In New Hampshire, 57,000 family caregivers provide 66 million hours of unpaid care to people living with dementia, by the Alzheimer's Association's count.cdc.gov. (2024). National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) - Stats of the States: Alzheimer's Disease Mortality (2024 Alzheimer's disease deaths and age-adjusted death rates by state). Retrieved Sep 30, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/alzheimers.html
This guide to dementia care in New Hampshire maps the New Hampshire-specific help available in 2026, from the free 24/7 helpline to Medicaid respite to the rules on whether you can be paid for the care you already provide. Dementia caregiving is its own kind of hard: the long arc, the behavioral changes, the safety worries, the grief that starts before any loss.
You do not have to navigate this alone, and you do not have to fund all of it from your savings.
New Hampshire Dementia Caregiving, by the Numbers
The Alzheimer's Association reports that about 27,000 New Hampshire people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, a count its 2026 New Hampshire fact sheet dates to 2020. The Association also counts 57,000 family caregivers of people living with dementia in New Hampshire, providing 66 million hours of unpaid care that it values at $1.5 billion.cdc.gov. (2024). National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) - Stats of the States: Alzheimer's Disease Mortality (2024 Alzheimer's disease deaths and age-adjusted death rates by state). Retrieved Sep 30, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/alzheimers.html
If the work feels overwhelming, that is not a personal failing. It is the reality of a condition that demands more, for longer, than almost any other.
Where to Start
When a diagnosis lands, or when caregiving starts to outpace what you can manage alone, two contacts open most doors in New Hampshire.
Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900
It offers free, confidential support, crisis help, and local referrals in more than 200 languages. Its Care Consultants are mandated reporters: if abuse or neglect is reported to them, they are required by law to report it to state authorities.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
Call New Hampshire's Aging and Disability Resource Centers at 1-866-634-9412
The ADRCs offer application assistance and connect families to the Family Caregiver Support Program for information, counseling, education, and respite. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, use the federal Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
New Hampshire's Dementia Support Infrastructure
New Hampshire's Aging and Disability Resource Centers, located throughout the state, are the front door for application assistance and the Family Caregiver Support Program. The Alzheimer's Association serves New Hampshire through its Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter with support groups, education, and care consultations.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
Who Pays for Dementia Care in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicaid (Choices for Independence Waiver)
New Hampshire's Medicaid Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver covers respite alongside adult day services, home health aide, homemaker, personal care, skilled nursing, personal emergency response systems, home-delivered meals, environmental accessibility services, and non-medical transportation. It is not open on caregiving need alone: it serves people 65 or older, and adults 18 to 64 with physical or other disabilities, who are financially eligible for Medicaid and meet a nursing facility level of care.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet - Medicaid.gov. medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Qualifying for CFI takes two determinations, made by two different NH DHHS bureaus. The Bureau of Family Assistance decides financial eligibility, against income and resource criteria specific to the Medicaid Long Term Care Program. The clinical determination, whether your loved one meets the nursing facility level of care, comes through an application and assessment process administered by the Bureau of Adult & Aging Services (BAAS), the bureau that runs CFI.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Here is how to start a Choices for Independence application in New Hampshire:
Contact your regional Aging and Disability Resource Center, or apply online
NH DHHS directs applicants to the nearest regional ADRC, reachable at 1-866-634-9412, or to NH EASY online.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Complete the clinical assessment
BAAS administers the application and assessment process that decides whether your loved one meets the nursing facility level of care.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Meet the financial test
The Bureau of Family Assistance reviews income and resources against the criteria for the Medicaid Long Term Care Program; if your loved one may be over the limits, read Medicaid Planning Strategies.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Choose services
Once both determinations find your loved one eligible, CFI services can include personal care, adult day services, and respite. Under the participant-directed option (PDMS), a participant can direct and manage any CFI waiver service except residential care facility services, and can select service providers.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
The New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, provided through the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, offers information about local resources, help assessing caregiving needs, individual counseling and support groups, education and training, and respite for eligible full-time family caregivers. These services are open to caregivers over 18 caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet - Medicaid.gov. medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Getting Paid to Care for a Loved One With Dementia
Under CFI's participant-directed option, a Financial Management Services provider carries out employer functions, including hiring workers the participant chooses, processing payroll, and withholding taxes. A spouse cannot be paid this way: under New Hampshire's adopted rule He-E 801, no service is covered through the CFI waiver if it is provided by a legally responsible relative, which the rule defines as the participant's spouse.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH Who else can be hired, and how VA programs pay veterans' families, are covered in the New Hampshire paid family caregiver guide.
