New Mexico’s plan to allow more seniors to remain in their homes

The plan details three goals it says can help support seniors’ desires to age in place and their caregivers, according to Source NM. It also aims to address food insecurity, housing stability, healthcare access, and mitigating elder abuse and exploitation.

The population of residents aged 65 or older in New Mexico is projected to grow to more than 477,000 by 2030.

“The new plan strives to address these changing needs including standing up new programs like New MexiCare that support family and friend caregivers,” a spokesperson from the state’s Department of Aging said.

The “New MexiCare program” offers training and support for caregivers across the state, which is designed to allow older residents to remain in their homes for longer periods of time. The program is available in 31 of 33 counties, but Source NM reports that it is expected to soon be rolled out in the two remaining counties.

The new draft aging plan is slated to go into effect this October, and projects activity on this front through 2029. The draft plan is currently taking feedback from community members through May 15, which can be submitted online.

Long-term care is also getting some renewed attention at the federal level. Last month, Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act, which would amend Social Security to provide long-term care benefits for program participants. The bill’s co-sponsor is Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.).