New Hampshire Memory Care Facilities

New Hampshire memory care facilities have a phenomenal reputation. The state is part of the highly sought-after New England part of the United States where some of the most highly esteemed medical facilities and doctors operate. Many excellent skilled nursing staffs are also employed, and it is a reason why waiting lists at some of the best dementia care homes in New Hampshire are constant.

Memory care homes in New Hampshire rank fifth in the nation in terms of being the most expensive based on average monthly rates. The only states with higher monthly rents are New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts all of which are also states in the northeast and part of the broader New England area. Consequently, while some would argue that New Hampshire dementia care is expensive, it is slightly cheaper than other states in the New England district.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care in New Hampshire

The average cost for memory care communities in New Hampshire is $186 per day. The national average is $160 per day for the same type of room, meaning that New Hampshire dementia care costs approximately $25 or more per day. The higher cost does add up, as residents of Alzheimer’s care homes in NH can spend $750 or more per month compared to the national average, and potentially $9,000 or more per year.

However, compared to the rest of New England, New Hampshire dementia care facilities are cheaper. The typical Alzheimer’s care facilities cost approximately $5,600 per month. Meanwhile, New York and Massachusetts dementia care facilities are substantially more at nearly $6,000 per month. Connecticut and New Jersey Alzheimer’s care is even more expensive.

Detailed look at costs:

• The average daily cost for memory care in New Hampshire is $186, or about $5,580 per month.
• Costs vary across cities, with prices ranging from $175 per day in Berlin to $200 per day in Portsmouth and Hanover.
• Most cities in the state average between $180 to $190 per day, leading to monthly costs ranging from $5,400 to $5,700.

What helps keep New Hampshire memory care communities slightly cheaper than the rest of the New England is the more rural and rugged landscape of the territory. New Hampshire is more northern, with slightly longer winters though no part of New England has extremely pleasant winters.

The state is also far less dense and populated. Only 1.3 million people call New Hampshire home, with only one city having more than 100,000 residents (Manchester). The communities of Nashua, Concord, Dover and Rochester may be smaller than large metropolitan areas in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut yet the service is still excellent and provide quieter living environments. Furthermore, friends and families are still close to loved ones with travel between New England states still readily available.

What Amenities Are Common in New Hampshire Memory Care Facilities?

The best dementia care facilities in New Hampshire offer a rare combination of highly skilled, compassionate nursing staff, comfortable and meticulously maintained rooms, and a variety of enriching amenities and services. Residents can expect delicious, nutritious meals prepared daily, alongside engaging programs designed to promote cognitive function, physical health, and emotional well-being.

These facilities prioritize not just meeting the medical needs of individuals with dementia, but also enhancing their quality of life in every aspect. From personalized care plans to social activities that encourage group interaction, residents experience an environment that fosters dignity, respect, and engagement.

Comprehensive Care and Services

Top-ranked Alzheimer’s and dementia care homes in New Hampshire go above and beyond, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of each individual. The goal is to provide a well-rounded lifestyle that nurtures residents' independence while ensuring they receive the support necessary for their daily living.

• Skilled Nursing and Healthcare Services: Highly trained nurses are available 24/7 to assist with administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and providing physical and emotional support. This ensures residents receive the highest level of medical care tailored to their individual needs.

• Memory Care Programs: Specialized memory care programs are designed to promote cognitive stimulation and slow the progression of memory loss. These programs often include memory-enhancing activities, such as puzzles, games, storytelling, and reminiscence therapy.

• Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a personalized care plan developed by the facility’s care team, ensuring that every aspect of their needs—physical, emotional, and mental—are met. These plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to accommodate changes in the resident’s condition.

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Staff provide support with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, bathing, and mobility assistance. These services help maintain dignity and self-esteem while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible.

Comfortable and Engaging Environment

To make each day more enjoyable and fulfilling, New Hampshire dementia care facilities provide an environment that supports both physical comfort and mental stimulation.

