Whether they enjoy their golden years at home or in a supported living environment, New Mexico residents enjoy access to a variety of elderly care programs. Programs allow elderly individuals an active role in directing their own care while remaining in their homes or local communities, and are designed to continue providing care for those who don't want to or are unable to participate in their choice of elderly care.
Senior Centers
Operated by county-level agencies, senior centers throughout New Mexico provide a place for elderly residents to socialize, enjoy meals and get information about other New Mexico elderly care programs. The centers also provide information about elderly care programs for home-bound residents of the state.
PACE
Operated by the Elderly and Disability Services Division of New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department, the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly provides combined services to residents over 55 years of age who are qualified for nursing home care under Medicaid criteria. Using Medicaid, Medicare and private financing, the program coordinates home care, meals, personal care, primary care, rehabilitation services, transportation, pharmacy services and hospitalization needs.
CoLTS
An acronym for Coordination of Long-Term Services, the state's CoLTS program manages long-term services for New Mexico Medicaid recipients. Working with two managed care organizations-- AMERIGROUP and Evercare--CoLTS helps elderly New Mexicans get the care they need while remaining in their homes or their home communities.
PCO
A Personal Care Option program gives Medicaid recipients a leading role in directing their own care choices. Participants may pick their caregiver, who may be family member, and remain in their community to live independently. Participants who don't want to or are unable to select a caregiver may delegate the choice. In either approach, the caregiver screens and supervises attendants to be sure they provide adequate care and meet legal requirements.
Mi Via
Low-income elderly residents of New Mexico may also plan their elderly care through the Mi Via program. Participants may select which services they need, hire service providers and direct spending of their Mi Via funds.
GAP
The state GAP program helps elderly residents and others with physical impairments get the help they need to live on their own. Gap can provide qualified recipients up to $7,500 to assist with emergency housing, personal care, home modifications or personal assistance devices.
Adult Protective Services Division
This state agency investigates complaints of elderly neglect, exploitation or abuse. Statewide toll-free number: 866-654-3219 (505-476-4912 from outside New Mexico).
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The statewide resource center provides intake services, counseling and other information about New Mexico Elderly Care Programs.
Toll-free number: 800-432-2080
Ombudsman Program
A statewide ombudsman program provides access to volunteers who can help elderly New Mexicans or their families select care facilities, get annual reports about various facilities or find solutions to problems that arise in elderly care programs.
Toll-free number: 866-842-9230
Tags: elderly care, care programs, elderly care programs, elderly residents, information about, they need, directing their
