For 40 years, Logan Health’s Brendan House has been the cornerstone of compassionate care in the Flathead Valley, providing skilled nursing, rehabilitative services and long-term care with a commitment to dignity and respect. Since its opening in April of 1985, the facility has grown with the times from a modest long-term care center into a 110-bed facility that continually evolves to meet the community’s needs.
The vision for Brendan House began with Sister Mary Brendan Phelan, RSM. From 1972 to 1982, Sister Mary Brendan served as a nurse at Kalispell General Hospital and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by patients who required continued care after leaving the hospital. She recognized the need for a place where individuals could receive long-term care with dignity and respect, bridging the gap between hospital care and the support available at home. Her compassion and commitment to community health led to the establishment of Brendan House as a non-profit facility, offering a continuum of care that was revolutionary for its time.
In a tribute to her dedication, the facility was named Brendan House. Sister Mary Brendan was completely unaware of this decision until the unveiling ceremony. Those who knew her recall that she would have never agreed to such recognition if she had known in advance, but they all felt it was necessary to celebrate her selfless service and the profound impact she had on the community.
“Sister Mary Brendan was the heart of this place in the beginning,” said Cheryl Lowe, who has been with Brendan House since its opening and now serves as the supervisor for activities and plant operations. “She recognized a need in the community and built something that went beyond just providing care. She built a community, a home for people who needed it the most.”
When Brendan House first opened, it was rare to find a facility that combined nursing services, rehabilitation, personal care, spiritual support and engaging activities all under one roof — especially in a community the size of Kalispell. Even more unique was its proximity to the hospital, which allowed residents to access specialized medical services without needing to be transported a long distance. This seamless integration of care, paired with the personal touch of a non-profit mission, set Brendan House apart as a center for caring for families in the Flathead Valley. Deb Wilson, who served as the administrator for much of the 90s, recalled the feeling that Brendan House provided: “It was never about the money —the facility was certainly not profitable— it was about caring for patients who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this kind of care. When they can’t be at home, you need to get them the best supportive environment.”
Since its founding, the Brendan House has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. The first significant expansion came in 1990 with the addition of the Lake Pod, to include additional private rooms for end-of-life care. Later in the 90s, one of the long-term units (Forest Pod) was converted to a short-term care unit, which introduced short-term care to the facility. This provided a place for patients to recover after surgery or illness before returning home and filled a critical gap in the continuum of care. The success of this model led to the opening of the Glacier Pod in 2005, further expanding the facility’s capacity and allowing for more post-acute care transitions. These expansions increased the total capacity from the initial 69 to the current 110 beds, allowing Brendan House to better serve the community’s growing needs.
Over the years, the patient population at Brendan House has shifted in response to changes in health care services. When it first opened, most residents were ambulatory, requiring minimal assistance. However, the evolution of home health care and other outpatient services led to more of a focus on complex patient populations at Brendan House. Today, the facility provides three levels of care: Short Term Care, Long-Term Care and Comfort Care, each designed to meet the unique needs of its residents while maximizing independence and quality of life.
The design of Brendan House has also adapted to enhance resident companionship and nursing efficiency. The facility is divided into six pods, small neighborhoods of 18 to 20 residents each, clustered around common living and dining areas. This layout creates a sense of community and ensures that staff are always just a few steps away, ready to provide care and support. The courtyard, beautifully landscaped and thoughtfully designed, serves as a peaceful, therapeutic space where residents and families can gather and find comfort.
One of the most significant challenges Brendan House has faced in its history was the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly impacted long-term care facilities across the world. Brendan House swiftly adapted to the new realities of pandemic life by implementing safety protocols, such as window visits, virtual end-of-life goodbyes and strict infection control measures. “I facilitated a lot of end-of-life visits virtually,” Cheryl remembered. “As hard as that was, it was incredible to be able to connect families during such difficult times.”
Despite the challenges, the staff stepped up in the face of adversity. “People dug down and became brave,” said Kelly Bilau, who has been at the facility for 25 years and has served as the facility’s administrator for the last 12 years. “We adapted, we learned, and we continued to provide the highest level of care possible.”
Beyond the clinical care it provides, the Brendan House offers a variety of activities, which play an important role in maintaining residents’ emotional and social well-being. Seasonal celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas bring joy and a sense of normalcy, while engaging activities, such as crafts, music and community events foster companionship and connection. According to Cheryl, these moments of joy help make Brendan House feel like home.
As Brendan House celebrates its 40th anniversary, it remains a trailblazer for compassionate care and a cornerstone of the Flathead Valley community. The team continues to look to the future, exploring ways to expand and enhance its services to meet the evolving needs of the community.