• Luxurious and Comfortable Rooms: Rooms are designed to be both practical and welcoming, featuring comfortable furnishings, soothing colors, and personalized touches. Residents can often decorate their rooms with personal items to create a more familiar and comforting space.

• Outdoor Spaces and Gardens: Many facilities feature secure, outdoor garden areas where residents can take walks, relax in nature, or engage in outdoor activities. Gardens, walking paths, and quiet courtyards provide a peaceful setting that encourages physical activity and relaxation.

• Scheduled Activities and Social Engagement: A variety of scheduled activities and events are available each day, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, games, movie nights, and group outings. These activities promote cognitive function, physical activity, creativity, and socialization. Group interactions help reduce feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of community among residents.

• Therapeutic Services: Facilities offer a wide range of therapeutic services to help residents maintain physical and emotional health. These may include:

  • Music Therapy: Known for its ability to evoke memories, reduce anxiety, and improve mood, music therapy is a common service in dementia care.
  • Art Therapy: Residents engage in creative activities that not only encourage self-expression but also support cognitive and emotional health.
  • Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy sessions help residents maintain mobility, strength, and flexibility, which are essential for overall well-being.
  • Occupational Therapy: This therapy helps residents maintain their ability to perform daily tasks and promotes independence.
  • Speech Therapy: For residents experiencing difficulty with communication, speech therapy can help improve speech, swallowing, and cognitive function.

Holistic Wellness and Nutritional Support

High-quality dementia care facilities in New Hampshire understand the importance of addressing all aspects of well-being—physical, mental, and emotional.

• Healthy and Nutritious Dining: A well-balanced, nutritious diet is a cornerstone of care in these facilities. Meals are prepared by skilled chefs and are designed to meet individual dietary needs. Special attention is paid to texture-modified diets for residents with swallowing difficulties, as well as the incorporation of resident preferences to ensure meal satisfaction. In addition, facilities often cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-sodium options.

• Hydration Programs: Ensuring that residents stay hydrated is crucial, especially for those with dementia who may have difficulty recognizing thirst. Care teams encourage regular fluid intake and offer a variety of drinks to ensure hydration is maintained throughout the day.

• Spiritual Care: For residents who desire spiritual care, many facilities offer services such as religious services, prayer groups, or the ability to receive visits from spiritual leaders. This support helps promote emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Pet Therapy: Some facilities have pet therapy programs that bring in trained animals to interact with residents. The presence of animals has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase social interactions.

Safety and Security

Ensuring the safety and security of residents is a top priority in New Hampshire’s dementia care facilities.

• 24/7 Monitoring and Supervision: Residents are monitored at all times by skilled staff who are trained to manage the specific needs of those with dementia. This includes constant supervision to ensure that residents are safe, secure, and comfortable.

• Secure Environment: Many facilities have secure entrances and exits to prevent wandering and ensure that residents are unable to leave the facility unsupervised. Additionally, secure outdoor spaces allow residents to safely enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

• Emergency Response Systems: Facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency response systems, ensuring that any health concerns or incidents are immediately addressed by trained medical staff.

Family Support and Education

Dementia care doesn’t only affect the individual; it impacts their families as well. Leading facilities offer resources and support to families and caregivers.

• Family Support Groups: These groups provide emotional support and a sense of community for families navigating the challenges of dementia care. Family members can share experiences, learn from one another, and receive guidance from care professionals.

• Caregiver Education and Training: Facilities offer educational programs to help families understand dementia, its progression, and how best to support their loved ones. This education ensures that family members are well-prepared to support their loved ones both in the facility and at home.

Admission Requirements to Memory Care Facilities in New Hampshire

A potential resident to any assisted living or memory care home in New Hampshire must complete the state’s Resident Assessment Tool and Needs Determination test in 30 days or less before moving in, or within 24 hours after moving in for emergency cases. This document contains questions about the individual’s medical history, health needs, communication ability, and other related information. The process must be done every six months, or upon a significant change in the person’s health.

Both Supported Residential Health Care Facilities (SRHCF) and Assisted Living Residences–Residential Care (ALR-RC) are not allowed to admit a person whose needs they cannot support within their premises. This is particularly true for ALR-RCs which do not provide nursing care.

