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. Before the ‘Harold and Carmen Poulsen Legacy House’ was built, it was just the Foundation that existed. Now, the Foundation exists within the Legacy House. The Legacy House is our mission, and our goal is to provide free housing to medical patients while in town for medical appointments which we provide by being a Foundation.
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 Cancer Care. Adjacent to the new Great Falls Clinic Hospital construction.
What services are provided?
Imagine a hotel and an apartment ‘club house’ came together. During their stays, guests have access to a fully equipped community kitchen, dining area, living areas, library, laundry, vending machine, and parking lot. Each guest/family has their own private room with a private bathroom. Each guest is only allotted one room during their stays.
Guests are required to provide their own transportation or taxi scheduled.
With construction of the new Great Falls Clinic Hospital, a free shuttle service is being provided for GFC patients. This shuttle will take patients across Clinic facilities only. The shuttle can be contacted at (406)590-0257. Hours of Operation are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday 8am – 2pm
- Friday 8am – 12pm
- Not available on weekends or holidays
Are there requirements to stay?
Yes. There are a few requirements for guests to be able to stay. An active medical appointment in Great Falls and a referral from a medical professional are required to be able to stay in the Legacy House. Guests must also live at least 30 miles outside of Great Falls.
Guests are required to facilitate a referral from a medical professional familiar with the reason of the visit. I.E. Scheduler at the Surgery Center who is scheduling a surgery or follow up appointment. Nurse with doctor who requires an appointment. Radiology tech who set up a radiology appointment. 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 dishes
Are you open 24/7?
Yes and no. While guests stay 24/7, we are not staffed 24/7. Staff are in the Legacy House from 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Outside of staffing hours, weekends, and holidays, guests are here on their own and required to provide themselves care or with a caregiver. The Legacy House is also a locked facility, so outside of staffing hours, only guests who have reservations for the day are allowed and able to get into the building and their designated rooms. If a guest is in need of emergent services, security for the Great Falls Clinic can be reached at 406-216-8002 or calling 9-1-1.
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.
There is also a public restroom located on the main (1st) floor that has an ADA shower for guests who need it.
How many rooms may I have?
We allow one room per family/guest. A maximum of 2 people is allowed per King Room. A maximum of 4 people is allowed per Queen room. Exceptions will be made at times 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?
Children under the age of 18 are welcome to stay if they are actively being treated by an accredited Great Falls, Montana healthcare facility. All children under the age of 18 are required to have a legal guardian with them at all times. Children must be well-behaved to stay in our facility due to the calm and healing nature we are providing to our guests.
Yes, since we are limited to one room per family/guest you may wish to rotate family members 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.
The Legacy House is for patients and/or their caregiver/family members. We understand that caregiver dynamics can consist of many different relationships, and we hope to accommodate those relationships appropriately with one or two beds.
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. We operate 100% on donations and highly encourage donations during guest stays, but it is not required.
As long as the patient is actively receiving medical treatment by an accredited 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 while in treatment.
When do I check in?
Guests are asked to check in between 2pm-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Guests are able to check in early or later with notification made to the facility prior to the start date of the stay. Guests checking in after 5pm or the weekends/holidays will be required to check in first with security at the Great Falls Clinic Hospital. Guests who check in prior to 2pm may have a short wait while their room is being prepared.
Is there daily housekeeping?
No. The Legacy House supplies linens and towels for guests during their stays. Guests who have extended stays are asked to keep their rooms tidy and to do their own laundry unless requested for housekeeping to visit during their designated days. Housekeeping is only available Mondays and Thursday for a short period.
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 aren’t sure is available? Just ask!
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: We do not have RV, camper, Travel trailer parking capabilities, other than street parking. We do not have any hook ups available for water or sanitation.
Is smoking allowed?
There is no smoking inside the Legacy House or outside 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.
What precautions is the Legacy House taking to limit the risk of COVID-19 at the facility?
Although there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19 exposure in the Poulsen Housing, the staff and Board have implemented several protocols and policies to minimize risk, including:
- Upon check-in, each guest is required to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire.
- Housekeeping and/or guest services staff will provide weekly cleaning of all common areas, with additional attention to high-touch surfaces.
- The use of masks is mandated for all guests and staff when in common areas. Exclusions are guest’s room, office, and when eating in the dining area. Cloth or disposable masks are provided to you if you do not have your own.
- Each guest room and common area space has complimentary hand sanitizer.
- Upon check-out each room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by housekeeping staff