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New Hampshire is small in land mass, remote and not very populated. With a little over one million people, the state offers a great style of living in far quieter settings than many other states in the nearby New England region. With a population of only 1.3 million residents, you will not find the same hustle and bustle here compared to the nearby states of Massachusetts and New York.

Memory Care in New Hampshire - Cheapest & Most Expensive Places

New Hampshire Alzheimer’s care homes are pricey. The state currently ranks fifth in the nation in terms of most expensive for memory care based on average monthly prices. The northeastern states of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey are the only other states that rank higher for most expensive. Where are the most affordable cities? Where are the most expensive? We have put together a list of cities and counties, below.

The Top 5 Most Affordable Cities for Memory Care in New Hampshire, Per Month:

  1. Keene, NH - $5,325
  2. Concord, NH - $5,440
  3. Dover, NH - $5,495
  4. Meredith, NH - $5,610
  5. Durham, NH - $5,630         

The Top 5 Most Expensive Cities for Dementia Care in New Hampshire:

  1. Rye, NH - $6,455
  2. Londonderry, NH - $6,315
  3. Deerfield, NH - $6,230
  4. Bedford, NH - $6,190
  5. Salem, NH - $6,180

The Top 6 Most Affordable Counties in New Hampshire for Alzheimer’s Care based on Monthly Median Average:

  1. Cheshire County - $5,305         
  2. Merrimack County - $5,505
  3. Strafford County - $5,575         
  4. Belknap County - $5,600
  5. Hillsborough County - $5,970
  6. Rockingham County - $6,265

New Hampshire Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care - Services

The transition at first may be difficult for a loved one being removed from a home that they may have lived in for years, if not decades, however staff will be there to make the transition as seamless as possible. Staff will work around the clock for a family member to ensure their safety and personal well-being.

One of the primary services of memory care is to provide 24-hour monitoring and checkups that family members back at home are simply not able to follow. Even if a loved one is to move in with another family member, there is no possible way you can be around 24 hours a day when you also work. Meanwhile, in the hands of caring and friendly dementia trained staff, residents are guaranteed frequent monitoring as well as management of medication.

Food and housekeeping are two other fantastic services provided by dementia care homes in New Hampshire. While most families struggle to keep up with feeding a loved one who may no longer be reliable and/or able to cook meals on their own, this is not only time-consuming but draining. Then there is the trouble of keeping the loved one’s home clean and maintained. Alzheimer’s care homes in New Hampshire provide both services, offering daily housekeeping and maintenance along with at least three daily served meals.

When you begin your search for dementia care homes in New Hampshire, check with a few different providers, schedule personal tours, meet with management to go over treatment options and ask a lot of questions.

New Hampshire Memory Care Regulations

Memory care in New Hampshire is provided in the context of assisted living facilities. These can vary in size and licensing requirements in the state. Here is a summary of the regulations that apply to the various facilities that can offer memory care to residents.

Licensing

Two main categories of facility can provide memory care services, depending on the needs and abilities of the resident. Residential care facilities can provide basic care and supervision while assisted living residences can provide a higher level of care, including skilled nursing care as needed. Both categories of assisted living facilities are licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Check on the current status of any New Hampshire assisted living facility license here.

General Regulations

All potential residents in a facility must be provided with a disclosure document prior to their admission. This disclosure must include information about the facility including:

  • Basic services offered at the facility
  • Costs of all services offered
  • Additional services available and their costs
  • Staffing policies
  • Transportation arrangements

Once a resident is admitted, they must sign a resident agreement with the facility. This agreement will list out the services offered at the facility and their individual costs. It will also include the residents rights and responsibilities, house rules, discharge criteria and policies, transportation procedures, and medication administration and management services. If the facility can assist with arranging services between the resident and third-party healthcare providers, these services should also be listed with their costs, if available.

While assisted living residences can provide a wider range of services to their residents, both types of facilities must work with their residents to create service plans when the resident is admitted. Residents must be assessed to determine their specific level of need before a plan is created as to how the facility will work to care for those needs. Reassessments must be done at least twice per year and any time a resident’s condition changes significantly. Assessments can be done by facility staff following an assessment tool provided by the Department of Health. However, the tool may require an assessment by a nurse to determine need for medication, as well as the status of the resident’s physical and mental health.

Facility Regulations

Assisted living facilities of all types are not required to provide private apartments to residents. Resident units can be occupied by a maximum of 2 people, with at least 1 toilet and sink for every 4 residents and 1 bathing facility for every 6 residents.

For assisted living residences, exit doors of the facility should have wander prevention measures such as alarmed doors, automatic door locks, or similar measures that are appropriate for resident safety. Residential care facilities must install wander prevention systems if there are fewer than 16 residents and no staff awake at night.

Staffing Regulations

Neither assisted living residences nor residential care facilities are required to have a specific ratio of staff at any particular time, but they must always have enough staff on duty to care for the needs of residents. At assisted living facilities, there must always be a staff member on duty and awake. An exception is made for facilities with 8 or fewer residents which also have a wander prevention system installed and active.

