Home Care in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is an ideal destination for seniors who want to age in place while enjoying New England at its finest. The Granite State offers everything from historic cities and picturesque villages to wild rivers and dramatic mountains that are ideal for hiking, skiing and winter sports. Crime rates are low, the cost of living is just 5% higher than the U.S. median, and residents enjoy a diverse four-season climate with pleasant summers and snowy winters.
Overall, New Hampshire is an age-friendly state that's earned a SeniorScore of 73, which is one point higher than the national average. This livability index considers the state's performance in four key areas: Finances, Recreation & Leisure, General Quality of Life and Health & Safety. High points include the state's robust health care system, above-average life expectancy and lack of state income tax.
Seniors who want to remain in their homes and stay active in their communities can find a wealth of state-specific resources in this guide. We explore the average cost of in-home care in New Hampshire and New England as well as financial assistance programs and nonprofit agencies that can provide helpful information and valuable services.
Top Home Care Agencies in New Hampshire
Home Instead Senior Care is a home healthcare company based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at 10 Vaughan Mall Ste 209. They provide personal home care and also in-home nursing services for senior clientele. They provide different personal services including ...
Located at 1070 Holt Ave Ste 1400 in Manchester, New Hampshire, VIsiting Nurse Association Home Health Care is a senior home care company that offers personal home care and in-home nursing care. Since 1966, they have been providing care to ...
Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice is a senior in-home care service provider located in New London, NH at 107 Newport Rd. They provide home healthcare along with personal home care to seniors. For almost 48 years, they have ...
Located in Lancaster, New Hampshire at 278 Main St, Northwoods Home Health and Hospice is a senior in-home care company that offers personal home care services along with in-home health services. For nearly 32 years, they have been serving seniors ...
Located in Auburn, New Hampshire at PO Box 715, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is an in-home care service provider that offers personal care in addition to in-home nursing. They provide First Aid / CPR and dementia care. They also ...
Comfort Keepers is a senior home health care service provider located in Milford, NH at 20 South St Ste 1. They provide personal care services in addition to in-home nursing care for seniors. They provide various medical services such ...
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire at 540 Chestnut St Ste 104, Comfort Keepers is a senior in-home care company that offers personal home care services as well as in-home nursing care. They offer a variety of personal services like help ...
Located in Keene, NH at 55b Main St, Comfort Keepers is a senior in-home care company offering in-home health care as well as home care. They provide different medical services like speech therapy, assistance with injections, occupational therapy, urinary catheter ...
Located at 55 Main St # B in Keene, NH, Comfort Keepers is a in-home care company offering in-home medical care along with personal care services. They provide different medical services such as licensed nursing, diabetes care, cardiac support, colostomy ...
Located in Londonderry, New Hampshire at 172 Rockingham Rd, Home Helpers is a senior home health care company offering in-home nursing in addition to personal care services. They can provide a variety of personal services like help with errands, shopping, ...
Located in Concord, NH at 30 Pillsbury St, Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association is a home care service provider offering in-home medical services in addition to personal care services. For nearly 52 years, they have been helping clients throughout the ...
Connecticut Valley Home Care is a home health care service provider located in Newport, New Hampshire at 958 John Stark Hwy. They offer home healthcare and also in-home care to senior clientele. They have been serving clients in Newport ...
Located at City Hall 168 Main St in Berlin, NH, City of Berlin Health Department and Nursing Service is a home health care service provider that offers in-home personal care along with in-home nursing care. For almost 52 ...
Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Unit 11, 95 Brewery Ln, Amedisys Home Health is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home nursing care and personal care. For almost 52 years, they have been helping seniors in the ...
North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency is a senior in-home care service provider located in Littleton, NH at 536 Cottage St. They provide personal care services and also in-home health care to senior clients. They have been in ...
Located at 186 Waukewan St in Meredith, NH, Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association is a senior home care company offering home care services and also in-home nursing services. For almost 52 years, they have been serving customers in the Meredith ...
Located in Dover, NH at 121 Broadway, Suite 117, Wentworth Home Care and Hospice, An Amedisys Partner is a home health care service provider offering home care and also in-home nursing care. Since 1966, they have been serving customers in ...
Located at 75 Chestnut St in Franklin, NH, Franklin Vna and Hospice is a senior in-home care provider that offers in-home medical services as well as home care. For almost 52 years, they have been helping seniors in the Franklin ...
