Assisted Living in New Mexico
From the Rio Grande River to the Carlsbad Caverns to the Roswell UFO Museum, New Mexico proudly announces its individuality and natural beauty. There are plenty of assisted living options for seniors in the land of enchantment, with 269 assisted living facilities statewide. Almost 18% of the population in New Mexico is 65 years and older, higher than the national average of 16% and an increase from 13.3% in 2010.
Summers are dry and hot in the middle of the state, and Albuquerque sees 280 sunny days each year, compared to the U.S. average of 205 days. In the more mountainous region of Santa Fe, temperatures are cooler, and the arts flourish at popular yearly arts festivals. Seniors can enjoy a wide selection of museums and galleries, including Native American arts. The median monthly cost of assisted living in New Mexico is 4,100, slightly over the average national cost of $4,051 and somewhat higher than most neighboring states.
This guide gives an overview of the services provided at assisted living facilities in New Mexico and the costs of other senior living options in the state. It also breaks down the prices for assisted living in New Mexico by region and lists resources that can help pay for the cost of assisted living.
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SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in New Mexico
The SeniorScore provides a snapshot of how New Mexico measures up to other states in areas such as climate, cost of living and general quality of life. New Mexico's score of 69 is just three points below average for the country, and it's based on data from the U.S. Census, Medicare and other reliable sources. The state has a temperate climate with a high number of parks and golf courses, making it a desirable location for retirement.
SeniorScore™ for New Mexico
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- New Mexico's SeniorScore™ of 69 is lower than the national average of 72.
- New Mexico has average access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- New Mexico has an average number of hospitals within the state.
- New Mexico has an average number of senior living facilities within the state.
- New Mexico has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in New Mexico is 78.4, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- New Mexico has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- New Mexico has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 32% of the population in New Mexico are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- New Mexico has 84 golf courses in the state.
- New Mexico has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- New Mexico has 838 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 1.78% of total income in New Mexico, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.63% of property value in New Mexico, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in New Mexico is 8.49%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in New Mexico is 3.35%, which is lower than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in New Mexico is $59,647, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- New Mexico's median household income is $45,952, which is significantly lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in New Mexico is $23,463, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in New Mexico average $41,037 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in New Mexico average $82,322 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in New Mexico average $20,961 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in New Mexico average $42,202 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 8.26% in New Mexico, which is the same as then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in New Mexico is average compared to national averages.
- 1.27% of the senior population in New Mexico are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- New Mexico receives an average of 12.9 inches of rain per year.
- New Mexico has an average annual temperature of 54.2 degrees fahrenheit.
- New Mexico has an average low temperature of 38.5 degrees fahrenheit.
- New Mexico has an average high temperature of 69.1 degrees fahrenheit.
- New Mexico has an average population density of 196 people per square mile.
- New Mexico has a very low public school quality ranking.
- New Mexico has a very high public school safety ranking.
- New Mexico has an average graduation rate of 82.30%.
New Mexico is a popular destination for many seniors, competing with Florida and Arizona as a top retirement spot, which is one reason the highest scoring category is General Quality of Life. The state population remains fairly steady, even as more seniors relocate to take advantage of the mild climate. The vibrant culture and year-round opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities make New Mexico an ideal location for many seniors.
Another reason to retire here are the financial benefits. Property taxes are low compared to the national average, and residents aged 65 and over get a yearly taxable income deduction of up to $8,000 each. Transportation costs are about 85% of the national average, and the overall cost of living in New Mexico is 12% lower than the rest of the country.
Although New Mexico is the 36th largest state in the country, it has a low population density of around 200 people per square mile. There are almost 40 hospitals in the state, serving a population of just over 2 million. Health care costs are only 83% of the U.S. average, and many assisted living facilities in New Mexico are registered to accept Medicare payments.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in New Mexico
The Medical Resort at Fiesta Park is an 85 room senior housing facility situated within the Wildflower area of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with about 15,000 people residing in the 87113 zip code. ...
Located at 435 Ithaca Ct Apt G2, The Pavilions At South Fork is a senior housing facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an average family income of $57,179. ...
Albuquerque Grand Senior Living is a senior community located within the Spruce Park area of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The facility is in a primarily working class area, with a median per-family income of $33,627. With approximately 28,000 individuals ...
Sierra Health Care Center is located at 1400 North Silver St in Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico. It is a 90 unit nursing facility. The encompassing area has an average population density, with roughly 8,000 individuals living in ...
Good Samaritan Society Las Cruces Village is a 94 bed senior care community. It is located at 3025 Terrace Dr in Las Cruces, New Mexico. With approximately 29,000 individuals living in the 88011 zip code, the encompassing area ...
Located in the Oso Grande area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, La Vida Llena is a 50 unit senior housing community. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 57,000 residents in the zip code of 87111. It ...
Situated within the N Campus neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Atria Vista Del Rio is a senior care facility for people 65 and over. The community is in a largely low income area, with a median per-household income of ...
Fairwinds - Rio Rancho is a senior community situated around the Seven Bar North neighborhood of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 52,000 poeple living in the zip code of 87124. ...
