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Assisted Living in New Hampshire

As of 2019, 1,359,711 people live in New Hampshire, and just over 18% of residents are aged 65 or older. The statewide population rose by 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and the number of seniors in the state is rising faster compared to all other age groups. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 26.3% of New Hampshire residents will be aged 60 or older by 2030, up 40% from 2012.

At a statewide average cost of $7,021 per month, assisted living in New Hampshire is expensive in comparison to the national average of $4,051. Costs in neighboring Maine and Vermont are lower than New Hampshire, but still above the national average.

This guide examines assisted living and senior care costs in New Hampshire as well as programs to help seniors pay for the cost of assisted living care. There is also information on local and state resources for older adults and an overview of the state's SeniorScore.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in New Hampshire



New Hampshire currently has a SeniorScore of 73%, which is just above the national average of 72% and considered to be an exceptionally good rating. The SeniorScore is a numerical representation of more than 100 metrics that impact the quality of living for seniors, such as climate, health care, taxation and the cost of assisted living.



SeniorScore™ for New Hampshire



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

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SeniorScore™ Overview

  • New Hampshire's SeniorScore™ of 73 is higher than the national average of 72.
71

Health & Safety

  • New Hampshire has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • New Hampshire has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • New Hampshire has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • New Hampshire has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in New Hampshire is 80.3, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • New Hampshire has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • New Hampshire has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
67

Recreation & Leisure

  • 31% of the population in New Hampshire are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • New Hampshire has 98 golf courses in the state.
  • New Hampshire has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • New Hampshire has 762 churches in the state.
64

Finances

  • The property taxes average 5.85% of total income in New Hampshire, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.79% of property value in New Hampshire, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in New Hampshire is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in New Hampshire is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in New Hampshire is $82,765, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • New Hampshire's median household income is $68,123, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in New Hampshire is $32,341, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in New Hampshire average $57,000 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in New Hampshire average $110,230 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in New Hampshire average $16,900 per year, which are lower than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in New Hampshire average $52,624 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 6.28% in New Hampshire, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in New Hampshire is very high compared to national averages.
  • 0.47% of the senior population in New Hampshire are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
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General Quality of Life

  • New Hampshire receives an average of 42.8 inches of rain per year.
  • New Hampshire has an average annual temperature of 44.8 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Hampshire has an average low temperature of 32.9 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Hampshire has an average high temperature of 55.8 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New Hampshire has an average population density of 272 people per square mile.
  • New Hampshire has a high public school quality ranking.
  • New Hampshire has an average public school safety ranking.
  • New Hampshire has a high graduation rate of 91.28%.

The overall quality of life in New Hampshire, which includes factors such as population density, climate and school rankings, is 58%. This number is relatively low partially due to the fact that New Hampshire gets an average of 42.8 inches of rain each year, and the overall climate is cold and wet when compared to many other states. Also, its average high temperature is 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which some seniors may find unpleasant.

New Hampshire has a rating of 71% for health and safety, thanks to the fact that the state is home to an exceptionally high number of hospitals, senior living facilities and home health care providers. There's also a high number of Medicare-registered health care providers in the state, and that can help improve health outcomes for seniors who rely on Medicare-funded services. The average life expectancy here is also relatively high at 80.3 years, while the national average is 78.6 years.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in New Hampshire



Exeter Center - Exeter, NH

Exeter Center

8 Hampton Rd

Exeter, NH 03833

1-855-238-4376

7 Reviews  

Exeter Center is an 81 unit senior housing facility situated in Exeter, New Hampshire. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with about 22,000 poeple living in the zip code of 03833. With an average household income of $74,806, ...

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Villa Crest - Manchester, NH

Villa Crest

1276 Hanover St

Manchester, NH 03104

1-855-222-1541

8 Reviews  

Situated near the South Hooksett area of Manchester, New Hampshire, Villa Crest is a 126 bed senior community. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 34,000 individuals living in the 03104 zip code. With a median ...

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Clipper Harbor - Portsmouth, NH

Clipper Harbor

188 Jones Ave

Portsmouth, NH 03801

1-855-221-7955

6 Reviews  

Located at 188 Jones Ave in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Clipper Harbor is a 102 room senior housing community. The surrounding area is densely populated, with roughly 23,000 people residing in the 03801 zip code. With a median per-household ...

