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.

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.

New Hampshire Dementia Care - Amenities

The best dementia care facilities in New Hampshire offer a rare combination of terrific, highly knowledgeable and professional skilled nursing staff along with clean and luxurious rooms, and delicious food served daily along with regularly scheduled programs.

The top ranked Alzheimer’s care homes and dementia care facilities in the state provide a combination of personal productivity and personal leisure activities on a daily basis, with group interaction and socialization encouraged. Furthermore, staff can assist with a variety of daily functions including personal hygiene and getting dressed or getting hair done, prime contributions to a positive self-image and self-esteem.

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.

Security in New Hampshire Memory Care Units

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.

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.

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.