Easterseals NH’s announcement on Aug. 27 it will reverse itself and keep its adult day programs alive has Strafford County commissioners breathing a sigh of relief.
Last week, Easterseals NH had announced that as of Oct. 17, it would discontinue adult day programs in Rochester and Manchester, and also discontinue homemaker and personal care services across New Hampshire. Citing declining enrollment, rising costs, and workforce shortages, its board of directors indicated keeping the programs running was no longer viable.
Strafford County commissioners expressed concern at that time about the impact on the county’s seniors, predicting it would increase requests for placement in the county’s Riverside Rest Home in Dover. The adult day programs in Rochester and Manchester have about 130 seniors enrolled, according to Easterseals.
It was not immediately clear if more funding was provided that allowed Easterseals to keep the programs alive. Neither Easterseals nor Gov. Kelly Ayotte included information about funding in their announcements on Aug. 27.
Michele Talwani, a spokesperson for Easterseals, was asked directly by Foster’s Daily Democrat about funding. She cited conversations with state leaders and “a shared commitment to the people and families who rely on these programs,” but offered no specifics on funding. She said Easterseals will “work to determine a sustainable path forward.”
Questions about funding have also been sent to Ayotte’s office and the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Services for seniors seen as vital
Strafford County Commission Chair George Maglaras had previously expressed concerns about the loss of the day programs, noting the county’s Riverside Rest Home has a lengthy waiting list and it’s less expensive if seniors can stay in their homes and receive services.
During an Aug. 27 meeting, Maglaras told the commissioners he had received a phone call minutes earlier from an Easterseals spokesperson, who reported the adult programs would keep going after all.
“Easterseals had an emergency meeting with their board after meeting with the governor and Executive Council, and they will continue their adult day care program for the time being,” Maglaras said. “They are working with the state to find other providers by June of next year for homemaker services.”
In its announcement, Easterseals leaders indicated they had heard from many people about the importance of the programs for older adults, caregivers and families. They said they worked with Ayotte’s administration, Executive Councilor John Stephen, and other community stakeholders.
Easterseals and state officials look forward
“I’m pleased Easterseals has reversed its decision to cut these vital services for older adults, caregivers, and families,” Ayotte said in a prepared statement. She thanked Lori Weaver, the state’s health commissioner, Stephen, “and all of the advocates who voiced their concerns. … We will continue working with partners like Easterseals to ensure our most vulnerable citizens and their families get the care and support they need.”
In addition, Easterseals NH stated it will continue providing certain in-home services in Strafford and Hillsborough counties through existing contracts with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services through June 30, 2027.
“We have appreciated our candid and helpful conversations with Governor Ayotte’s administration about the importance of our programs and the challenges facing these services,” said Maureen Beauregard, president and CEO of Easterseals NH & VT, in the announcement. “We are grateful for Governor Ayotte’s leadership, and her administration’s willingness, through DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver and team, to engage with us and to Executive Councilor Stephen, and so many others in our community who have shared their helpful perspectives.”
Beauregard said Easterseals plans to “seek a path forward with the state and other partners that allows us to continue providing these services while working to stabilize the viability of these programs.”
Easterseals NH & VT Board Chairman Bryan Bouchard added, “As we continue our adult day programs in Manchester and Rochester and maintain open enrollment, we encourage the public to help us sustain them through client referrals and volunteer support. Continuing these important services for the long term will take all of us working together in a collaborative community effort, which Easterseals NH will continue to help lead.”
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat.Reporting by Karen Dandurant.
