appears to prioritize profit over resident welfare in the eyes of this reviewer.

If you're evaluating a senior housing or assisted living option, this account underscores several practical cautionary points. First, always seek an itemized, written breakdown of costs and how meals are billed - whether food is included in rent or charged separately as a daily or monthly meals fee. Second, compare contract language with what staff tell you in person, and request direct clarification in writing to avoid conflicts later. Third, consider consulting state agencies or a caseworker when you detect discrepancies or potentially unlawful practices, and don't hesitate to seek legal advice if you feel you're being charged unfairly. Finally, visit with a critical eye about how the facility actually operates on a day-to-day basis - the ease of communicating with management, the responsiveness to concerns, and the overall environment - before making any decision that could affect a loved one's health and finances.

Conrad, Montana is a small yet bustling town with various amenities that cater to senior living. With multiple parks in close proximity, such as Legion Park and Williamson Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. The town also boasts a variety of places of worship, including Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, Conrad Mission Church, and Saint Michaels Catholic Church. In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants like The Keg and Joe's Family Steak House nearby. Additionally, there are cafes like Folklore Coffee for socializing or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. For healthcare needs, there are pharmacies like Olson's Drug and hospitals such as Pondera Medical Center within easy reach. Transportation options are also available with the Shelby Amtrak Station and Shelby Flying Service located just a short distance away for convenient travel opportunities. Overall, Conrad offers a welcoming community with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful environment.

Parks

• Legion Park (0.1 miles)
• Montana Department-Fish Wildlife (0.4 miles)
• Williamson Park (23.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Pondera Valley Lutheran Church (0.2 miles)
• Conrad Mission Church (0.2 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church (0.4 miles)
• Gospel Chapel (0.4 miles)
• Gideons International (0.5 miles)
• Saint Michaels Catholic Church (0.5 miles)
• United Pentecostal Church (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• The Keg (0.3 miles)
• Keg Family Restaurant & Drive Inn (0.3 miles)
• Coaches Corner Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Home Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Joe's Family Steak House (0.4 miles)
• Ed's Tavern (0.5 miles)
• Main Drive In (0.9 miles)

Cafes

• Folklore Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Folklore Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Java Hut (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Olson's Drug (0.5 miles)

Theaters

• Orpheum Theatre (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• Family Practice (0.5 miles)
• Dr Rock Svennungsen, O.D. (24.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Pondera Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• Marias Medical Center (24.2 miles)

Transportation

• Shelby Amtrak Station (23.9 miles)
• Burlington Northern Railroad (23.9 miles)
• Amtrak (23.9 miles)
• Amtrak (24 miles)
• Shelby Flying Service (24.5 miles)