Located at 7 Executive Dr in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Home Health and Hospice Care is an in-home care company that offers in-home health care as well as personal home care services. They have been providing care in Merrimack since 1966. ...
Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine is a home healthcare service provider based in North Conway, NH at 1529 White Mountain Hwy. They provide in-home care as well as in-home medical care for ...
The Cost of Home Care in New Hampshire
According to responses from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, New Hampshire residents typically pay $5,243 per month for home care, which includes personal assistance and help with errands and everyday chores. Seniors who need medical services, such as medication management, wound care or respiratory therapy, in addition to personal support can expect to pay $145 more per month for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care in New Hampshire Compared to Nearby States
With home care costs starting at $5,243 per month, New Hampshire is one of the most expensive states in the region. Monthly rates are approximately 20% higher than the national average of $4,290. They're also $47-$126 higher than neighboring states. Vermont is one of the most expensive parts of New England, with average home care rates approaching $5,200, and at $5,117, Maine is one of the more affordable options for home care and home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
New Hampshire | $5,243 | $5,386 |
United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Maine | $5,117 | $5,117 |
Vermont | $5,196 | $5,196 |
Massachusetts | $5,186 | $5,243 |
Rhode Island | $5,148 | $5,148 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in New Hampshire
Long-term care prices tend to be higher than average in New Hampshire for residential and institutional services. Rates start at $1,777 for adult day health care, which includes recreational daytime programming and personal care. Seniors who receive one-on-one personal assistance at home pay more than $5,243 per month for 44 hours of weekly care. This is approximately $1,778 less than assisted living and $4,338 less than skilled nursing.
- In-Home Care: $5,243
- Home Health Care: $5,386
- Adult Day Care: $1,777
- Assisted Living Facility: $7,021
- Nursing Home Care: $9,581
The Cost of Home Care in New Hampshire's Top Cities
The monthly cost of home care in New Hampshire tops $5,243, while home health care costs approximately $5,386. Median rates are similar in the greater Manchester area, which includes Nashua. Home care costs $5,291 per month in New Hampshire's largest city, which is in line with other metropolitan centers in New England. At $5,339 per month, rates are slightly higher in Portland, Maine, and they're a bit lower in Burlington, Vermont, where seniors pay roughly $5,243 per month. In neighboring Massachusetts, Worcester seniors pay less than $5,148 per month for home health care and just $4,767 for personal assistance, which makes it one of the region's most affordable cities.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
New Hampshire | $5,243 | $5,386 |
Manchester, NH | $5,291 | $5,291 |
Portland, ME | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Burlington, VT | $5,243 | $5,243 |
Worcester, MA | $4,767 | $5,148 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in New Hampshire
NH Choices for Independence Waiver
New Hampshire Choices for Independence is the state's flagship Home- and Community-Based Services waiver. It's available to seniors and disabled adults who require a nursing home level of care and meet Medicaid's income and assets limits. The waiver pays for the cost of home health aides, homemaker services, personal care, skilled nursing, medical equipment, delivered meals and other supports. It also covers medical alert systems, local transportation and accessibility modifications. This federally authorized section 1915(c) waiver allows for patient-directed care, so members can select their own providers and decide which services they need.
Contact Information
Seniors and disabled adults can learn more about Choices for Independence by contacting NH ServiceLink at (866) 634-9412.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
New Hampshire participates in the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides information and supportive services to unpaid caregivers. The program educates caregivers about community resources, hosts support groups, offers one-on-one counseling and connects caregivers with training opportunities. Full-time caregivers who are at risk of burnout may qualify for respite care and in-home services. In addition to helping caregivers perform chores and household tasks, the program may assist with the cost of assistive equipment, transportation or accessibility modifications that can help older adults and their caregivers. Assistance is available to relatives and friends who care for someone who is disabled, over 60 or living with dementia.
Contact Information
For more information, caregivers can call NH ServiceLink at (866) 634-9412.
VA Aid & Attendance or Housebound
Individuals who receive a military pension may be entitled to extra funds to help with the cost of in-home care and supports. Enhanced pension benefits are available through two programs: Aid & Attendance and Housebound. To qualify, applicants must require assistance with activities of daily living, be bedridden, have severe vision impairments or be housebound due to a permanent disability. Funds can be used at the beneficiary's discretion. Aid & Attendance is available to qualifying veterans as well as their spouses and survivors.