In New Hampshire, SRHCFs may not admit or retain individuals who do not have the ability to evacuate according to the State Fire Code. Residences may admit those requiring mechanical assistance while transferring, if the facility has staff with appropriate training. Persons who need 24-hour licensed nursing care and/or monitoring for a maximum of 20 days, or who are receiving hospice care, may be admitted as well.

ALR-RCs are also not allowed to admit or retain individuals without the capability to self-evacuate without assistance. These residences may admit or retain persons receiving hospice services, but not those requiring rehabilitative or nursing care over 21 days.

Security in New Hampshire Memory Care Units

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire are designed to provide specialized care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related conditions. Given the unique needs of this population, security is a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Below are key security measures commonly implemented in these facilities:

1. Secure Entrances and Exits

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire are equipped with controlled access points to prevent wandering and ensure that residents do not leave the facility unnoticed. This includes the use of:

• Keypad entry systems: Only authorized personnel can access certain areas.
• Electronic door locks: Automatically locking doors that require a code or card to open.
• Exit alarms: If a resident approaches or attempts to leave through an unauthorized exit, an alarm sounds to alert staff.

2. Wandering Prevention Systems

Wandering is a common issue in memory care, and facilities are equipped with systems to prevent residents from getting lost or wandering away from safe areas. These systems often include:

• GPS tracking bracelets: Residents wear wristbands or ankle bracelets that track their location in real time.
• Electronic sensor mats: Placed near exits or in rooms, these mats alert staff when someone moves inappropriately, particularly at night.

3. Surveillance Cameras

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are strategically placed throughout memory care facilities to monitor residents' activities. These cameras help ensure the safety of residents and staff by:

• Monitoring high-risk areas: Cameras are often placed near exits, dining areas, or common spaces where residents may require extra supervision.
• Deterring inappropriate behavior: The presence of cameras can reduce the likelihood of incidents like abuse or neglect.

4. Trained and Supervised Staff

Staff members in memory care facilities are trained to handle the unique needs of residents with memory impairments. Some measures include:

• Ongoing staff training: Training in dementia care techniques, including how to handle challenging behaviors like aggression or confusion.
• Staff-to-resident ratio: A higher ratio of caregivers to residents allows for closer supervision, especially during high-risk times such as meals or transitions between activities.

5. Design and Layout of the Facility

The physical environment plays a critical role in the security and safety of memory care residents. Facilities are often designed to:

• Reduce confusion: Simple, easy-to-navigate layouts that minimize risk of residents becoming disoriented.
• Eliminate hazards: Removing sharp corners, low-level furniture, and other physical obstacles that could cause falls.
• Secure outdoor areas: Enclosed outdoor spaces ensure residents can safely enjoy fresh air without risk of wandering off the property.

6. Emergency Response Plans

Memory care facilities are required to have well-defined emergency procedures for various scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, or violent incidents. Key elements include:

• 24/7 on-site medical staff: Nurses or other healthcare professionals available at all times to respond to emergencies.
• Emergency evacuation plans: Designed to account for residents with mobility or cognitive impairments, ensuring that they can be safely evacuated if necessary.
• Staff drills and training: Regular practice drills to ensure that staff can quickly and effectively respond to emergencies.

7. Monitoring of Medication

Ensuring that residents receive their prescribed medications at the correct times is critical to their well-being and security. Facilities often implement:

• Electronic medication management systems: To track and record every medication dose administered.
• Supervised medication administration: Medications are distributed by trained staff to reduce the risk of misuse or error.

8. Visitor Policies

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire often have strict policies for visitors to maintain security and ensure the well-being of all residents. These may include:

• Visitor screening: Visitors may be required to sign in, provide identification, and undergo a brief screening to ensure they are authorized to visit.
• Limited visiting hours: To prevent disruption of daily routines and to ensure adequate supervision, visiting hours may be set at certain times during the day.

