HomeAssist Program
Sometimes we just need a little support
The HomeAssist Program is licensed by the State of NH as a Home Care Service Provider and Certified as an Other Qualified Agency (OQA) providing you or a beloved family member with personal non-medical support to maintain independence at home for as long as possible. HomeAssist gives hands-on support services to aging seniors and adults age 18 and over living with chronic illnesses.
HomeAssist gives you choices for independence to maintain your schedule, your dignity, your life. Services include:
- Personal Care
- Meal Planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping & laundry
- Medication reminders
- Assistance with household responsibilities
- General companionship
To learn more about the HomeAssist Program and how the services can support you or a loved one to remain at home, please watch this short video.
Communicating with your aging parents about their future
- Get started - Don't wait until there is a crisis to talk about your parents' wishes
- Your parents may resist this conversation. If you see changes in your parents abilities, be sure to use concrete examples. "I've noticed your balance is off" or "Your eyesight isn't what it used to be".
- Maximize your parents independence. Don't assume your parents can't make decisions
- Ask open ended questions such as "How are you doing keeping up with the house?" or "What concerns do you have as you go through your day?"
- Ask for help - HomeAssist is here to help you facilitate these conversations
For more information on the HomeAssist Program and Choices for Independence, please contact Darlene Bolduc, Home Assist Program Coordinator via email (darleneb@lrcs.org) or call directly (603) 524-8811 ext. 1516.
At 75, "Tillie" is fiercely independent. She worked all her life, raised three children and has lived under the same roof for more than 40 years — first with her family, then as half of a pair of empty nesters until her husband passed away a few years ago.
Now, she lives there by herself. It's quieter than it used to be, but it's still home. Besides, her grand kids think it's cool that they sleep in their parents' old bedrooms when they come to visit. Home is where her memories are and that is where she wants to stay for as long as she can. Though she may be slowing down a bit, Tillie is in good health and with a little help she should be able to remain in her home for several years to come.
Currently, New Hampshire's population of individuals like Tillie — those 60 and over — is roughly 16 percent. Reflecting a national trend, that figure will double in the next decade. Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1955, represent the largest population of people aging at one time in U.S. history. In response to this dynamic, Lakes Region Community Services, a not-for-profit comprehensive family support organization serving the Lakes Region since 1975, is expanding its HomeAssist Program. The program enables Lakes Region seniors and individuals with chronic illnesses to access the supports they need to be able to stay in their homes.
The HomeAssist Program provides non-medical hands on services for aging seniors such as meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping and laundry, escort and transportation, medication reminders, assistance with personal care, household responsibilities and general companionship.
Shannon Kelly, Director of Community Support Services, who is currently in the process of educating the community about the HomeAssist Program, says she's received a lot of positive feedback from the various church, community and civic groups she's been in contact with recently.
"For the most part, people want to stay at home as they age," said Kelly. "They don't want to lose their independence and the longer they are able to live at home, the further they can stretch their own resources. A lot of people realize they just need a little help, so we're just making them aware that there are options out there. Generally, individuals start off wanting a little daily help with things like getting up, getting dressed and maybe laundry and some housekeeping. Then as time goes on and the need arises, they can increase those services if they need a bit more personal care," said Kelly. Whether one can pay for the service or qualify for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Care Choices for Independence Program, the LRCS HomeAssist Program provides the framework and supports to meet the individual's needs as directed by the individual or their representative.
The HomeAssist Program also provides those receiving services with flexibility and choices as to who will provide their in-home supports. If the person receiving services knows a neighbor or friend they already trust who can help them with their needs, HomeAssist can help formalize an employment arrangement with that individual. If not, qualified personal care providers are available
"Lakes Region Community Services provides caring support across the life span, from early childhood intervention to individual and family support," said LRCS Executive Director Chris Santaniello. "It is fitting for us to continue to expand our services to meet the needs of area seniors and those with chronic illnesses. As the local population ages, appropriate in-home supports will help the elderly stay in their homes as long as possible. Aging adults have options to live at home with dignity and they can increase services over time as necessary."
If you or someone you care about needs some in home assistance, call Lakes Region Community Services at 524-8811.
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