Contact Information
To learn more or to apply for benefits, military pensioners can contact the VA Regional Office at (802) 295-9363 or submit a completed application along with medical documentation to the Philadelphia Pension Management Center.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
New Hampshire Home Care Rules and Regulations
In New Hampshire, home care service providers and home health care providers are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facility Licensing Unit. This agency sets standards for care and works to enforce licensing requirements.
Scope of Care | Home health providers in New Hampshire may provide personal and medical assistance, including homemaker services, home health aide services, medical-social support, nutritional care and physical, occupational or speech therapy. |
Care Planning | Home care agencies must perform a comprehensive medical assessment before providing care and every 90 days thereafter. Qualified medical personnel must work with the patient or the patient's personal representative to develop a written plan of care. Service plans must be reviewed every six months or following a change in the client's health status. |
Medication Management | Home health care service providers who have completed a state-approved medication assistance education program may administer medications or assist clients with self-administration. |
Staff Screening | Home health agencies must conduct a statewide pre-employment background check on all direct-access personnel and administrators, excluding licensed nurses. |
Staff Training | Home health aides and personal care attendants in New Hampshire must complete a 100-hour certification course that includes 40 hours of classroom education and 60 hours of clinical training. Aides must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to remain certified. |
Medicaid Coverage | New Hampshire's Choices for Independence Medicaid waiver helps medically needy seniors and disabled adults with the cost of in-home care and related supports. |
Reporting Abuse | Information about reportable incidents, including abuse or neglect, must be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Legal and Regulatory Services Health Facilities Administration within two business days. Reports can be submitted by mail to 129 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301, made over the phone by calling (800) 852-3345 or faxed to (603) 271-5574. |
Free Home Care Resources in New Hampshire
Seniors in New Hampshire have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services
The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services is a government organization that funds community-based services and supports statewide. Its programs benefit disabled adults, seniors aged 60 or older and individuals who have significant physical or mental health challenges. BEAS works with local providers, including nonprofits, to deliver in-home care and related services, such as transportation, delivered meals and Medicare/Medicaid assistance.
Contact Information
Seniors, caregivers and disabled adults can reach the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services by calling (603) 271-9203.
ServiceLink
As the state's Aging and Disability Resource Center, ServiceLink functions as a one-stop shop for a wide variety of senior services. It helps older adults and family caregivers learn more about long-term care options and community-based supports. ServiceLink is home to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Senior Medicare Patrol, and it manages the state's National Family Caregiver Support Program.
Contact Information
New Hampshire residents can call the ServiceLink Resource Center at (866) 634-9412 to locate services in their community.
State of New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services
The Division of Veterans Services helps service members and their families access state and federal benefits. Officers can provide information about available programs and help qualifying individuals apply for benefits, including tax credits, health care, in-home services and Aid & Attendance pension supplements.
Contact Information
Military families in New Hampshire can call (603) 624-9230 to reach a Service Officer who can provide additional information or one-on-one assistance.
New Hampshire Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
New Hampshire's federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program includes three separate branches to help residents with the cost of heating fuel, electricity and weatherization services. Benefits are available to households that earn up to 60% of the state's median income. Payments for heating fuel range from $158 to $1,575, depending on the applicant's income, average energy bills, climate and housing type.
Contact Information
Seniors and low-income families can learn more about these programs by calling (603) 271-8317 or contacting their local Community Action Agency.
Elderly Property Tax Exemption
New Hampshire offers a property tax exemption to homeowners who are more than 64 years old, have limited assets and income and have owned their current residence for at least three years. Annual income limits start at $13,400 for individuals and $20,400 for couples. Claimants must have no more than $35,000 in countable access, excluding their primary residence and up to 2 acres of land. Disabled adults can also apply to have ramps and accessibility modifications excluded from their property tax assessment. Income and asset limits may vary by municipality.
Contact Information
Homeowners can contact their local property assessor or the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5000 to learn more.
New Hampshire Home Repairs
Seniors who need help with home repairs or accessibility modifications to live safely in the community can access grants and low-cost loans through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, the Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center and nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Local home repair programs for seniors and needy homeowners are also available in major cities like Manchester, Nashua and Portsmouth.
Contact Information
New Hampshire seniors can call 211 to find home repair services in their community.