Retirement Facility Expanding in Helena

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Helena retirement and assisted living facility has broken ground on a $9 million expansion project to meet an increased demand of people suffering from Alzheimer's or other age-related dementia ailments.

The Independent Record reports that Touchmark on Saddle Drive is adding 32 apartment-style living units and eight apartments for those needing assisted-living.

Touchmark Executive Director Merry Lunde says there's an increased demand for memory care facilities in the community.

The work is expected to be finished by spring of 2013.

Touchmark allows residents to "age in place," meaning as they need greater care they can stay at the same facility but move to another level that offers more care.