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Mineral Springs - North Conway, NH

Mineral Springs

1251 White Mountain Hwy

North Conway, NH 03860

1-855-224-5130

6 Reviews  

Mineral Springs is an 87 unit senior housing community located in North Conway, New Hampshire. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median household income of $40,861. It has a sparse population, with roughly ...

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Presidential Oaks - Concord, NH

Presidential Oaks

200 Pleasant St

Concord, NH 03301

1-855-240-2530

6 Reviews  

Located at 200 Pleasant St in Concord, New Hampshire, Presidential Oaks is an 85 room senior care community. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 34,000 individuals residing in the 03301 zip code. With an average family ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in New Hampshire



At an average cost of $7,021 per month, assisted living in New Hampshire is expensive in comparison to many neighboring states. The national average cost is $4,051 per month, while average monthly assisted living costs in nearby Maine are $5,169 and $5,338 in Vermont. In Massachusetts, assisted living costs an average of $5,640 per month, while the average cost in Connecticut is closer to the national average at $4,880 per month.

  • New Hampshire: $7,021
  • National: $4,051
  • Maine: $5,169
  • Vermont: $5,338
  • Massachusetts: $5,640
  • Connecticut: $4,880

The Cost of Assisted Living in New Hampshire's Top Cities

While the statewide average cost of assisted living care in New Hampshire is $7,021, actual costs vary at the city level. Costs are highest in Manchester, where assisted living care averages $7,182 per month. In neighboring Maine, costs are lower in Portland ($6,600) and Lewiston ($5,385), and the same is true in Vermont, where assisted living costs an average of $5,113 per month in Burlington.

  • Manchester: $7,182
  • Portland, ME: $6,600
  • Lewiston, ME: $5,385
  • Burlington, VT: $5,113
  • Boston, MA: $6,442

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Hampshire

Seniors in New Hampshire have five types of care to choose from. Care costs start at an average of $1,777 per month for adult day care services, while 44 hours of in-home care costs between $5,243 and $5,386 per month. Assisted living, which includes accommodation, meals and some personal care, costs an average of $7,021 per month. At $9,581 per month, nursing home care is the most expensive option because it includes room and board along with 24/7 skilled nursing services in a specialized medical facility.

  • Assisted Living: $7,021
  • In-Home Care: $5,243
  • Home Health Care: $5,386
  • Adult Day Care: $1,777
  • Nursing Home Care: $9,581

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New Hampshire



Choices for Independence Medicaid Waiver Program


Phone Number: (866) 624-9412
Website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/beas/eligibilityhousing.htm

New Hampshire's Choices For Independence waiver program is a nursing home diversion program for frail adults and seniors who meet the admission criteria for nursing homes, but who can live safely in a less-restrictive setting with supports. These supports can include adult day health services, homemaker and transportation services, case management and personal care assistance delivered in an assisted living setting.

Administered by the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, this waiver program provides eligible seniors with a wide range of medical and nonmedical services that can help seniors remain at home or in an assisted living setting. To qualify for enrollment in the Choices waiver, seniors must have a relatively low monthly income and few countable assets. Monthly income limits are adjusted annually and are currently set at $2,349. Couples who apply together have their incomes assessed on an individual basis. Countable assets, which include cash, bonds and recreational real estate, are capped at $2,500 per applicant. Some assets, such as an owner-occupied home worth no more than $595,000, are exempt from the asset limit.


VA Pension Top-Up Programs


Phone Number: (844) 698-2311
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers two VA pension top-up programs that provide additional monthly pension funds for qualified veterans, survivors and dependents. Money from these two programs, Aid and Attendance and Housebound, can be used to pay for assisted living costs in New Hampshire.

To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, applicants need to:

  • Be bedridden due to a disability or chronic illness, or
  • Live in a nursing home, or
  • Have concentric contraction of the visual field resulting in a visual field of 5 degrees or less, or
  • Need assistance to complete activities of daily living, or
  • Have vision tested a 5/200 or worse in both eyes, even when wearing prescription lenses

To qualify for the Housebound allowance, applicants must:

  • Have one permanent disability that is rated at 100% by the VA, and at least one additional disability rated at 60% or greater, or
  • Have one disability rated at 100% by the VA that restricts the applicant to their home most of the time

Illnesses and disabilities do not need to be service-related in order to be eligible for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits.


New Hampshire Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



Assisted living facilities in New Hampshire are regulated by the Health Facilities Administration, which is responsible for the enforcement of basic health and safety standards outlined in the state Residential Care and Health Facility Rules. New Hampshire licenses two types of assisted living facilities: supported residential health care facilities (SRHCFs), and assisted living residential care facilities (ALR-RC).