Retirement Ranch is a 104 unit senior care facility located in Clovis, New Mexico. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-household income of $39,643. It is heavily populated, with around 46,000 individuals ...
Good Samaritan Society - Manzano Del Sol Village is situated within the Fair West area of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a 117 unit senior housing community. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 40,000 individuals ...
Cedar Ridge Inn is a 101 bed senior housing facility situated in Farmington, New Mexico. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $48,823. It is densely populated, with about 47,000 ...
Located in the Countrywood area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Las Palomas Center is a 120 unit senior housing facility. With a median family income of $53,029, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It is densely ...
Village at Northrise - Desert Willow II is located at 2884 North Road Runner Pkwy in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is a 30 room senior housing community. With a median per-family income of $57,179, the facility is ...
Albuquerque Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a 134 bed nursing care facility. It is situated in the Hodgin area of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With an average family income of $53,029, the community is in a generally middle ...
Life Care Center of Farmington is a 144 room senior care community. It is located at 1101 West Murray Dr in Farmington, New Mexico. With around 47,000 individuals residing in the 87401 zip code, the surrounding area is ...
Located within the Tanoan East area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Montebello on Academy is a 60 unit senior care facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with approximately 57,000 people residing in the zip code of 87111. ...
Taos Retirement Village is a 20 unit senior care community. It is located at 414 Camino De La Placita #24 in Taos, New Mexico. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 13,000 residents in the ...
Located at 500 Care Ln in Aztec, New Mexico, Good Samaritan Society - Four Corners Village is an 88 bed senior community. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with approximately 19,000 residents in the zip code of 87410. ...
Northgate Unit of Lakeview Christian Home Nursing is located at 1905 West Pierce St in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is a 112 bed nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with about 35,000 individuals residing in ...
Good Samaritan Society- Socorro is a 66 bed senior care community situated in Socorro, New Mexico. With an average household income of $33,940, the facility is in a mostly low income area. It has a medium-density population, with ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in New Mexico
Data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019 show that, at $4,100 per month, the median monthly cost of assisted living in New Mexico is close to the national rate of $4,051. Neighboring Colorado is in the same range at $4,095 per month, with Texas and Arizona both having a lower median monthly cost of $3,750. At $3,400 per month, Utah is the least expensive compared to the other states bordering New Mexico.
- New Mexico: $4,100
- United States: $4,051
- Arizona: $3,750
- Utah: $3,400
- Colorado: $4,095
- Texas: $3,750
The Cost of Assisted Living in New Mexico's Top Cities
Albuquerque, one of New Mexico's largest cities, has the lowest median cost for assisted living, at $4,050. Assisted living costs are $4,445 in Santa Fe, and Las Cruces at $4,550 per month. Farmington has the highest cost for assisted living at $4,600.
- Albuquerque: $4,050
- Las Cruces: $4,550
- Santa Fe: $4,445
- Farmington: $4,600
Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Mexico
The median cost per month for assisted living in New Mexico is $4,100, and both in-home housekeeping care and home health care cost slightly more at $4,290. Adult day care has a significantly lower cost of $2,933 per month, and seniors who need nursing home care pay quite a bit more, with a median monthly cost of $7,330 for a semiprivate room.
- Assisted Living: $4,100
- In-Home Care: $4,290
- Home Health Care: $4,290
- Adult Day Care: $2,933
- Nursing Home Care: $7,330
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New Mexico
Centennial Care Waiver
Address: P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348
Phone Number: (888) 997-2583
Website: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/centennial-care-overview.aspx
Medicaid is called Centennial Care in New Mexico. It's run by the Human Services Department, and a senior must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien to enroll. Individuals aged 65 and over making up to $2,349 per month and having up to $2,000 in assets qualify for benefits, and the limits are doubled for married couples. Social Security payments, disability income, pensions, alimony and stock dividends are all counted as income for qualifying purposes.
Health care and long-term placement for some seniors is provided by Community Benefit, a program designed to keep the elderly out of nursing homes whenever possible. Seniors enrolled in Medicaid who need assistance with at least two daily activities such as bathing, eating and mobility are eligible for nursing home care. With Community Benefit, a senior who meets these requirements can apply for a waiver to cover the cost of long-term care in an assisted living facility instead of nursing home care.
Affordable Housing for the Elderly
Website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsors several kinds of affordable housing for seniors, including assisted living facilities. HUD-funded assisted living is paid for with subsidies for very low-income seniors aged 62 and over. Residents pay a small portion of the monthly rent based on income, and HUD pays the rest. Contact information for local HUD offices can be found here.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
Phone Number: (800) 225-5342
Website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome
Seniors can draw upon the money invested in their homes to finance assisted living. Many financial institutions provide monthly payments to seniors with a type of loan called a reverse mortgage. There's no income requirement for taking out a reverse mortgage loan, and lenders must follow FHA rules and regulations that protect borrowers.