Residential care facilities with fewer than 16 residents do not need to have an awake staff member overnight if they have wander prevention systems installed and active, if there is a system that allows residents to alert and communicate with a sleeping staff member, no staff members have needs that must be addressed overnight, and there are no residents with acute medical or behavioral issues. In these facilities, there must always be a staff member on the premises, but they are not required to be awake.

Both facility types must employ an administrator and direct care staff members for a minimum number of hours per week, depending on the number of residents. There must also be a licensed nurse employed by the facility to help with the administration of medication and specialized care, as well as for resident assessments. In assisted living facilities, a medication nursing assistant can be employed to assist residents with medication administration.

Administrators at all memory care facilities must complete a minimum of 12 hours of orientation training and continuous education every year. This training must include specific instruction on resident rights and care, including training on care for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory impairments.

New Hampshire Medicaid Memory Care Programs

Medicaid in New Hampshire does not offer any programs that cover the costs of memory care in assisted living. However, some of the costs of service can be covered by home and community based waivers offer by Medicaid.

Choices for Independence Program

As part of the effort to keep people aging at home for longer, the Choices for Independence Program is a waiver given to older adults in need of nursing home levels of care, whether they are being cared for at home or in any type of assisted living facility. The waiver can be applied to personal care, medical equipment, medical care in residence, transport, and other costs related to care. This waiver does not apply to room and board costs in a memory care facility.

Eligibility for Medicaid in New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents who are 65 years and above and in need of nursing home levels of care may be eligible for Medicaid waiver programs if their income is less than the limit for the year. For 2023, the state Medicaid limits for waiver applicants in New Hampshire are:

  • People who are applying as individuals cannot earn more than $2,742 every month and may not have countable assets totaling more than $2,500
  • If married people are both applying to a waiver program, they must each meet the individual standards on their own. Income and assets are not combined for this assessment
  • People who are married but applying alone while their spouse is not applying for Medicaid must also remain under the individual income standards above. However, the non-applying spouse must not have countable assets of more than $148,620.

Admissions Requirements for Memory Care in New Hampshire

Residential care facilities can admit individuals who need assistance with daily living and personal care, but they cannot admit anyone who requires:

  • Assistance with evacuation during an emergency
  • Nursing care or rehabilitative services for longer than 21 consecutive days

Those receiving hospice care are an exception to the nursing care rule and may remain at a facility as long as they are receiving appropriate care and their needs do not escalate to require more advanced care.

Assisted living residences may admit anyone who is eligible for a residential care facility and also those who need more specialized care. These facilities may not admit anyone who has needs that the facility is unable to meet. Assisted living residences may admit individuals who require:

  • Mechanical assistance to transfer 
  • Care for stage 3 or 4 bedsores
  • 24-hour nursing care from skilled nurses, up to 21 days
  • Monitoring and treatment for stable medical conditions, up to 21 days
  • Hospice care

When the needs of a resident cannot be met by the facility, that resident may no longer be retained.

Food and Dining in New Hampshire Memory Care Facilities

Food is an important part of life. Because of its importance not only to health, but also to culture and general wellbeing, it’s a good idea to be discerning about the dining options available at a facility you’re considering for your loved one.

In New Hampshire, there are specific regulations that talk about how food should be handled at all assisted living facilities, including memory care facilities. This helps ensure all residents are equally well cared for by setting a minimum standard for every facility to abide by.

Nutritious

Anyone who will be preparing meals in a memory care facility must be trained in preparing food that meets nutritional standards set by the US Department of Agriculture.

Available

According to current guidelines, residents should be provided with a minimum of 3 meals per day at regularly scheduled time periods with snacks available in between. Where residents have their own apartment units, kitchens may be provided with facilities to prepare and store food, but this is not a requirement.

Tailored to Resident Needs

If your loved one has specific dietary needs, assisted living facilities must accommodate those need. All diets prescribed by a physician or other licensed practitioner must be provided by the memory care facility as long as there is no unreasonable requirement.

The best memory care facilities will take into account not just what residents need, but also what they prefer to eat. Find a facility where your loved one will be able to eat familiar foods prepared by staff who understand nutritional needs of all the residents.

Common Questions About Memory Care in New Hampshire

1. What is memory care, and how does it differ from other types of senior care in New Hampshire?

Memory care in New Hampshire is specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It differs from other types of senior care by providing tailored support, including cognitive therapies and a secure environment. Communities offering memory care can be found in cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.

2. What services are typically provided in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire offer a range of services, including 24/7 supervision, medication management, personalized care plans, memory-enhancing activities, and secure environments to prevent wandering. These services are available in cities such as Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

3. What is the cost of memory care in New Hampshire, and are there financial assistance options available?

The cost of memory care in New Hampshire varies depending on the location and level of care required. On average, it can range from $5,000 to $7,000 per month. Some financial assistance options, such as Medicaid and veterans' benefits, may be available to help cover the costs for eligible individuals in cities like Dover, Rochester, and Exeter.