9. Behavioral Management Techniques

Memory care facilities focus on preventing challenging behaviors that may arise due to memory impairments. Measures include:

• Behavioral therapy: Techniques like redirection and positive reinforcement are employed to manage agitation or aggression.
• Safe rooms or quiet spaces: Designated areas where residents can go to calm down or rest if they are feeling overwhelmed.

Medicaid and Medicare Coverage of Memory Care in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, both Medicaid and Medicare provide coverage for memory care services, but their coverage details differ.

Medicaid Coverage of Memory Care in New Hampshire

Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with low income and limited resources pay for healthcare costs. In New Hampshire, Medicaid covers memory care services for eligible individuals, but certain requirements must be met.

For those in need of memory care, Medicaid may help cover the costs of staying in a nursing home or assisted living facility, including those that offer specialized memory care units. To qualify for Medicaid, a person must meet both financial and medical criteria. Financially, applicants need to have limited income and assets. Medically, individuals must need a level of care that includes help with daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing, which is common for people in memory care.

In New Hampshire, Medicaid may pay for memory care services in nursing homes or facilities that provide these services as part of their care offerings. However, Medicaid will not cover care in independent living or non-medical settings. It’s important to note that Medicaid’s coverage might not pay for all the costs in more upscale or private memory care units, so some families might have to pay out-of-pocket for the difference.

Medicare Coverage of Memory Care in New Hampshire

Medicare, the federal insurance program primarily for people over 65 or those with certain disabilities, also provides coverage for some memory care services, but with restrictions. Medicare typically covers inpatient care in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, as well as certain outpatient services, but its coverage for memory care is more limited than Medicaid.

Medicare will pay for memory care services under certain conditions, such as short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay for a qualifying condition. This may include care for people with dementia or Alzheimer's who are recovering from a hospital stay. Medicare will cover up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility, with the first 20 days fully covered and the remaining 80 days requiring a co-payment.

However, Medicare does not generally cover long-term stays in nursing homes or assisted living facilities for individuals who only need custodial care (help with daily living activities but not medical treatment). This means that if a person requires long-term memory care in a non-medical facility, Medicare will not cover the costs, and families will need to explore other financial options, like Medicaid or private pay.

Key Differences Between Medicaid and Medicare for Memory Care

1. Eligibility: Medicaid eligibility is based on income and medical need, while Medicare eligibility is based on age or disability.

2. Coverage: Medicaid covers long-term memory care in nursing homes, while Medicare covers short-term stays in skilled nursing facilities after hospitalization.

3. Cost: Medicaid typically covers most or all memory care costs for eligible individuals, while Medicare only covers short-term stays with co-pays for longer stays.

In New Hampshire, families seeking memory care for loved ones should explore both Medicaid and Medicare options.

Memory Care vs Dementia Care in New Hampshire

When searching for care options for a loved one with memory issues, particularly in New Hampshire, it's important to understand the difference between memory care and dementia care, as these terms are often used interchangeably but may have distinct meanings. Both aim to support individuals experiencing cognitive decline, but they differ in the specific focus of care and the types of services provided.

Memory Care

Memory care refers to specialized care provided for individuals who experience memory loss, regardless of the specific cause. It is a form of long-term care designed for seniors who need assistance with daily activities due to cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness, confusion, or difficulty with tasks like dressing, eating, and managing medication. Memory care facilities in New Hampshire offer a secure, structured environment with staff trained to support people with memory-related issues, providing a safe place where residents can receive personalized attention.

Key features of memory care in New Hampshire may include:

• 24/7 supervision and support to ensure safety, especially in environments where individuals may wander.
• Structured daily routines to help residents feel more secure and maintain some independence.
• Therapeutic activities designed to stimulate memory, cognitive function, and social engagement.
• Personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each resident.
• Staff trained in dementia-related care to provide specialized assistance.

Memory care can accommodate individuals with various stages of memory loss, including those with Alzheimer's disease, general age-related cognitive decline, or other memory-related conditions.

