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Independent Living in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a desirable location for independent living residents with its spectacular natural surroundings and abundance of cultural attractions and historic sites. Retirees across the state benefit from low crime rates, affordable health care and a reasonable cost of living that’s just 5.4% higher than the national average. Since seniors represent almost 19% of the state’s more than 1.3 million residents, the government offers a variety of supportive services. In fact, more than a dozen cities have joined AARP’s Network of Age-friendly States and Communities, which makes New Hampshire a smart choice for seniors who are considering long-term care.
Independent living is an introductory level of service offered within most continuing care retirement communities and many assisted living facilities. It allows healthy, active seniors to access maintenance-free accommodations and on-site recreational activities without paying for personal assistance. In New Hampshire, the median cost of independent living is $4,323 per month. Although this is high for the region, it’s still more affordable than other forms of long-term care. This guide gives seniors and their families a better idea of what’s included in independent living, how much it costs and ways to pay for services. It also includes a directory of free resources.
The Cost of Independent Living in New Hampshire
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in New Hampshire and its 5 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in New Hampshire's Top Cities
When it comes to the cost of care in New Hampshire's top cities, the numbers can vary significantly. Concord is the definitive outlier with an average cost of just $2,050. The rest of the cities fall fairly closely in line with the state average. In Exeter, the average cost is $3,909, while Dover is only slightly higher at $3,922. Keene is the most expensive at $4,149.
New Hampshire
$3,874
Keene
$4,149
Concord
$2,050
Exeter
$3,909
Dover
$3,922
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in New Hampshire
Despite the impact of inflation on senior care across the nation, the New England region has seen a decrease overall. While the U.S. average had just a 5.2% increase from 2022 to 2023, costs declined 18.9% in New Hampshire from $4,777 to $3,874. Neighboring states have echoed this trend. Costs went down by 25.3% in Maine, by 17.7% in Massachusetts, and by 30.4% in Connecticut. Vermont, however, saw a slight increase of 1.12%. This pattern isn't likely to continue, though, so it would be prudent to plan accordingly.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $4,777 | $3,874 | $4,313 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Maine | $4,703 | $3,515 | $3,420 |
| Vermont | $4,895 | $4,950 | $5,272 |
| Massachusetts | $4,258 | $3,506 | $3,733 |
| Connecticut | $4,577 | $3,187 | $3,394 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
For senior living in New Hampshire, the cost can differ depending on the type of care needed. These varying costs are influenced by factors such as the level of assistance provided, specialized services for memory care, and available amenities. Assisted living is $6,217, which is more affordable than memory care at $7,169, but independent living is only $3,874. Specific preferences and needs should always be considered when deciding which one to choose.
Assisted Living
$6,217
Memory Care
$7,169
Independent Living
$3,874
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in New Hampshire?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in New Hampshire.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in New Hampshire
Independent living typically includes room, board and recreational activities rather than personal care and medically necessary services, so most seniors pay their monthly fees out-of-pocket using retirement income, savings or investments. Medicare, long-term care insurance and veterans’ benefits may help with the cost of some services, such as physical therapy, transportation and meal preparation assistance. Seniors may also consider applying for a bridge loan or reverse mortgage to cover buy-in fees or provide a monthly income stream. Our guide to independent living includes more information about ways to pay for care depending on a senior’s situation.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in New Hampshire
There are many resources in New Hampshire that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Adult & Aging Care | 800-351-1888 | New Hampshire Area Agencies on Aging are services that help adults ages 60 and older, or 18 and older with a disability, live independently. AAA programs in New Hampshire assist older adults with nutritious, hot, home-delivered meals and community dining, which offers socialization opportunities and promotes overall wellness. Other vital services include transportation to help seniors get to medical and dental appointments, obtain groceries and reach other destinations. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in New Hampshire provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| New Hampshire Old Age Assistance | 844-275-3447 | New Hampshire residents aged 65 years or older can apply for Old Age Assistance cash benefits under the State Supplemental Program. An applicant must have a Social Security number and meet certain income and financial resources requirements. Income limits vary according to seniors' living arrangements, whether they're living on their own, with family members or in an assisted living facility. Seniors undergo interviews upon completion of application forms. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, New Hampshire seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Choices for Independence Waiver | 800-351-1888 | The NH Choices for Independence Waiver helps seniors receive the support and care they need, whether in an institutional setting like a nursing home or other community facilities. The Waiver can be used to cover the cost of personal care services, home health aides, transition services, skilled nursing care and durable medical equipment. It can also be used for respite care and case management services. The program is open to seniors aged 65 and over, as well as younger adults who are living with a disability. Under Choices for Independence, seniors are given a case manager who will work with them to develop a care plan that either allows them to live independently in their home or helps them access the skilled nursing care they require in order to maintain a high quality of life. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help New Hampshire seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Meals on Wheels | New Hampshire Meals on Wheels runs independently operated food assistance programs throughout the state. Eligibility is open to seniors ages 60 and over and those unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals. Meals are served in a congregate setting to help reduce isolation or delivered to seniors' front doors with a friendly visit and safety check. Although additional services vary, they may include pet meal delivery, telephone reassurance and transportation services to local health care appointments. | |
| New Hampshire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 844-275-3447 | The New Hampshire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income residents obtain healthy food. Adults 60 and over who meet household size, income, expense and resource guidelines are eligible. Qualified seniors receive Electronic Benefits Transfer cards that are accepted at most grocery stores and supermarkets statewide. EBT card funds can buy dairy products, bread, rice and pasta, meat, fish and fresh produce. However, they cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, prepared foods or personal care items. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in New Hampshire collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Loaner's Closet | 603-432-8077 | The Community Caregivers of Greater Derry maintains a large medical equipment loan closet that includes a variety of mobility aids and other equipment. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
New Hampshire seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Medication Bridge Program | 603-225-0900 | The NH Medication Bridge Program is sponsored by the Foundation for Healthy Communities. It helps individuals access prescription medications they might not otherwise be able to afford. |
| New Hampshire Rx Card | 800-9313-5542 | This is the state's free prescription assistance program. Residents can apply for a card that grants automatic discounts of up to 80% on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. The program aims to help those who are uninsured or underinsured access affordable medication. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in New Hampshire have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Section 504 Home Repair Program | 603-223-6035 | The Section 504 Home Repair Program offers loans of up to $40,000 and grants of up to $10,000 for senior homeowners to make essential home improvements. The program is aimed at seniors who would otherwise not be able to cover the cost of home repairs. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to New Hampshire seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Legal Aid | 800-639-5290 | New Hampshire Legal Aid provides free legal services to those aged 60 and over in Dover and can help individuals navigate issues such as wills and trusts, guardianship and powers of attorney. This agency can also help older adults apply for benefits, such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in New Hampshire bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Catholic Charities | 603-669-3030 | This faith-based charity offers a variety of programs that may be of use to local seniors, including financial literacy education, mental health services and legal aid. Health care services are also available, including dental, podiatry and optometry consultations. The CareGivers program connects volunteers with elderly citizens in need of transportation, chore assistance or friendly visits. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in New Hampshire help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several New Hampshire resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Elder Property Tax Exemption | 603-230-5000 | The Elder Property Tax Exemption offers a reduction in property taxes for seniors who are homeowners. The state has additional exemptions for veterans and those living with certain disabilities. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. New Hampshire retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program (EAP) | 800-735-2964 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps those who live in eligible households meet their utility bills. It offers support in the form of a one-time payment during the coldest months of the year. |
| New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program | 800-735-2964 | The New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program, part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps qualifying New Hampshire seniors stay warm during the cold months. The primary way it assists is by providing financial help for heating costs ranging from $243 to $2,419, with the average totaling $1,530.25. Aid may also be available for shut-off notices, emergency fuel delivery and referrals. Eligibility is based on income, the home's number of residents and energy costs totaling $100+. |
Veteran's Services
New Hampshire retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire VA Benefits and Health Care | New Hampshire VA Benefits and Health Care provides resources for senior veterans, with supportive services available through VA health and benefit offices. Seniors and their families can receive medical care, apply for benefits, receive mental health counseling and learn about cemetery benefits for senior vets in New Hampshire. Seniors can call (800) 698-2411 for further assistance. |
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