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MERRIMACK – Gov. Chris Sununu today ceremonially signed SB 414, expanding access to critical respite grant funding for Alzheimer’s caregivers, during a fundraising event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The legislation, effective July 1, expands the definition of Alzheimer’s so that caregivers of those who are symptomatic of the disease, but may not have a formal diagnosis, can be eligible for a respite grant to cover their absence when they need a temporary break.

The signing took place at the 7th annual NH Hot DogZ fundraising event in Merrimack which brings together hundreds of community members while selling thousands of hot dogs each year as part of The Longest Day – an initiative in which participants from across the country raise critical funds and awareness, through an activity of their choice, to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s. In the last 6 years, the event, organized by Bob Bergin, has raised $33,000 towards the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are thrilled to have Governor Sununu sign this bill into law which will ensure that quality respite is accessible to family caregivers in need across the Granite State. I would like to thank our advocates who worked hard on this bill, Senator Avard and the legislature for recognizing the need for increased access to respite care particularly as families have struggled to obtain services throughout the pandemic, and Governor Sununu for his unequivocal support for this effort,” said Chelsea Gordon, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.

In New Hampshire, there are an estimated 26,000 individuals aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s and more than 58,000 serving as unpaid family caregivers providing an estimated total of 83 million hours of care – a contribution valued at $1.5 million. Respite care provides family caregivers with short-term relief from their ongoing responsibilities to reduce the mental and physical stress they may experience.

“Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be physically, emotionally and economically exhausting, with many caregivers cutting back at work or leaving the workforce altogether to provide care for their loved ones at home. Unfortunately, obtaining an official diagnosis for Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be challenging for many reasons including stigma and the need for extensive medical testing. This change will ensure these families don’t fall through the cracks and have access to services that allow their loved one to stay home and receive the care they need,” said Jim Wessler, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter.

Caregivers who qualify for the grant, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services Bureau for Elderly and Adult Services, can use the funds to pay for temporary in-home care, a stay at an assisted-living facility, access to an adult day care center, or light housekeeping.

For more information about the New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, and how to apply for respite care services, click here. To learn more about local Alzheimer’s Association support, resources, education programs, and advocacy efforts visit alz.org/manh.

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