Dementia Care

Dementia care, on the other hand, is a more specific term that refers to care for individuals diagnosed with dementia, an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Dementia care focuses on addressing the unique symptoms and challenges associated with dementia, which include severe memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in behavior.

Dementia care in New Hampshire often involves:

• Specialized treatment plans tailored to the specific type of dementia the person has.
• Behavioral support to help manage agitation, aggression, or other difficult behaviors common in dementia.
• Safety protocols to minimize risks associated with dementia-related wandering or falls.
• Enhanced communication techniques, as dementia can affect a person’s ability to express themselves and understand others.
• Family education and support, as caregivers may need additional resources to cope with the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

In many cases, dementia care is offered in memory care settings, as dementia is one of the most common causes of memory impairment. However, dementia care may also involve additional medical and therapeutic interventions to manage specific symptoms and slow disease progression.

Key Differences

1. Scope: Memory care is broader, covering individuals with any form of memory loss, while dementia care specifically focuses on those diagnosed with dementia.
2. Care Needs: Dementia care often requires more specialized, medical-focused interventions to address the progressive nature of dementia, while memory care may focus more on general cognitive and daily living support.
3. Services: Dementia care may offer more intensive behavioral support and therapies tailored to dementia symptoms, while memory care facilities may prioritize general assistance with memory retention and daily tasks.

Availability in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a range of facilities providing both memory and dementia care, many of which are located in larger cities like Concord, Manchester, and Nashua. These facilities typically offer personalized care plans, specialized therapeutic activities, and staff trained to handle a wide array of cognitive impairments. The choice between memory care and dementia care depends on the specific needs of the individual and the stage of their condition.

New Hampshire – Regulations for Memory Care Establishments

Both SRHCFs and ALR-RCs in New Hampshire are recognized by the state as providers of memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. However, if your loved one is already in the later stages of the disease, or if they have another chronic condition, SRHCFs is a better option. These residences are required by law to provide access to nursing services and behavioral health care.

Both types of assisted living homes require a license to operate from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Facilities Administration. Licensing provisions differ based on the size of the facility.

Adult Family Care Residences are another type of assisted living home in New Hampshire that can provide memory care, though they may operate only with certifications. These facilities accommodate only one or two residents in a home-like environment. Their services are also limited to social and/or health care supervision, medical monitoring, medication supervision, and daily living assistance.

Prior to an applicant’s admission, SRHCs must provide an Agreement using the state-issued Disclosure Summary form to the applicant or their authorized representative. This document includes: (1) fees and core services; (2) house rules; (3) responsibility for discharge planning; (4) availability, estimated cost and responsibility for arranging nursing and other health care services, as well as supplies outside their core services; (5) policies and procedures on transportation and third-party services arrangements; and (6) medication management services.

ALR-RCs must provide the same form to their applicants before admission, and in addition, mention the resident acuity level they can accommodate.

Staff and Training

The State of New Hampshire requires all assisted living residences to employ a full-time administrator with state-approved educational and professional experience to be fully responsible for the facility’s daily operations. The administrator should undergo at least 12 hours of continuing education annually. It is also their responsibility to determine the number of staff members the facility needs in order to address the needs of all residents.

Administrators must conduct background checks on potential employees before hiring. They must also provide in-service training or continuing education annually to all staff members.

Medication Administration

In SRHCs, residents are allowed self-administration of medications. If they are not physically capable, they may verbally direct the staff to assist them. Staff may also supervise residents’ self-administration in three ways: remind them to take their medications, place medication containers within reach, and observe and record side effects.

Staff are not allowed to physically handle the residents’ medications. However, a licensed nurse may delegate the administration of oral medications to unlicensed staff and direct a licensed working assistant to administer medicinal shampoos and baths, suppositories and enemas, or topical products to intact skin.

Unlicensed staff assigned to supervise resident’s self-administration and/or to directly administer medications are required to undergo a 4-hour training on: (1) infection control and proper handwashing techniques; (2) the five rights – resident, medication, dose, time, route; (3) general medication categories, e.g. antibiotics; (4) documentation; (5) desired effects and potential side effects of medications; (6) medication precautions and interactions; and (7) rules and extensive provisions on assisting with self-administration and administering medications.

