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Nursing Homes in New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment and many seniors find retiring in the state is a magical experience. New Mexico is home to just over 2 million people, and 18% or more than 377,000 are seniors aged 65 and older. The state offers its older residents a low cost of living, healthcare costs that are almost 18% below the national average and lower-than-average senior living costs. This makes it a good choice for budget-conscious retirees. There’s also plenty of sunshine and striking desert landscapes to help older New Mexicans enjoy an enchanted retirement.

New Mexico has more than 70 nursing home facilities that offer care to adults who don't need to be hospitalized but require 24-hour supervision and skilled nursing services for disabilities or chronic medical conditions. Seniors who don't require this high a level of care may have their needs met through in-home support or assisted living. This guide helps seniors and their families understand the cost of nursing home care in New Mexico, the regulations that govern nursing facilities and the programs and resources available to older adults in the state.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in New Mexico



New Mexico has a SeniorScore of 69, which is slightly lower than the national average of 72. The SeniorScore is a measurement of how comfortable a given state or community is for seniors. It's calculated using more than 100 data points and breaks down the analysis into four categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. 

New Mexico’s highest ranking category is General Quality of Life, which received a score of 72. The state’s climate, which features low rainfall and moderate winter temperatures, has an impact on this score, as does the low population density. New Mexico's score of 61 in the Finances category reflects lower-than-average property and income tax rates as well as in-home care, assisted living and nursing home costs that are well below the national averages.

The high proportion of seniors living in New Mexico helps boost the state’s Recreation & Leisure score. It's also influenced by the wide range of churches, golf courses and parks available to seniors. The state’s lowest-ranking category is Health & Safety. The number of hospitals, senior living facilities and Medicare-registered healthcare providers in the state had an impact on the score in this category, which are comparable to the nationwide averages.



Top Nursing Care in New Mexico



Princeton Place - Albuquerque, NM

Princeton Place

500 Louisiana Boulevard NE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

1-855-233-7205

15 Reviews  

Princeton Place is a 369 bed senior care facility. It is situated within the La Mesa area of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With around 40,000 people residing in the zip code of 87108, the encompassing area has a dense ...

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Ladera Center - Albuquerque, NM

Ladera Center

5901 Ouray Road NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

1-855-221-7955

6 Reviews  

Situated within the West Bluff neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ladera Center is a 120 bed senior housing community. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average household income of $64,076. With about 59,000 ...

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La Vida Llena - Albuquerque, NM

La Vida Llena

10501 Lagrima De Oro NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

1-855-233-7205

7 Reviews  

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 ...

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Mexico



New Mexico’s seniors benefit from affordable nursing home care. The state’s average cost for skilled nursing care is $7,406 per month, which is $350 less than the national median. Despite this, New Mexico is one of the more expensive states in the Southwest. Colorado is the only neighboring state with higher nursing home costs, at $8,517 per month. Arizona and Oklahoma have lower costs, while Texas is the most affordable state in the region with a monthly average cost of $5,019.

  • New Mexico: $7,406
  • United States: $7,756
  • Texas: $5,019
  • Arizona: $6,844
  • Colorado: $8,517
  • Oklahoma: $5,323

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Mexico’s Top Cities 

Nursing home costs vary greatly between New Mexico cities. Albuquerque has the highest cost at $8,330 per month, followed by Santa Fe where the average is $8,060, both of which are higher than the statewide and national averages. Costs in Las Cruces and Farmington are significantly lower at $7,336 and $6,915, respectively. Across the Texas border in El Paso, the average cost for nursing home care is even lower at just $5,232 per month.

  • Santa Fe: $8,060
  • Albuquerque: $8,330
  • Farmington: $6,915
  • Las Cruces: $7,336
  • El Paso, TX: $5,232

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New Mexico

Nursing homes are the most expensive type of senior care available in New Mexico. Memory care costs $2,343 less at $5,063 per month and assisted living averages $4,050. Seniors living independently pay $4,290 for in-home care and $4,385 for home health care services. Adult day care is the least expensive option at an average cost of $2,513 per month.

