Your Future. Your Care. Your Decision.

By: State: New Hampshire | Source: AARP.org

It's your life. Shouldn't you live it where you want? According to a 2009 survey of AARP New Hampshire members, seven in ten say they would prefer to receive long-term care services in their homes or communities. But the AARP Public Policy Institute reports over 80 percent of New Hampshire's long-term care budget for older adults is spent on nursing homes. That means many people will not have the choice to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

That is why AARP is working hard to make significant strides in the state to ensure that New Hampshire residents have long-term care options. Part of this effort was the support of HB380 in the 2009 legislative session. HB380 was designed to establish principles for New Hampshire’s long-term care system and create a Long-Term Care Commission to respond to the increased demand for long-term care services brought about by our aging population and the long-term care workforce shortage. According to the same 2009 survey mentioned above, 86% of AARP New Hampshire members supported developing such a Commission.

In March, HB380 was retained and a Long-Term Care Caucus was established to further examine the issue. At the first Caucus meeting, Representative Kate Miller said, “this is the most critical issue that deserves our attention.” Through the support of people like you, we can keep this momentum! Attend an upcoming Caucus meeting, access a host of long-term care resources, and get involved. For more information, please visit our journal, or contact Deborah Sprague at dsprague@aarp.org.

Get Involved!

In addition to the Long-Term Care Caucus, you can help ensure that New Hampshire residents are given an option by becoming a Long-Term Care Advocate or signing the Long-Term Care Petition today! Help ensure that New Hampshire residents are able to decide where they spend the rest of their lives. Join our campaign and add your voice to help influence and educate legislators, policy makers, and other key stakeholders.

Stay Informed!

Join AARP New Hampshire in making sure we have balanced funding of home- and community-based choices that give us the appropriate services, in the right setting, at a lower cost. Someone will decide where you spend the rest of your life. Shouldn't it be you? Take charge of your future today by visiting AARP New Hampshire's "Long-Term Independence Now!" Community Page. Stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding AARP's long-term care work. Here, you'll find the most recent information on upcoming events, legislative work, and ways to get involved.