4. How can I find the right memory care facility for my loved one in New Hampshire?

Finding the right memory care facility in New Hampshire involves research and visits. Consider your loved one's specific needs, preferences, and budget. Explore options in various cities, such as Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, and schedule tours to evaluate the facilities and speak with staff and residents.

5. Are memory care facilities in New Hampshire equipped to handle residents with advanced stages of dementia?

Yes, many memory care facilities in New Hampshire have specialized programs and trained staff to care for residents in advanced stages of dementia. They focus on providing compassionate care and support for individuals with more complex needs, including those in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

6. What safety measures are in place to protect memory care residents in New Hampshire?

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire prioritize the safety of their residents. They typically have secure entryways and exits, alarmed doors, and trained staff to prevent wandering. Additionally, some facilities use technology like surveillance cameras to enhance security in cities like Manchester and Nashua.

7. Is memory care suitable for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in New Hampshire?

Yes, memory care in New Hampshire is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. These facilities offer specialized care, structured routines, and activities that support memory and cognitive function. They are available in cities like Concord, Portsmouth, and Laconia.

8. Can residents in memory care facilities in New Hampshire have personal belongings in their rooms?

Yes, residents in memory care facilities in New Hampshire are encouraged to bring personal belongings to make their rooms feel familiar and comfortable. Personal items can help residents feel more at home in facilities located in cities like Dover, Rochester, and Exeter.

9. Are there opportunities for social engagement and activities for memory care residents in New Hampshire?

Yes, memory care facilities in New Hampshire offer a range of social activities and memory-enhancing programs to engage residents. These activities aim to stimulate cognitive function and provide companionship. Residents can participate in these activities in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

10. What training do staff members in memory care facilities in New Hampshire receive to care for residents with dementia?

Staff members in memory care facilities in New Hampshire receive specialized training in dementia care. This training includes understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia, communication techniques, and strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Training is essential for providing quality care in facilities found in cities like Manchester and Nashua.

11. Are memory care facilities in New Hampshire licensed and regulated?

Yes, memory care facilities in New Hampshire are licensed and regulated by the state's Department of Health and Human Services. They must adhere to strict standards to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. This oversight applies to facilities in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

12. Can family members visit loved ones in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

Yes, family members can typically visit their loved ones in memory care facilities in New Hampshire. These facilities encourage family involvement and often have designated visiting areas. However, visiting policies may vary, so it's essential to check with the specific facility, whether it's in Manchester, Nashua, or Concord.

13. Are there memory care facilities in New Hampshire that offer bilingual staff for residents with language preferences?

Yes, some memory care facilities in New Hampshire may have bilingual staff members to accommodate residents with language preferences. This ensures effective communication and support for residents who speak languages other than English, such as Spanish, in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

14. What amenities are typically available in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire often provide amenities like communal dining areas, secured outdoor spaces, activity rooms, and memory-enhancing programs. These amenities create a supportive and engaging environment for residents in cities like Concord, Portsmouth, and Laconia.

15. Is respite care available in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

Some memory care facilities in New Hampshire may offer respite care services. Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break while their loved one stays in a safe and supportive environment. Availability may vary in cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.

16. How can I assess the quality of care in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

To assess the quality of care in memory care facilities in New Hampshire, you can review state inspection reports, talk to current residents and their families, and visit the facility to observe the environment and interactions. Additionally, consider online reviews and recommendations from healthcare professionals in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

17. What is the role of memory-enhancing activities in memory care facilities in New Hampshire?

Memory-enhancing activities in memory care facilities play a crucial role in stimulating cognitive function and memory retention. These activities are designed to engage residents and can include puzzles, art therapy, music therapy, and reminiscence programs. They are an integral part of care in cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.

18. Can residents in memory care facilities in New Hampshire have outings or participate in community events?

Yes, many memory care facilities in New Hampshire organize outings and encourage residents to participate in community events. These outings provide socialization opportunities and help residents stay connected to their communities. Events and outings are common in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

19. How do memory care facilities in New Hampshire address nutritional needs and dietary preferences?

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire work closely with residents and their families to address nutritional needs and dietary preferences. They typically offer well-balanced meals and can accommodate special diets or preferences, ensuring residents receive proper nutrition in cities like Portsmouth, Keene, and Laconia.

20. Are memory care facilities in New Hampshire suitable for individuals with early-stage dementia?

Yes, memory care facilities in New Hampshire can be suitable for individuals with early-stage dementia. These facilities offer a supportive environment and specialized programs to help residents maintain cognitive function and receive the care they need. Early-stage dementia care is available in cities like Concord, Portsmouth, and Laconia.

SeniorGuidance.org provides comprehensive resources on various senior living options, including: assisted living facilities, senior living communities, nursing homes, independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and all other long term senior care options, including memory care such as Alzheimer's or Dementia.

Additional senior living options in New Hampshire:

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