Scope of Care

ALR-RCs provide the lowest level of care offered in New Hampshire ALFs. These facilities offer basic personal care services, meals, accommodations and recreational programming. These facilities can admit and retain residents who require a maximum of 21 visits to a licensed health care provider for a specific medical concern. Residents who need additional care can only be retained with authorization of the HFA. Locked units or secure buildings for residents with dementia are prohibited in ALF-RCs.

SRHCFs may admit and retain residents who meet the criteria for nursing home placement if the facility provides the appropriate care services. These facilities provide medication assistance, housekeeping, laundry and case management services, as well as on-site recreational programming, nursing services and behavioral health care.

Both types of ALFs must provide 24-hour protective care and oversight, emergency and crisis response, food service and supervision of residents as needed.

Care Plan Requirements

All residents must have a comprehensive needs assessment within the 30 days preceding admission to an ALF, or in cases where that isn't possible, an assessment must be done within 24 hours of admission. This assessment serves as the foundation for each residents' care plan,

Medication Management Requirements

Residents in ALR-RC facilities must be able to self-administer medications, unless there is a licensed medical professional on site who is permitted to administer medications under the terms of their license.

Residents living in a SRHCF can receive prescription medications via self-administration or from trained staff members. SRHCFs can also employ licensed medical professionals who can administer medications in accordance with state law.

Staff Requirements

Staff must be aged 18 or older, free from prior convictions for violent, sexual or other crimes that could negatively impact seniors and be able to perform duties as assigned by the facility administrator.

There are no regulated staffing ratios for ALFs in New Hampshire, although ALFs are expected to maintain adequate staffing levels based on resident needs and the size of the facility.

Staff Training Requirements

Assisted living facility administrators must be aged 21 or older, and either hold a related bachelor's degree, associate's degree or be state licensed as a registered nurse. Additionally, all administrators need to have between 2 and 4 years of relevant experience working in a health care setting.

All front-line staff must complete a comprehensive orientation prior to commencing duties. This orientation needs to cover residents' rights, emergency procedures and mandatory reporting requirements.

Medicaid Coverage

New Hampshire's home and community-based services waiver covers the cost of care services delivered in an assisted living setting.

Reporting Abuse

By law, any person who suspects abuse, neglect or self-harm by an elder or vulnerable adult in New Hampshire must file a report with the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. Reports can be filed from anywhere in the state by calling (800) 949-0470.


Free Assisted Living Resources in New Hampshire



State Health Insurance Assistance Program

In accordance with federal regulations, the State of New Hampshire operates a State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. SHIP counselors provide seniors with free, unbiased information about health insurance options, offer advice on which plan is best suited to each senior and help with the application process.

SHIP counselors also deliver public information sessions at community events, assisted living facilities and senior recreation centers throughout the state. Certified SHIP Medicare specialists are based at every ServiceLink Resource Center in New Hampshire, and the program also maintains an extensive lending library that includes resources for seniors, caregivers and family members.

Contact: Seniors and their family members can contact the nearest SHIP counselor by calling ServiceLink at (866) 634-9412.


New Hampshire Agencies


Area Agencies on Aging in New Hampshire

Area Agencies on Aging are federally-mandated nonprofit organizations that work to advocate for elders at the state and local level. These organizations administer a variety of free and low-cost programs for seniors, such as non-medical transportation, nutrition programs and health insurance counselling. In New Hampshire, AAAs are operated under the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services.

For more information, contact the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at (800) 352-1888.

Veterans Affairs Offices in New Hampshire

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers a number of programs for qualified veterans, survivors and dependents, including VA health care services and Aid and Attendance and Housebound, two VA pension top-up programs. Funds from the VA pension and VA pension top-up programs can be used towards long-term care costs, including assisted living costs.

To contact the nearest VA location, call VA311, the VA national help line at (844) 698-2311. Vets and their family members can also contact the New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Services at (800) 622-9230 for information on federal and state benefits, assistance with benefit applications and appeals and to arrange for interment in the State Veterans Cemetery.

Social Security Offices in New Hampshire

Low-income seniors aged 65 and older and low-income adults living with certain permanent disabilities may be eligible for monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These cash benefits are administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration and can be used towards assisted living costs.

To apply for SSI, seniors can visit their nearest Social Security office listed on the SSA office locator website, or by phoning the SSA at (800) 772-1213.

 

Other Cities in New Hampshire

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