  • Memory Care: $5,063
  • Assisted Living: $4,050
  • In-Home Care: $4,290 
  • Home Health Care: $4,385 
  • Adult Day Care: $2,513
  • Nursing Home Care: $7,406

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in New Mexico



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in New Mexico.



Medicaid in New Mexico


Medicaid in New Mexico is known as Centennial Care. The program is funded by the state and federal governments and provides health insurance to low-income adults and children. Beneficiaries get coverage for primary and acute care, including long-term services and supports such as skilled nursing care. In New Mexico, more than 800,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid programs, which is an increase of 76% since coverage expanded in 2013. Two-thirds of the state’s 5,500 nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid, and the majority of New Mexico’s 71 nursing homes accept Medicaid coverage.

Medicaid Eligibility in New Mexico

Medicaid has a number of programs available for recipients, based on their individual circumstances. People applying for nursing home coverage must meet certain financial and personal criteria. The basic requirements include:

  • Applicants must have an income of less than $2,382 per month. Spouses applying as a couple may have up to $2,382 each. 
  • Applicants must have assets of less than $2,000. For married couples where both spouses are applying, the asset limit is $2,000 per person. Not all assets are countable and exemptions include an automobile, personal belongings and household furnishings.
  • A nonapplicant spouse can keep up to $130,380 in assets and may be eligible for a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance from their spouse's income to help them meet living expenses. 
  • To be eligible for nursing home assistance, applicants must be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care.
  • Applicants must be a New Mexico resident and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien.

Applicants who meet the criteria qualify for Centennial Care coverage for the cost of their care in a nursing home. They may also be eligible for the Community Benefit program, which provides long-term care services to help seniors remain living at home or in an assisted living facility. Applications for Medicaid are handled by the New Mexico Human Services Department, and seniors or their family members can download and mail in an application form or apply in person at a local field office. Alternatively, applications can be made through the YesNM website, where seniors may be able to check their eligibility in as little as 10 minutes.



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

New Mexico Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



The Program Operations Bureau and the District Operations Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) license and certify all health care facilities in New Mexico, including nursing homes. The NMDOH also maintains the Certified Nurse Aide Registry, approves training courses and oversees the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program. These are some of the regulations that New Mexico nursing homes must follow.

Scope of Care

Nursing homes provide 24-hour services that help maintain or improve the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of residents. Facilities provide skilled nursing care, which is defined as care that requires the skills of professional personnel and is provided directly by or under the supervision of these licensed providers. 

Facilities employ a range of personnel including nurses, nurse aides, administrators and social workers to provide care. They may also retain other professionals such as pharmacists and physical therapists. 

Nursing homes can only admit a person if they have the capacity to provide the care the resident needs.

Care Planning

Each resident’s plan of care should include an integrated program of activities, therapies and treatments to help them achieve a specific goal. It must be developed by an interdisciplinary team within two weeks of the individual's admission. Plans must be evaluated and updated at least quarterly and more often if needed. 

Nursing homes should include the resident in any planning of their care, unless a physician advises that the resident is unable to participate.

Pharmacy Services

Nursing homes must be able to obtain any medication required by residents. In addition, they must retain a registered pharmacist to visit on a monthly basis and review the drug regimen of each resident. This pharmacist is also responsible for ensuring all medication storage and labeling requirements are followed.

Staff Screening

Anyone working in a nursing home is subject to a nationwide and statewide criminal history check, which includes a fingerprint check. Paperwork for this check must be sent to the Bureau within 20 days of a staff member’s first day of employment, although applicants can receive a conditional offer of employment prior to receiving the results. 

Disqualifying convictions include crimes involving adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. People with a disqualifying conviction can't work as caregivers. 

Staff Training

All staff employed by nursing homes must be licensed for the job they’re hired to perform. 

