Adult Day Health Center to be operated by Easter Seals NH

Its existence threatened by the financial belt-tightening underway at LRGHealthcare, The Adult Day Health Center in Laconia has been rescued by Easter Seals New Hampshire.

The Manchester-based non-profit organization that focuses its efforts on helping those with disabilities and with special needs has agreed to take over the management of the Adult Day Care program effective June 1.

"We've worked hard to make this day arrive," said Christopher Boothby, LRGHealthcare Director of Development and Community Affairs. "It's wonderful news for the community."

According to Boothby the program will continue to operate out of its current location with the same fee schedule and staffing. In addition, LRGHealthcare has donated all of the furniture and materials to ensure that there are no interruptions in care and services as a consequence of the transition.

Arlene Kershaw, Director of Senior Services for Easter Seals New Hampshire, said she's enthusiastic about the program's prospects. "It's a challenge to run adult day programs, but we've been running one for 20 years in Manchester," she said. "To make it a success we hope to partner with local community providers."

The Laconia Adult Day Health Center was launched by LRGHealthcare in 1999 and currently serves 21 people. But low attendance and participation has elevated operating losses to nearly $150,000 annually. With LRGHealthcare struggling to reverse three consecutive years of $5 million annual operating losses, the program became one of a number of services targeted for elimination or revamping by LRGH officials.

"We recognize how much this program means to the clients it serves and their families," acknowledged Tom Clairmont, LRGHealthcare President and CEO. "We're pleased that another community agency — especially one known for such dedication to providing quality programs — is able to continue this valuable service in the Lakes Region."

To Kershaw, continuing the program is a natural extension of Easter Seals' mission. "Our goal is to provide services that we can provide — to help people who need it," she said.

But she also admits that adding to the client base is important if the program is going to survive over the long term. "We have to expand," she said. "We have the capacity for 15 more clients per day, and we need to be operating closer to that capacity."

For now, both LRGHealthcare officials and representatives of Easter Seals NH agree that what's most important is that the program will continue, largely unchanged. "We're looking forward to managing this excellent Center," said Larry Gammon, CEO of Easter Seals NH. "Easter Seals is dedicated to providing innovative services and solutions that improve the quality of life for N.H. citizens and we're pleased to be able to continue the work of LRGHealthcare in Laconia."