All of the above directives also apply to ALR-RCs, except for nurse delegation. In these residences, medications must be administered by a licensed nurse, or a medication nursing assistant, or any individual authorized by law.

Food and Diet

SRHCs must provide residents three or more meals a day, and snacks between meals and before bedtime. All these should meet the National Academy of Science Food and Nutrition Board’s recommended dietary allowances. Each resident’s nutritional requirements and prescribed diet must be adhered to by staff responsible for planning and preparation of food services.

ALR-RCs must provide three meals and snacks per day according to the recommended dietary allowance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture as specified in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Only a licensed practitioner or a professional with prescriptive authority may prepare therapeutic diets to patients who require them.

When Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care in New Hampshire?

Alzheimer’s disease, and all other forms of dementia, adversely affect a person’s judgment, attention span, reaction time, and other cognitive skills. Their risk of figuring in vehicular accidents and of getting lost increase even in the early stages of the disease, and whether they are driving or walking. Wandering, another result of cognitive decline, affects 60% of individuals with Alzheimer’s and accounts for serious injury as well as accidental death in almost half of them.

Even in the confines of a home, symptoms of dementia can pose dangerous risks to the person afflicted. Tripping on rugs and electrical cords and falls due to the absence of ample lighting or handrails are just some of the accidents that may occur. A deterioration in their ability to manage finances also puts them at high risk to fraud.

If you have been taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home, you will notice a steady rise in the difficulty of doing so. Beyond the early stages of the disease, they will lose all ability to perform daily living activities, and their safety will be greatly compromised. At this point, long-term care in a residence that offers assisted living services may be a better option to staying at home.

Residential care provides an environment designed for individuals with impaired cognitive skills. You can be assured that your loved one will receive support and assistance from a team of professionals.

Here's a more detailed list of reasons a loved one should consider a memory care facility in NH:

1. Increased Safety Concerns

As dementia progresses, individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, and a diminished ability to recognize danger. If a person begins wandering, forgetting to lock doors, or engaging in unsafe behaviors, it may be time to consider memory care. These facilities are equipped with secure environments designed to keep individuals safe.

2. Declining Physical Health

Dementia often leads to a decline in physical health, which may include difficulty with mobility, incontinence, and poor nutrition. If the person’s physical care needs exceed what can be safely managed at home, memory care centers provide the medical supervision and support necessary to maintain health and comfort.

3. Severe Cognitive Decline

When cognitive decline reaches a point where the individual can no longer recognize family members, communicate clearly, or remember essential daily information, memory care becomes an option. The challenges of managing daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing without assistance may signal the need for a higher level of care.

4. Behavioral Issues and Aggression

People with dementia often experience behavioral changes, including agitation, aggression, and extreme mood swings. If these behaviors become difficult to manage at home or result in harm to the individual or caregivers, memory care facilities with specialized staff are better equipped to handle these challenges.

5. Caregiver Burnout

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically taxing, especially as the disease progresses. If family caregivers are experiencing burnout, fatigue, or are unable to meet the growing demands of care, it may be time to consider memory care services in New Hampshire, which can provide much-needed relief.

6. Difficulty Managing Medications

Dementia often affects a person's ability to take medications properly. Forgetting or confusing medications can lead to serious health complications. Memory care staff are trained to manage medication regimens, ensuring that individuals receive the right medication at the right time.

7. Social Withdrawal and Isolation

Individuals with dementia often withdraw from social interactions due to confusion, embarrassment, or mood changes. If the person’s social isolation becomes severe and they no longer engage in activities they once enjoyed, it may be an indication that they would benefit from the structured social environment offered by memory care facilities.

8. Inability to Perform Basic Daily Activities

When an individual with dementia struggles to complete activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and maintaining hygiene, it may be a sign that home care is no longer feasible. Memory care provides consistent, personalized assistance with these tasks in a supportive environment.

9. Family or Medical Professional Recommendations

In many cases, family members or healthcare providers will suggest memory care when the individual’s dementia has progressed to the point where they require more specialized support. It’s important to trust the advice of medical professionals who understand the needs of the individual.

10. Increasing Delirium or Hallucinations

As dementia progresses, some individuals experience hallucinations, paranoia, or delirium. If these symptoms become frequent and harder to manage, it may be an indication that a structured memory care environment with professional oversight would provide a safer space for both the individual and their family.

11. Financial Considerations

Memory care in New Hampshire can be costly, and it's important to evaluate whether the family can afford to provide long-term care at home or in a facility. If a person’s financial situation allows for memory care, it may be a viable option to ensure the individual’s needs are met in a professional setting.

12. The Need for Specialized Dementia Services

Memory care facilities in New Hampshire often offer specialized care tailored to the unique needs of those with dementia. If the individual requires specialized therapy, cognitive stimulation, or structured activities, a memory care facility may be better equipped to address these needs compared to home care.

13. Frequent Hospitalizations or Medical Interventions

Frequent hospital visits or medical interventions may indicate that a person with dementia is no longer able to manage their health at home. If medical conditions related to dementia become complicated and require more intensive medical care, memory care centers with trained staff can provide ongoing support.

14. Supportive Environment for Emotional Well-being

Memory care facilities offer a structured, familiar environment where individuals can receive emotional and psychological support. If a person with dementia is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, the supportive setting of a memory care facility can help improve their overall well-being.

15. The Person's Personal Wishes and Quality of Life

Finally, it’s essential to consider the wishes of the person with dementia when making the decision to move to memory care. If the individual has expressed a desire to be in a facility that provides social activities, companionship, and specialized care, memory care might align with their preferences for an improved quality of life.

Questions to Ask NH Memory Care Communities During a Tour

Transitioning your loved one from home care to residential memory care is not only a difficult decision to make, but also an overwhelming task to carry out. With so many options available in the State of New Hampshire, you may be at a loss on where to start.

First, prepare a list of your loved one’s needs and preferences, from food and medications to grooming and toiletries. Next, search online for residences in your preferred location and study their respective websites or give them a call. Write down the ones which meet all the items on your list. And finally, schedule a visit to each residence.

These are the details and information you must secure from each visit:

1. Knowledge and training of staff members on Alzheimer’s disease or dementia - This includes management of behaviors like wandering, continuous training and education, and protocols on daily living assistance.

2. Official documents - Request for copies of the memory care residence’s license, disclosure form, house rules, medication administration protocols, and list of on-site medical equipment.

3. Quality of service - The dementia care residence you select will be your loved one’s new home, so you need to inspect every area (especially the shared ones) to ensure they will be safe comfortable living there. Have a meeting with the administration and staff, and allow them to explain their services extensively, including the residents’ activities, transportation and the need for third party services.

4. Cost of services - Inquire about monthly rates, the services covered, and fees for extra services. Find out the payment methods they accept, and if Medicaid is one of them.

5. Current residents and their families - If possible, interview them on their satisfaction level in terms of the staff’s involvement and interaction with residents. Encourage them to tell stories of visitations and their experience with the admin, from planning to execution of their long-term care.

Memory Care vs Assisted Living in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers two types of assisted living residences: Supported Residential Health Care (SRHC) and (ALR-RC) or Residential Care. The latter is a good option for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s in the early stages, while the former is best for those already in the later stages.

Adult Foster Care homes are also available to those who don’t require on-site medical attention or prefer to have their own licensed medical practitioner.

These care homes are the state’s answer to the alarming increase of Alzheimer’s and dementia cases, not only here but in the rest of the country. In New Hampshire alone, the number of cases is expected to increase by 37% in 2025 if no cure is found by then.

Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are progressive and degenerative, which means your loved one’s condition will worsen over time. It also means a more stressful life for all family members if you keep the person at home. For everyone’s welfare, safety and wellbeing, placing a loved one in the care of professionals in a long-term residence for assisted living is the best route to take.