Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services
Community Benefit Plan and Report FY23
Community Benefits – Addressing Needs in our Community
Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS) and the VNA at HCS submits a Community Benefit Report to the Office of the New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trust Division annually, reviewing the activities that we provide that address concerns identified in our community. In our fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services and the VNA at HCS provided $640,548.00 in community benefits. This includes free and reduced care and community programs that address the concerns that have been identified as part of the Community Needs Assessment.
Assessing the Needs
As part of this Community Benefits process under RSA 7:32-f, every five years, HCS and the VNA at HCS conduct a community needs assessment to “identify and prioritize the needs that we as a health care charitable trust can address directly or in collaboration with others.” In 2023, HCS conducted an assessment and review of community needs. The assessment identified the following needs, which will be priorities for the organization to address as part of its Community Benefits Plan for 2024 – 2029.
Home Care Services: Skilled care provided by visiting nurses, rehabilitation therapists, medical social workers and home health aides to assist residents to recover at home and to remain independent at home. Home care services may include hospice care for those at the end of life.
Caregiver Supports: Caregiver support groups are available on an ongoing basis.
Food Insecurity: Food insecurity in the older adult and disabled population is addressed through the meals on wheels program and the congregate dining program. The meals on wheels program also provides socialization and a daily safety check.
Social Isolation: The Friendly Meals program addresses the need for socialization among older adults. Dining locations are located in Jaffrey and Keene.
Transportation: The City Express provides mobility for people of all ages in the City of Keene. The Senior Pass program gives older adults mobility and independence. The Friendly Bus provides door to door service for older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide access to medical services and essentials of daily living.
Prevention Services for families: Healthy Starts focuses on pregnant women, children and families, providing supports and resources. The Kinship Navigation program links grandparents and relative caregivers to a broad range of services to help the children in their care thrive.
For more information about the Community Benefits Report, Needs Assessment process, or the charity care policy, contact Susan Ashworth, Director of Community Relations.