Nurses must receive quarterly in-service training on topics relevant to the needs of residents, including rehabilitative therapy, wheelchair safety and oral health care. All other staff must complete regular in-service training on topics to help them improve their skills and knowledge.

Medicaid Coverage

Skilled nursing care is covered by New Mexico Medicaid for seniors and disabled adults who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria. Additionally, applicants must be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care.

Reporting Abuse

All nursing home employees must report any suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services (APS). Families or visitors can also make a report if they suspect abuse or neglect is occurring in a nursing home by calling APS at (866) 654-3219 or (505) 476-4912.


Free Nursing Home Resources in New Mexico



New Mexico Health Care Association

The New Mexico Health Care Association/New Mexico Center for Assisted Living (NMHCA/NMCAL) is a trade association for long-term care providers. In addition to supporting members, the association also advocates for senior care issues that have an impact on skilled nursing, assisted living and intermediate care facilities. NMHCA/NMCAL has resources available to educate seniors and their families about senior care options in the state and helps educate the public about the myths and facts of living in a long-term care facility.

Legal Resources for the Elderly Program

The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) is administered by the State Bar of New Mexico. It’s a statewide helpline that offers legal advice and brief services to any New Mexico resident aged 55 or older, regardless of their income. The program has five staff attorneys available who all specialize in issues that affect seniors, such as foreclosure, guardianship, Medicare and powers of attorney. Seniors who require more extensive assistance can be referred to another attorney. Legal advice can be provided in Spanish or English.



New Mexico Agencies


Human Services Department

Address: P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504
Phone Number: (800) 283-4465
Website: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/ 

The Human Services Department (HSD) administers a range of programs to support New Mexicans, including Child Support, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Behavioral Health Services. The HSD also manages Medicaid and helps people not eligible for Medicaid or employer insurance access health care through the Health Coverage Connector. The eligibility criteria differ for each HSD program, depending on who it targets, but the department aims to assist all New Mexicans who require aid. 

New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department

Address: 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone Number: (505) 476-4799 or (800) 432-2080
Website: http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/ 

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) has a range of services available that support aging in place and offer assistance to caregivers. The department is New Mexico’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which provides legal services, assistance with Medicare and Medicaid, homemaker assistance, home modifications and more. In addition, it helps administer the Centennial Care Waiver for Community Benefit. 

The ALTSD also works with Area Agencies on Aging to provide senior services including meals, adult day care and case management. The department has a Care Transition Program that helps seniors living in long-term care facilities move back to the community. New Mexico’s network of 240 senior centers are also part of ALTSD and offer services such as meals, social activities and health screenings. Some programs may have eligibility criteria, but in general all New Mexican older adults, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers can contact the ALTSD for information and assistance.



Area Agencies on Aging in New Mexico


New Mexico has four Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that provide a range of services to seniors throughout the state. Services are available to people aged 60 and over, or those aged 55 and older in tribal programs. Services vary depending on the needs of the people in the local area, but can include case management, respite care, congregate and home delivered meals and homemaker services. Older New Mexicans can get more information on services available in their area and how to access them by contacting their local AAA.



Veteran Affairs Office in New Mexico


The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS) provides assistance to New Mexicans who have served in the military. The Field Services Division helps veterans and eligible family members file claims and obtain federal and state benefits. It also connects veterans to other community resources. Veterans in certain rural counties can take advantage of the Department’s Rural Veterans Transportation Program to travel to and from their home to any VA or VA-approved medical appointment. New Mexico has one Veterans’ Home that provides skilled nursing care to older veterans. Seniors can contact their local office to access NMDVS services.



Social Security Offices in New Mexico


The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages Social Security disability and retirement benefits, Medicare enrollment and other payments that can assist disabled and older New Mexicans. Some people who receive Supplemental Security Income may also be eligible for Optional State Supplementation payments, depending on their living situation. For more information about the programs offered through the SSA, seniors can contact their local Social Security office.

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