Aging and long-term service is one of New Mexico’s defining issues. What we do here today will affect every single citizen of New Mexico for generations.
The benefits of a thriving senior population are overarching for our state:
At the heart of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department’s mission is the belief that New Mexico’s older adults and adults with disabilities have the right to remain active participants in their communities, to age with respect and dignity, to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to have equal access to health care. The Department is a leader in developing programs and building partnerships that support lifelong independence and healthy aging.
What We Do
New Mexicans are aging in place. We are also seeing retirees move to New Mexico. These two trends combined result in a rapidly aging New Mexican population.
*University of New Mexico, Geospatial Population Studies. 2020
** University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center. National Population Projections. 2018
University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Demographic Research Group
We’re expanding and improving the programs that are already in place while creating a vision for a better future.
New Mexico is dedicated to being a leader in fostering a thriving environment for aging well. The BLUE ZONES™ framework guides us in the development of public and private sector initiatives to increase the well-being of communities leading to greater stability, reduced healthcare costs and disparities, and increased resilience.
Thank you to everyone who attended and interacted with constituents. Seeing people actively participate in the democratic process is both moving and fills one with great pride.
1:00 pm
A condensed recording of the event will be broadcast for those who were unable to attend the live event on January 24. We look forward to sharing program highlights with you then.
Wellness is about the synergy of lives working together. As part of the Senior Nutrition Program network, NM ALTSD and NM Grown helps older adults in our community by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation, and improving health. Our program also provides connections to home and community-based services that can support independence and overall well-being.
The New MexiCare Caregiver Health Model is a program to provide financial assistance and training to caregivers assisting friends or family members with daily activities due to physical or cognitive limitations. The program aims to allow older adults to thrive in their homes and communities and reduce nursing home placements and emergency department visits.
Residents in the following counties may be eligible for funding to pay caregivers for home care services. Our goal is to expand this program statewide.
Residents, their families, friends, and caregivers entrust long-term care and nursing facilities to provide safe environments that meet standards of care and provide a quality of life. If ever they fall short, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers an avenue for expressing and resolving concerns.
Our advocates visit assisted living facilities and nursing homes on a regular basis, providing valuable services that help residents by: