Home Care in New Mexico
With its abundant sunshine and pleasant year-round weather, New Mexico can be an appealing retirement option for seniors of any age. The state boasts 15 national monuments and relaxing natural hot springs, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene. A growing number of older adults call New Mexico home — 18% of the state's population are seniors aged 65 and older.
New Mexico has a SeniorScore of 69, which is three points below the national average of 72. The SeniorScore is an indication of how well a state meets the unique needs of aging adults in the categories of Finances, Health & Safety, General Quality of Life and Recreation & Leisure. The state received its highest score of 72 in the General Quality of Life category, due to its mild climate and low rainfall levels. The Finances category earned the second-highest score of 61, thanks to the state's low income taxes and home health care costs that are lower than the national average. The state lost points for its relatively high property crime rate and low average household income.
This guide explores the costs of home care in New Mexico and discusses a variety of free home care resources and financial assistance programs that can help seniors stay independent in their own homes.
Top Home Care Agencies in New Mexico
Alliance Home Health Care is a senior home healthcare service provider located in Albuquerque, NM at 5981 Jefferson Road NE. They offer in-home health services along with home care services for senior clients. They have been in operation in ...
Located at 200 North Orchard Ave in Farmington, NM, Basin Home Health Inc is a home health care company offering in-home health care as well as home care services. For nearly 25 years, they have been serving customers in the ...
Located at 4300 Carlisle Blvd NE Ste 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is a senior home care provider that offers in-home nursing care as well as personal home care services. They offer different personal services ...
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico at 2303 Divot Avenue Suite 5, Home Kare Inc of Dona Ana is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home health care as well as personal care. They have been in business ...
Located in Santa Fe, NM at 10 Calle Medico, Professional Home Health Care, Inc is a home care company offering personal home care services as well as in-home medical care. For almost 25 years, they have been providing care to ...
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 4600b Montgomery Blvd Ne, Suite 202, Advantage Home Care, Inc is a senior home health care company offering in-home health services and also personal home care services. Since 2004, they have been providing care ...
Located at 1410 S Main St in Roswell, NM, Comfort Keepers is a senior home healthcare company offering personal home care services and also home health services. They offer various medical services including memory care, licensed nursing, speech therapy, occupational ...
Located at 585 Osuna Rd NE Ste F in Albuquerque, NM, Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care service provider that offers in-home nursing along with personal home care. They offer different medical services like diabetes management, care ...
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 4401 Masthead Street NE Suite 105, Gentiva Health Services is a senior home health care company offering in-home health care along with home care. They have been in operation in the area for nearly ...
Located at 1300 North Canal in Carlsbad, NM, Lakeview Christian Home Health is a senior home care provider offering home health services along with home care. They have been in operation in the area for nearly 22 years. They provide ...
Located in Santa Fe, NM at 404 Kiva Ct Ste C, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior in-home care provider that offers in-home care and also in-home health care. They provide various medical services including stroke care, diabetes management, ...
Comfort Keepers is a senior in-home care company based in Las Cruces, NM at 755 S Telshor Blvd Ste Q102. They offer in-home personal care as well as in-home nursing care for senior clientele. They provide multiple medical services ...
Located at 513 S Canal in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Well Care Inc Dba Home Care Connection and Hospice is an in-home care company that offers personal care services as well as in-home nursing care. For nearly 20 years, they have ...
Esperanza Home Health Care-Hospice is a senior home care service provider located in Buena Vista, NM at 2183 Highway 518 Mm 22. They provide in-home medical services and personal care services to senior clientele. They have been in ...
Located at 800 W Pierce St in Carlsbad, NM, Golden Services Home Health - Hospice - Counselling is a senior in-home care company offering in-home medical services along with personal home care services. Since 1988, they have been helping seniors ...
Mvch Services Caridad De San Antonio is a senior in-home care provider based in Mora, NM at St Hwy 518 Mile Marker 26. They offer in-home care and also in-home health services to seniors. Since 1988, they have been ...
Located in Silver City, New Mexico at 300 E 16th St, Gila Regional Medical Center is a home care provider that offers in-home health care in addition to in-home care. Since 1987, they have been helping clients throughout the Silver ...
Comfort Keepers is a home healthcare provider located in Artesia, NM at 502 W Texas Ave Ste C. They provide in-home medical care in addition to home care for senior clientele. They offer different medical services like cardiac care, ...
Located at 608 Reilly Ave in Farmington, New Mexico, San Juan Home Health Care is a home health care company that offers in-home care along with home healthcare. Since 1982, they have been serving clients in the Farmington area. ...
Located at Route 301 North Blvd #52 in Zuni, New Mexico, Zuni Home Health Care Agency, Inc is a home care company offering in-home nursing services and also in-home care. For nearly 37 years, they have been serving clients in ...
The Cost of Home Care in New Mexico
The cost of home care in New Mexico is on par with the national average of $4,290 per month, according to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey. In general, home care provides seniors with nonmedical services and assistance, which may include grocery shopping, companionship and help with household chores. On average, home care in New Mexico costs the same as home health care, which includes skilled nursing and other basic medical services.
The Cost of Home Care in New Mexico Compared to Nearby States
New Mexico is a solid retirement destination for seniors on a budget. With a cost of $4,290 per month for home care, it's less expensive than several surrounding states. Seniors in Colorado, for example, pay about $4,957 for both types of care, while retirees in Arizona pay $4,767. To the east, Texas is slightly cheaper – seniors there pay $3,956 for home care and $4,004 for home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
New Mexico | $4,290 | $4,290 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Texas | $3,956 | $4,004 |
Oklahoma | $4,195 | $4,242 |
Colorado | $4,957 | $4,957 |
Arizona | $4,767 | $4,767 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in New Mexico
Seniors in New Mexico have several other care options, including adult day care, assisted living and nursing home care. Adult day care is the least expensive, costing an average of $2,933 per month. Adult day care provides services at a community-based center while allowing seniors to live independently at home. Assisted living, which includes room and board, personal care and meals, costs almost $200 less than home care. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the priciest option, costing an average of $7,330.
- In-Home Care: $4,290
- Home Health Care: $4,290
- Adult Day Care: $2,933
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,100
- Nursing Home Care: $7,330
The Cost of Home Care in New Mexico's Top Cities
Home care costs in New Mexico can vary greatly within the state, with prices ranging between $3,432 and $5,053. The cheapest option is Las Cruces, which is less than an hour from El Paso and the Texas border. Seniors in that area can expect to pay about $850 less than the state average. The highest costs are found in Santa Fe, where seniors pay $763 more than both the state and national averages.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
New Mexico | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Santa Fe | $5,053 | $5,148 |
Albuquerque | $4,376 | $4,376 |
Farmington | $4,096 | $4,147 |
Los Cruces | $3,432 | $3,813 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in New Mexico
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
PACE provides a variety of social and health care services to seniors living at home, enabling them to remain independent for as long as possible. Services may include an in-home safety evaluation, personal care, transportation and medication management. The program is open to all Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible residents who live within a local PACE service area. Seniors must be aged 55 or older, eligible for nursing home care and able to live independently at home to qualify.
Contact Information
To start the application and eligibility determination process, seniors can call (844) 704-9613.
New Mexico Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver
The Medicaid Waiver provides free home care services and support to low-income seniors who might otherwise require nursing home care. Managed by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, this program may offer home modifications, counseling, meal delivery and caregiver respite. Individuals with a medically fragile condition or disability may also qualify for the Medically Fragile Waiver, which provides skilled nursing and case management, as well as free medical equipment. Applicants must meet income eligibility limits to qualify.
Contact Information
Residents can apply for assistance via the YesNM web portal. For questions, seniors can call the Aging and Long-Term Services Department at (505) 476-4799 or the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (800) 432-2080.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
New Mexico Home Care Rules and Regulations
In New Mexico, home care agencies provide seniors with in-home care, while skilled nursing and medical services are provided by home health agencies. Both types of care are regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement. The department requires that all home care and home health care agencies are licensed and follow legal guidelines on the scope of care, staff hiring practices and reporting abuse.
