Caregiving

ACROSS the Granite State, unemployment is at 2.5%. “Help wanted” signs and open positions are common in businesses of all sizes. Employers are competing for workers, not only to attract them but to retain them.

Concord Television's Senior Speak NH March 2025, hosted by AARP NH volunteer Dan Wise, features an episode about NH's Long-Term Care System featuring the State Ombudsman Susan Buxton. To reach the NH Longterm Care Ombudsman office, please call 603.271.4375

Monique’s journey as a caregiver for her mother, Miette, involved tough choices and a relentless commitment to her well-being. As a retired nurse and a RN care manager, Monique brought a wealth of knowledge to the role.

AARP Offers Tips and Resources to Help

New Hampshire is home to more than 168,000 caregivers. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey, AARP has resources to help here.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and AARP New Hampshire is spotlighting its resources for those tending to a loved one.

John’s caregiving journey began in 2016 when his father John Sr. was diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This meant around the clock care and advocacy. Finding assistance was a trial in itself. John, a resident of Tuftonboro, left his job to care for his father and John’s sister was able to arrange the finances to make that a viable solution. It was not without its challenges both financially and emotionally.

In 2016, Susan was enjoying a successful career in Liquor sales when she had to resign and switch gears to become a caregiver. Her mother, Ann, had ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia) and in need of full-time care. Caring for Ann was an honor for Susan.

Steve’s caregiving journey with his mom Shirley, age 86, has been a long road that began shortly after she had a stroke. Shirley was living on her own in an apartment in Keene and soon began having memory issues. Eventually, she was found several times confused and wandering at night and knocking on neighbor’s doors.

Barbara is struggling to keep herself and her husband Tom afloat. Twelve years ago, Tom suffered a permanent traumatic brain injury that makes it impossible for him to work or care for himself. In the beginning he was treated at various hospitals and rehab centers, which added more bills to Barbara’s daily worries. These days, Barbara is her husband’s primary caregiver.