FAQs for the Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I'm overwhelmed by all the programs for seniors. What am I eligible for? How do I sign up?
2. Do I call the BEAS if I am having an emergency?
3. My parents are on Medicare but have no prescription drug insurance. What programs are available to help them with their prescription drug costs?
4. What can I do to lower my expenses for prescription drugs?
5. What else do I need to know about taking prescription medications?
6. Who is required to make a report when an incapacitated adult is mistreated or neglected?
7. What proof do I need before I notify the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services about a person who I think is being abused?
8. What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing facility?
9. What are residential care facilities?
10. What is congregate housing?
11. How do I find out about the services and requirements for the HCBC-ECI program?
12. What are in-home support services?
13. What services can help with nutritional needs and preparing meals?
14. What transportation services are available to people who can no longer drive or cannot drive because of a disability?
15. What are adult day services?
16. When should I call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman ?

Questions & Answers:
1. I'm overwhelmed by all the programs for seniors. What am I eligible for? How do I sign up?	Back to top
Contact a DHHS District Office or NH ServiceLink. NH ServiceLink is a statewide network of agencies and resources exclusively directed to assist the elderly and younger adults with a chronic illness or disability to access those services and resources. Case technicians and social workers within the DHHS District Offices are experts about programs and services and other resources for seniors; they can determine your eligibility and help you enroll in the programs or services that best meet your needs.

2. Do I call the BEAS if I am having an emergency?	Back to top
You should always dial 9-1-1 in an emergency situation.

3. My parents are on Medicare but have no prescription drug insurance. What programs are available to help them with their prescription drug costs?	Back to top
There are a variety of prescription drug programs available such as senior drug, Medication Bridge, the Veteran's Administration (VA) system, manufacturers' discount cards, and the catastrophic illness program. Contact BEAS for additional information.

4. What can I do to lower my expenses for prescription drugs?	Back to top
Ask your doctor if samples are available. Ask your doctor if a generic medication is available and if it would be appropriate for you to take it for your prescription. Check pharmacies for best prices. Prices on the same medication may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, and from month to month.

5. What else do I need to know about taking prescription medications?	Back to top
Know the possible side effects for each medication you take - especially when you add a new medication to the total number of medications you take per day. If you get prescriptions from more than one doctor, make sure each doctor knows all the medications you take, including over the counter medications. Certain foods, beverages or over the counter products may not be compatible with your medications. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

6. Who is required to make a report when an incapacitated adult is mistreated or neglected?	Back to top
EVERY PERSON, without exception, IS REQUIRED to make a report to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services when there is "reason to believe" that an incapacitated adult is being mistreated or is unable to care for himself or herself. Adult Protection provides information about how to report suspected abuse or neglect.

7. What proof do I need before I notify the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services about a person who I think is being abused?	Back to top
No proof is necessary to make an anonymous report of abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect. A person only needs to have a "reason to believe" that an incapacitated adult has been mistreated or is unable to adequately care for himself or herself. When in doubt, make a phone call to discuss whether or not a report is appropriate.

8. What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing facility?	Back to top
Assisted living facilities bridge the gap between independent living and nursing facility care by supporting independence for as long as possible. A nursing home cares for frail individuals that require 24-hour assistance with most daily living activities, medical monitoring and medication administration. For more information about Nursing Facilities, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. They have an online Nursing Home Comparison Tool to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the United States.

9. What are residential care facilities?	Back to top
The term "residential care facilities" refers to private pay facilities that offer flexible lifestyle options for seniors who are active and live independently but enjoy peace of mind knowing support services are readily available within the residential setting. Living in a residential care facility can provide different benefits depending on needs and circumstances. Residents enjoy the peace of mind, companionship, fulfillment and privacy through their freedom of choice.

10. What is congregate housing?	Back to top
Congregate housing and support centers are municipal or public housing facilities that support independent living and have on site activities and access to support services. Individuals live and participate in an environment that promotes socialization, recreation, health and nutrition. Residents require little or no support with activities of daily living. Support services may be available on-site or through referral.

11. How do I find out about the services and requirements for the HCBC-ECI program?	Back to top
Examples of HCBC-ECI services provided are: adult daycare, adult in-home care, respite care, homemaker, home health aid and nursing services. Call ServiceLink or contact a DHHS District Office. A case manager can tell you more about the program and help assess what services are required based on individual need.

12. What are in-home support services?	Back to top
In-home support services directly benefit aging adults and adults with disabilities or chronic illness. Support services are also provided to families and caregivers that help care for individuals who wish to and are able to live independently. In-home support services are designed to help individuals who wish and are able to continue living independently in their homes. These services provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing and dressing, assessing dietary needs and meal preparation, shopping and household maintenance. For more information about available services call any DHHS District Office or NH ServiceLink.

13. What services can help with nutritional needs and preparing meals?	Back to top
The Home Delivered Meals program prepares and delivers meals to the homes of program participants. Meals are prepared in accordance with the American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association guidelines. Special accommodations for special nutritional needs are made whenever possible. To receive home delivered meals an application is taken over the phone followed by a home visit. Anyone can make a referral to the Home Delivered Meals program.

14. What transportation services are available to people who can no longer drive or cannot drive because of a disability?	Back to top
There are a variety of transportation alternatives offered in NH communities. In addition to public transportation available in larger cities, many towns are served by community agencies that provide door-to-door, wheelchair accessible transportation. To find out what options are available in communities throughout the state contact NH ServiceLink. Many local civic and religious groups may also provide information about this service.

15. What are adult day services?	Back to top
Adult day services allow eligible adults to be in supervised group settings during daytime hours for one to five days per week. These services assist families and individuals with medically oriented services and socialization with a therapeutic focus. Providers of adult day services are located throughout NH. For more information about these services and the community, agencies that provide them contact any DHHS District Office or NH ServiceLink.

16. When should I call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman ?	Back to top
It is the goal of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to ensure the existing grievance systems are effective and that they resolve differences fairly. However, if you don't know the appropriate person to call, or the system doesn't seem to be working for you, then call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.