A homeowner who is 62 or older can borrow against the equity in the family home, and the balance of the loan comes due only when the borrower moves, sells the home or dies. When only one partner of a married couple dies, the other spouse also receives the right of residency. This means that the home cannot be sold as long as the remaining spouse lives in it, and the estate is not required to pay back any funds that exceed the home's value.
A reverse mortgage is a good option if there's a reasonable amount of equity in the home, especially if only one spouse resides in assisted living. Home equity conversion mortgages underwritten by HUD include a detailed cost analysis, and seniors receive free financial counseling to determine if this option will work for them. Contact information for local HUD offices can be found here.
Short-Term Loan
There are other ways to raise the cash needed to pay the upfront fees for assisted living. Some seniors sell a vehicle, trade in an insurance policy for its cash value or sell the family home. For seniors with financial resources that will take time to liquidate, a short-term loan can help them move to an assisted living facility while their financial affairs are put in order. If a senior doesn't qualify to borrow the money, a family member may be able to help by becoming a cosigner for the loan.
New Mexico Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
The New Mexico Department of Health has written regulations to ensure that seniors receive care that promotes dignity, quality of life and self-reliance. The Program Operations Bureau and the District Operations Bureau work together to provide licensing and certification for all health care facilities in the state, including assisted living facilities.
Operating Requirements | Each facility must employ a full-time administrator who has completed a certification program approved by the state. Each resident shall be given an admission agreement that includes all costs, facility rules and procedures, refund provisions, a description of the resident's legal rights and information about advance directives. |
Physical Environment and Safety | There must be one staff member present for every 15 or fewer residents. A record must be kept of fire safety inspections and monthly fire drills. Pets are allowed in the facility, subject to the facility rules, and are prohibited from dining areas, with the exception of guide dogs for individuals with disabilities. |
Support Services | Residents must receive physical, social and cognitive activities that meet their physical fitness and psycho-social needs. The facility must provide transportation to residents or help them use public transportation. |
Resident Rights | Resident rights must be posted in a high-traffic area, along with a phone number for reporting incidents and contact information for the state ombudsman program. |
Food Services | Snacks and three nutritious meals must be served daily. A 30-day written record must be kept of all meals and snacks served to residents. |
Health-Related Services | Staff may supervise self-medication by residents; medications may only be given directly by trained medical personnel. An individual care plan must be completed for each resident within 10 days of admission, and a recent physical examination report must be included in each resident's file. |
Staff Screening | All personnel must have a criminal history screening within six months prior to beginning work. Written staff records and employee policies must be maintained. |
Staff Certification and Training | Staff must have relevant education, training or experience to be considered competent to meet residents' needs. All staff must receive instruction in fire safety, proper food-handling, infection control, residents' rights and the confidentiality of medical records. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in New Mexico
Seniors aged 60 and up and disabled people of any age can take advantage of a free prescription drug program if they need help paying for medications. The program is for the uninsured or underinsured and those who don't have the financial resources to pay for prescription drugs. This program could help seniors who are trying to budget their income in order to afford the costs of assisted living.
Contact: Call (800) 432-2080 or visit https://www.prescriptionassistance.us/li/nm-new_mexico_prescription_drug_assistance.
New Mexico Agencies
Aging and Long-Term Services Department
Phone Number: (866) 451-2901
Website: http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/senior-services.aspx
Program managers at the Department ensure that state funds are being provided to elderly citizens who qualify for them, including from the assisted living option of the Community Benefit. The long-term care ombudsman helps seniors remain eligible for financial aid while working to resolve issues regarding payment to assisted living facilities.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone Number: (800) 432-2080
Website: http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/adrc.aspx
Coordinators at ADRC counsel seniors about long-term living alternatives, including help in finding an assisted living facility. They help seniors navigate insurance plans to get the most from their benefits, and staff members can help seniors find free legal services for any disputes with caregivers, including assisted living facilities. At the Resource Center, seniors can also register for the Centennial Care waiver for assisted living and get help with finding government and private benefits to help pay for care.
Area Agencies on Aging in New Mexico
The AAA assists seniors aged 60 and over at six locations in New Mexico, and the agencies have a special focus on minorities and those in financial need. Staff members help seniors identify and apply for a variety of support services and find affordable legal representation when needed. AAA counselors can help seniors coordinate their insurance and support services and give referrals for additional assistance. The AAA strives to keep seniors out of nursing home facilities and in community settings, and the organization provides advice and support for those interested in assisted living.
Veterans Affairs Offices in New Mexico
Veterans who served during a time of war could be eligible for a veteran's pension and possibly be entitled to other VA benefits. For example, low-income vets who need assistance with eating, bathing or dressing may qualify for the Aid and Attendance Benefit in addition to a pension.
Social Security Offices in New Mexico
In addition to Social Security payments, some seniors aged 65 and over are entitled to Supplemental Security Income. Seniors can apply at any Social Security local office to see if they meet the requirements for receiving SSI.
Upon qualification for SSI payments, other benefits are often available as well. For example, in New Mexico, the Optional State Supplement provides financial assistance for those who live in residential care homes such as assisted living facilities.
Other Cities in New Mexico