Frequently asked questions about the Legacy House and Foundation
Is the Foundation and the Legacy House different?
The Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and operates the ‘Harold and Carmen Poulsen Legacy House.’
What is the facility called?
The facility is named the “Harold and Carmen Poulsen Legacy Housing” after our most generous benefactors – Harold and Carmen Poulsen. People may refer to it as such, or it is also commonly referred to as the “Legacy House”.
Where is the facility located?
The Legacy House is located at 3004 15th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405 – just footsteps away from the Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center which houses the Cancer Center and a variety of departments and specialities. The facility is also located on the same campus as the Great Falls Clinic Hospital and Surgery Center.
What services are provided?
Our facility is very similar to an extended stay hotel. Guests have access to a fully equipped community kitchen, dining area, living areas, library, laundry, vending machine, and free parking lot. Each guest room features a bedroom/living space, a kitchenette and a full bathroom.
Guests are required to provide their own transportation.
Are there requirements to stay?
To be eligible to stay, an active medical appointment in Great Falls and a referral from a medical professional are required. Guests must also live at least 30 miles outside of Great Falls to qualify.
Guests are required to facilitate a referral from a medical professional familiar with the reason of the visit (i.e., the scheduler scheduling a surgery, nurse of provider needing to see patient). Guests may not complete their own referrals.
Guests must be able to meet the following mobility and care expectations:
- Ambulate safely with own assistance devices and/or with a caregiver present
- Actively care for themselves independently and/or with a caregiver present
- Plan and prepare meals and clean up
Are you open 24/7?
Our facility has staff onsite Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Great Falls Hospital provides security for the campus 24/7. Outside of staffing hours, weekends, and holidays, staff are not available onsite for immediate assistance. The Legacy House is also a secure facility, so outside of staffing hours, only guests will have access via assigned keycards to designated areas.
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. If a guest is in is locked out of their room or security is needed, Great Falls Hospital security can be reached at 406-771-3333.
What is provided in each guest room?
Please visit our ABOUT OUR HOUSING tab to learn what is in each room and the facility.
Is the Legacy House handicap accessible?
Yes, our facility is ADA-compliant with elevator access between floors and a limited number of fully ADA-accessible guest rooms.
An ADA-compliant public restroom with shower is available on the first floor for guests traveling in travel trailers or RVs as well.
How many rooms may I have?
We allow one room per family/guest. A maximum of two people are permitted per king room. A maximum of four people are allowed per queen room. Exceptions may be made but must be approved by the facility in advance.
Are children welcome to stay at the Legacy House? Can family members take turns staying? Who can stay?
All children under the age of 18 are required to have a legal guardian accompany them at all times.
Family members are permitted to take turns staying. Since guests are limited to one room per stay you may wish to rotate family members/caregivers staying with you. Please notify a staff member of a change in guests so we may keep track of who is currently staying in the facility.
We understand that caregiver dynamics can consist of many different relationships, and we hope to accommodate those relationships appropriately the best we can.
What is the cost of the room? How long can I stay?
The Legacy House prides itself on being able to offer FREE housing to all qualifying patients and family members. We operate 100% on donations and highly encourage donations during stays, but do not require it.
As long as the patient is actively receiving medical treatment by a medical facility in Great Falls, Montana, they may stay as long as it is needed. We understand that some guests may only need one night, while others may need a room for several weeks or even months while in treatment.
When do I check in?
Check-in hours are Monday through Friday, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm. If needed, special arrangements can be made outside of these windows – please contact the facility prior to arrange. Guests checking in outside of staffing hours (after 5:00 pm, weekends, or holidays) will be required to check in with Hospital security located in the Emergency Room. Guests checking in prior to 2:00 pm may have a short wait while their room is being prepared.
Is there daily housekeeping?
We do not offer daily housekeeping for rooms. We supply linens and towels for guests during their stay. Guests who have extended stays are asked to keep their rooms tidy and manage their own laundry. For long stay guests (over one week), you may request housekeeping services by visiting the front desk. The facility only offers housekeeping on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and most often these days are dedicated to cleaning check-out rooms.
Cleaning supplies and new linens are available at the front desk. Dish soap and sponges are available in each kitchenette. Guests are responsible for cleaning their own dishes prior to departure.
Need something that you don’t see or forgot at home? Just check with the front desk.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are NOT allowed. You must notify staff at the time of schedule if you wish to bring a service animal. Service documentation will be required at check in.
For patients traveling in/staying in travel trailers/RV’s, we provide a “pet park” so your pets may relieve themselves and exercise. We ask that if you use this area, you pick up after your pet. Doggie waste bags are provided.
**NOTE: Only street parking is available for RV, camper, travel trailer parking capabilities. At times, the Great Falls Clinic/Hospital will permit use of their parking lot. Please confirm with the Facilities Department of the Hospital. We do not have hook ups available for water or sanitation.
Is smoking allowed?
There is no smoking inside the Legacy House or on the grounds at any time. This includes smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and marijuana or other drugs. The Legacy House and Great Falls Clinic are smoke-free campuses.