New Hampshire Aging in Place Resources for Seniors

ServiceLink: Your First Call

ServiceLink is New Hampshire's aging and disability resource center network. It is the single most important resource for NH seniors aging in place, because it serves as the gateway to nearly every other program and service in the state.

ServiceLink has five regional offices covering the entire state. When you call, a trained counselor will assess your situation, identify programs you may qualify for, and help you navigate applications. Services are free.

What ServiceLink helps with: Home care referrals, Medicaid eligibility screening, home modification resources, transportation options, meal programs, caregiver support, benefits counseling (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security), and general information about aging services in your area.

How to reach ServiceLink: Call 1-866-634-9412 (toll-free statewide) or visit your regional office. Offices are in Concord, Laconia, Berlin, Keene, and Manchester.

Choices for Independence (CFI) Program

Choices for Independence is New Hampshire's Medicaid waiver program that provides home and community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement. This is the state's most comprehensive program for seniors who need significant support to remain at home.

What CFI covers: Personal care assistance, homemaker services, adult day programs, home modifications, assistive technology, care management, respite care, and transportation to medical appointments.

Who qualifies: NH residents who meet both financial eligibility criteria for Medicaid and clinical criteria for nursing facility level of care. You must need a level of assistance that would otherwise require a nursing home.

How to apply: Contact ServiceLink for a screening. If you appear eligible, they will help you apply for Medicaid and arrange a clinical assessment.

Key detail: CFI allows you to choose your services and, in some cases, your caregivers. You can even hire family members as paid caregivers through the program's self-directed option.

Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS)

BEAS is the state agency responsible for programs serving older adults and adults with disabilities. They administer or oversee most of the state-funded aging programs.

Programs administered by BEAS:

The Senior Meals Program provides congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) for homebound seniors. No income requirement — available to all NH residents 60 and older.

The Older Americans Act Programs fund a range of services including transportation, legal assistance, health promotion, caregiver support, and elder abuse prevention.

The Protective Services Program investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. If you suspect a senior is being abused or exploited, call BEAS at 1-800-949-0470.

Home Modification and Repair Resources

New Hampshire offers several programs for home modifications and repairs:

USDA Rural Development Section 504 Program: Grants up to $10,000 for homeowners 62+ and loans up to $40,000 for home repairs and accessibility modifications. Most of New Hampshire qualifies as rural. This is one of the best funding sources for NH seniors.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority: Offers rehabilitation loans for qualifying homeowners, including accessibility modifications.

Community Action Agencies: New Hampshire has five Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that serve the entire state. They provide weatherization, emergency home repair, fuel assistance, and sometimes accessibility modifications. Your local CAA is often the best resource for combining energy efficiency and accessibility improvements.

Habitat for Humanity: Several NH chapters operate home repair programs for low-income seniors, including accessibility modifications.

Transportation Services

Transportation is one of the biggest challenges for NH seniors aging in place, especially in rural areas.

Community Action Transportation Services (CATS): Provided through the Community Action Agencies, CATS offers demand-response transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in most parts of the state.

Volunteer driver programs: Several organizations coordinate volunteer drivers for medical appointments and essential errands. Coverage and availability vary by region.

Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: If you are on Medicaid, you are entitled to free transportation to medical appointments. Contact your managed care plan or ServiceLink for details.

Advance Transit and regional bus systems: Southern NH has some fixed-route bus service. Advance Transit serves the Upper Valley. Manchester Transit Authority serves the Manchester area.

Veterans transportation: The VA offers transportation to VA medical appointments for eligible veterans. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) operates a volunteer transportation network in NH.

Caregiver Support

Family caregivers are the backbone of aging in place, and New Hampshire offers several support programs:

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): Funded through the Older Americans Act and administered locally. Provides information and referrals, individual counseling, support groups, respite care, and supplemental services for family caregivers.

ServiceLink Caregiver Counseling: Free counseling for family caregivers navigating care decisions, stress management, and long-term planning.

Respite care through CFI: If your loved one is enrolled in Choices for Independence, respite care for the family caregiver is a covered benefit.

Alzheimer's Association — New Hampshire Chapter: Provides caregiver support groups, a 24/7 helpline, and educational programs specific to dementia caregiving.

Health and Wellness Programs

A Matter of Balance: Fall prevention program offered at senior centers and community organizations throughout New Hampshire. Free for participants.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program: Evidence-based program to help seniors manage chronic conditions. Offered through local hospitals and community organizations.

Senior centers: New Hampshire has over 30 senior centers offering social activities, meals, exercise programs, educational workshops, and health screenings. These are underutilized resources — many seniors do not realize the range of services available.

Legal and Financial Resources

New Hampshire Legal Assistance: Free legal help for low-income seniors, including assistance with powers of attorney, Medicare and Medicaid issues, housing problems, and elder abuse.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Free, unbiased counseling about Medicare, Medigap policies, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage. Operated through ServiceLink.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Helps seniors detect and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

How to Get Started

The most efficient path through New Hampshire's aging services system:

First, call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412. Describe your situation. The counselor will identify which programs apply and help prioritize next steps.

Second, contact your local Community Action Agency for home repair, weatherization, and fuel assistance programs.

Third, visit your local senior center. Even if you do not think of yourself as a "senior center person," these facilities connect you to services, social networks, and information that are hard to find elsewhere.

Fourth, if you are a veteran, contact the Manchester VA Medical Center or your local veterans service officer. Veterans have access to additional programs that are often underutilized.