Scope of Care | Home care workers provide assistance with daily living tasks, including meal preparation, shopping and companionship. Home health care is a medical-based service that may provide medication administration, therapy, personal care and help managing chronic conditions. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home health agencies must create an individual care plan that includes the client's medical and dietary needs, medications, medical conditions and treatment plans. The plan should be reviewed by a licensed nurse every six months and anytime there is a significant change in health status. |
Medication Management Requirements | Nonmedical in-home caregivers can help clients with self-administration of medications, as long as clients understand the medication's purpose and potential side effects. Home health care aides may administer medications as prescribed by the client's physician. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All care staff applicants must pass a statewide and national criminal history screening. Applicants also must not be listed on the state's Employee Abuse Registry. |
Staff Training Requirements | Care staff must complete 16 hours of supervised training prior to providing care and 12 hours of additional training annually. Training includes first aid, residents' rights, transportation safety and abuse reporting requirements. Home health care aides must hold a license or certification from the state of New Mexico. |
Medicaid Coverage | New Mexico seniors who are eligible for, or enrolled in, a Medicaid program may have the cost of home care or home health care covered. |
Reporting Abuse | Elder abuse and neglect can be reported to the New Mexico Department of Health at (800) 445-6242. Individuals may also file an online incident report. |
Free Home Care Resources in New Mexico
Seniors in New Mexico have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Area Agencies on Aging
New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department operates four Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout the state. AAAs provide a variety of home care services for seniors aged 60 and above, and seniors aged 55 and older who are in a tribal program also qualify. Services offered may include adult day care, case management, meal delivery, transportation and caregiver support. AAAs prioritize assistance for individuals with low-incomes and those who are at risk of placement in an assisted living facility.
Contact Information
Residents in the Albuquerque area can get more information by calling their local AAA at (505) 768-2084 or (505) 629-8544. In the Santa Fe area, call (866) 699-4927. Seniors in the Window Rock area can call (928) 871-6868.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible New Mexico residents pay for part or all of their heating and cooling bills, and it may also cover the cost of energy-related home repairs. Seniors may be able to get emergency assistance if they've received a disconnection notice or had services disconnected. While there are no age restrictions for the program, residents must meet household income eligibility limits to qualify.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for LIHEAP via the YesNM portal or fill out and mail an application to their local Income Support Division (ISD) office. For more information, call (800) 283-4465.
Legal Resources for the Elderly Program
LREP operates a senior help hotline and provides free civil legal advice for New Mexico residents aged 55 and older of all income levels. Areas of law they can help with include estate planning, Medicare appeals, foreclosure, bankruptcy and landlord/tenant issues. LREP also holds educational legal workshops for seniors on topics, such as power of attorney and advanced care directives.
Contact Information
To speak with an attorney from LREP, seniors can call (800) 876-6657.
Meals on Wheels
Serving seniors in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho area, Meals on Wheels provides residents with low-cost meal delivery five days per week. Meals may be hot or frozen; the program also offers meals for diets low in fat, salt and sugar. Meals on Wheels can also help pet owners pay for food and veterinary care, and the program provides weekend pantry boxes for meal preparation on days when the service doesn't deliver. There are no age or income requirements in order to receive service, but seniors must commit to receiving at least two deliveries per week.
Contact Information
Seniors can contact Meals on Wheels at (505) 823-8060 or apply for meal delivery on the organization's website.
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services offers seniors a variety of benefits, including exemptions for property taxes and vehicle excise taxes for disabled individuals. Disabled veterans may also be eligible for free transportation to medical appointments, depending on location. The department can help seniors understand VA pensions, disability compensation and other entitlements of interest to veterans. Other benefits include discounted hunting and fishing licenses, as well as special-recognition license plates for honorably discharged veterans.
Contact Information
Residents can reach the Department of Veterans Services at (505) 383-2400.
Tax Relief
New Mexico has several tax breaks and rebates for residents aged 65 and older. Depending on income level, seniors may be eligible for a deduction of up to $8,000 per year on taxable income. Low-income residents can also get a property tax rebate, which is available for both homeowners and renters. Seniors with medical expenses exceeding $28,000 per year that aren't covered by Medicaid or private insurance can get an income tax deduction of up to $3,000.
Contact Information
To learn more about tax relief programs and determine eligibility, seniors can call the Taxation and Revenue Department at (505) 827-0700.
New Mexico Ramp Project
The New Mexico Ramp Project builds wheelchair ramps for disabled and housebound seniors who can't afford to buy their own. Ramps are built by a team of volunteers who can typically complete the work in less than a day. Seniors can request a ramp by asking for a referral from their health care professional or social worker; the project doesn't accept requests from clients directly.
Contact Information
For more information about the project, seniors can email [email protected].
Other Cities in New Mexico