Ruth Ann and Tony Marchi, owners of Home Instead in Kalispell, understand the difference it can make for seniors to stay in the place they’ve always known.  

“I enjoy my own home. I really don't want to go somewhere else as I get older ... We don't need caregivers just yet, but that could happen here in the next 10 or 15 years. And if it does, I want to know that I'm around my books, I'm around my hobbies and that I can still do what I want in my own place,” Tony Marchi said.  

Home Instead is a global network of independently owned franchises that started in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska. The company is one of the largest providers of in-home care, with 600 franchises in the U.S. and over 1,200 around the world. Their wide reach means they can extrapolate best practices from their array of franchises, continually improving their standards, Tony said.  

The couple was awarded the first franchise in Montana in Bozeman 15 years ago. After operating a restaurant in Phillipsburg for many years, they decided to put in their bid with Home Instead after a visit to see their son and daughter-in-law in Easton, Maryland, where her parents operated a franchise of their own.  

After hearing about how rewarding the work is and their positive opinion on the Home Instead model, the couple decided to open their own location.  

They opened a second location in Helena 11 years ago, then established their third location in the Flathead Valley last fall.  

Ruth Ann Marchi said in their research, they saw that the area was growing quickly, including many seniors who need help.  

“I kind of jokingly, but not really, tell people that we've saved the best for last here. It's just absolutely beautiful here and has such a friendly community. We've met amazing people who have welcomed us and found some amazing care professionals that are working with us,” she said.  

Home Instead provides personalized, non-medical care for aging adults. Plans for clients are drawn up after a free consultation to best determine how to meet their needs. While most of their clients are private pay, they also accept long-term care insurance and are approved to work with Veterans Affairs.  

So far, the Kalispell location has 17 care professionals, or Care Pros. Tony said as the need continues to grow, he expects eventually the location will support up to 80 or 90 caregivers, which is the number of people employed at the Bozeman location.  

“Some of our caregivers provide just companionship, but we also have care professionals who help with personal care, bathing, grooming, dressing and just assisting with the activities of daily living. Sometimes it only takes a few hours a week to keep this person independent and safe in their home,” Ruth Ann Marchi said. 

The company also provides 24/7 care, with care professionals who specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia. They also offer post-hospital care for recovering seniors, and support hospice and palliative care.  

Some of their clients in Bozeman have been with the company since it opened nearly 15 years ago, with care professionals staying with the same clients throughout the years. Ruth Ann said they are very intentional with the hiring process and keep open communication with employees as they stay with the company.  

“All of our care providers come from different backgrounds. They have different skill levels, but the one thing they all have is a caring heart. People can be taught, but a caring heart is kind of the soul of who that person is,” she said.  

Finding the right match for clients is important, too. Currently, they have a client with severe dementia who loves horses. They were able to find a care provider who had an understanding of the condition, while also being a horse-lover herself. Ruth Ann Marchi described it as a “win-win situation” for the client, the family and the employee.  

They are passionate about keeping seniors at home and independent. Ruth Ann noted another heart-warming moment during a recent quality assurance visit with a client.  

“Her daughter walked me out to my car and said, ‘I wanted to let you know that if it hadn't been for having you guys here, my parents would not be here today. They could not live on their own. We would have had to move them into an assisted living community,’” Ruth Ann recalled. “When you have someone say that to you, it's humbling. I'm just grateful to be providing care to the folks that we are. It makes a world of difference.”  

To learn more about Home Instead in Kalispell, call 406-858-6563 or visit homeinstead.com and search for the Montana locations.  

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4440 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.