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Long-term supports and aging: DHHS outlines home‑and‑community programs as Commission on Aging calls for an "Age Well" plan
Summary
The Division of Long Term Supports and Services described home- and community-based programs, Meals on Wheels output and demographic trends as the State Commission on Aging urged a coordinated, long-term “Age Well NH” planning effort to prepare for an expanding older population.
Melissa Hardy, director of the Division of Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS), told the committee that the division is focused on home- and community-based care across the lifespan, including service coordination, nursing-home eligibility and waivers designed to support care in community settings.
Hardy said the division administers three waiver programs for people with developmental disabilities and for individuals who meet nursing-home level of care but prefer support in the community (Choices for Independence). She noted a rebranding in July 2024: the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services was renamed to use "aging" language rather than "elderly." "We changed the name, in July of 2024, and we moved away from the word elderly," Hardy said.
Hardy provided program statistics: in 2024 the department funded about 2.4 million meals to more than 15,000 unique individuals via nutrition programs (Meals on Wheels and congregate meals), and funded transportation services for over 120,000 trips for medical and community access.
Rebecca Skye, executive director of the State Commission on Aging, asked legislators to support an “Age Well NH” planning process. The commission’s executive summary highlights a projected increase in the 65+ population between 2020 and 2050 and recommends priorities including strengthening systems of care for healthy aging, growing the direct-care workforce, and ensuring age‑ready housing and workplace policies.
Hardy and commission staff said the department and the commission will continue to provide data and briefings to lawmakers and that several statutory and budgetary follow-ups are likely as the legislature considers system investments. No committee votes were taken during the orientation.