VA Benefits (for Veterans)
If the person you care for is a veteran, two VA programs can help pay for care. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays an eligible veteran's approved Primary Family Caregiver, who can be the veteran's spouse, a monthly stipend that VA has described as a nontaxable benefit. VA's first screen requires a VA disability rating of 70% or higher, a discharge or medical discharge date, a need for at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care services, and enrollment in VA health care, and the application process assesses further conditions. The VA pension benefit Aid and Attendance (A&A) adds monthly payments to a VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors. A person who gets a VA pension may be eligible if they meet at least one of VA's listed requirements, such as needing another person to help with daily activities like bathing, feeding, and dressing.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (2018). Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Improvements and Amendments Under the VA MISSION Act of 2018 — Proposed Rule, 85 FR 13356 (March 6, 2020) (govinfo.gov / Federal Register). govinfo.gov. Retrieved Sep 2, 2026, from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-03-06/pdf/2020-04464.pdf The Veterans Pension requires wartime service, among other conditions.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Eligibility For Veterans Pension. va.gov. Retrieved Jul 31, 2026, from https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/ VA's Caregiver Support Line, 1-855-260-3274, is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). VA's National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) - VA Caregiver Support Program. caregiver.va.gov. Retrieved Aug 1, 2026, from https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp
Medicare
Medicare covers a separate visit for a cognitive assessment and care plan when signs of cognitive impairment appear, certain home health services for people who are homebound and need part-time or intermittent skilled care, and hospice care. It does not pay for long-term custodial care, the ongoing non-medical help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model. cms.gov. Retrieved Jul 7, 2026, from https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide The CMS GUIDE Model adds care navigation, a 24/7 support line, caregiver training, and respite services, but only through a Medicare provider enrolled in the model, so ask your loved one's doctor whether one participates.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model. cms.gov. Retrieved Jul 7, 2026, from https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide
Respite for Dementia Caregivers
Respite is what makes the long haul survivable. In New Hampshire, respite comes from the Medicaid CFI waiver, which also covers adult day services, for those who are financially and medically eligible, and from the Family Caregiver Support Program for eligible full-time family caregivers. For the full picture, see Respite Care in New Hampshire.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet - Medicaid.gov. medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
A few days a week at a dementia-capable adult day program can give you reliable hours back.
Safety, Behavior, and Planning
Dementia raises issues other caregiving does not: wandering, driving, sundowning, and the legal and financial planning that needs to happen while your loved one can still participate. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) offers information, crisis assistance, emotional support, and local resources.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers Early legal planning, a durable power of attorney, advance directives, and a long-term-care plan, is far easier done sooner than later.
Where to Get Dementia Care Help in New Hampshire
Caring for a loved one with dementia in New Hampshire? Chat with Brevy's care navigator for a personalized plan covering respite, paid-caregiver options, and the New Hampshire programs that fit your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start as a new dementia caregiver in New Hampshire?
Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for free support and local referrals, and call New Hampshire's Aging and Disability Resource Centers at 1-866-634-9412 for application assistance and the Family Caregiver Support Program's counseling, education, and respite.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
Does New Hampshire Medicaid pay for dementia care?
For those who qualify, yes. The Choices for Independence waiver covers personal care, homemaker, adult day services, and respite, but only for people who are financially eligible for Medicaid and medically qualify for a nursing facility level of care.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet - Medicaid.gov. medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH To apply, contact your regional Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-866-634-9412 or apply online through NH EASY.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Can I get paid to care for a family member with dementia in New Hampshire?
Not as a spouse through the CFI waiver: New Hampshire's adopted rule bars Choices for Independence coverage of services a spouse provides.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (1915). CMS / Medicaid.gov - New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet (1915(c) waivers, incl. Choices for Independence 0060.R08.00). medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 3, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH For a veteran, VA's PCAFC pays a monthly stipend, which VA has described as nontaxable, to an eligible veteran's approved Primary Family Caregiver, who can be a spouse.U.S. Government Publishing Office. (2018). Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Improvements and Amendments Under the VA MISSION Act of 2018 — Proposed Rule, 85 FR 13356 (March 6, 2020) (govinfo.gov / Federal Register). govinfo.gov. Retrieved Sep 2, 2026, from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-03-06/pdf/2020-04464.pdf The specifics are in the New Hampshire paid family caregiver guide.
Where can dementia caregivers in New Hampshire find help?
The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline is free, and the Association's Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter offers support groups and education.New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Aging and Disability Resource Centers. dhhs.nh.gov. Retrieved Jul 13, 2026, from https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/aging-and-disability-resource-centers The Family Caregiver Support Program offers information, counseling, education, and respite for eligible full-time family caregivers, including those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). New Hampshire Waiver Factsheet - Medicaid.gov. medicaid.gov. Retrieved Sep 4, 2026, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/NH
Learn More
Find personalized help caring for a loved one with dementia in New Hampshire at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.
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