Area Agencies on Aging in New Mexico
Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in New Mexico (2026)
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If You Need Emergency Help
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.
For urgent aging or disability assistance:
- Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-800-432-2080 – Statewide connection to local services
- New Mexico Adult Protective Services: 1-866-654-3219 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-451-2901 – For nursing home and assisted living concerns
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
For immediate food assistance:
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
- New Mexico 2-1-1 – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico has 2 primary Area Agencies on Aging – one serving Bernalillo County and one serving all other counties
- All services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
- Call 1-800-432-2080 to connect with your local services through the Aging & Disability Resource Center
- Strong focus on multicultural populations including Hispanic/Latino and Native American communities
- Most services coordinated through network of over 240 senior centers statewide
- Centennial Care Medicaid waiver programs can help you stay in your home instead of moving to a nursing facility
- New Mexico is rapidly aging – projected to have 4th highest percentage of older adults by 2030
- Rural and frontier communities receive special attention due to geographic challenges
What Are Area Agencies on Aging?
New Mexico takes a unique approach to aging services through a simplified structure of just two primary Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), supported by a statewide network of service providers and over 240 senior centers. This streamlined approach allows for more coordinated statewide programming while still addressing local needs.
The two AAAs are the City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging, which serves the state’s largest metropolitan area, and the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging, which serves all other 32 counties in New Mexico. This structure reflects the state’s geographic diversity, from urban centers to vast rural and frontier areas.
Both AAAs work closely with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD), which provides state oversight and coordination. The system is designed to address New Mexico’s unique demographic challenges, including a rapidly aging population, significant Hispanic/Latino and Native American populations, and the logistical challenges of serving rural and frontier communities.
New Mexico’s approach emphasizes cultural competency, bilingual services, and innovative delivery methods to reach seniors across the state’s 121,000 square miles. The state operates an integrated Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) system that serves as a single entry point for information and services.
New Mexico’s Area Agencies on Aging: Directory
| AAA Name | Counties Served | Director | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging | Bernalillo County | TBA | 505-764-6400 | 1 Civic Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 |
| Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging | All other 32 counties (Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, Sandoval, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance, Union, Valencia) | TBA | 505-476-4799 | 3900 Paseo Del Sol, Santa Fe, NM 87507 |
Note: Contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 1-800-432-2080 for assistance connecting to your local AAA.
Core Services Provided by New Mexico AAAs
Information and Assistance
Both AAAs provide free information and assistance through the statewide Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) system. Staff members are trained to answer questions about:
- Available programs and services in your area
- Eligibility requirements for different programs
- How to apply for benefits and services including Centennial Care Medicaid
- Referrals to other agencies and organizations
- Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs
- Long-term care options counseling
Services are available in English and Spanish, with additional language interpretation available as needed. The ADRC serves as New Mexico’s “no wrong door” entry point for aging and disability services.
Nutrition Programs
New Mexico AAAs coordinate comprehensive nutrition programs that reflect the state’s multicultural heritage and address food insecurity in both urban and rural areas.
Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at over 240 senior centers throughout New Mexico, often incorporating traditional New Mexican cuisine and accommodating cultural dietary preferences. These programs provide vital social interaction and often include cultural programming. Meals typically have a suggested donation of $3-5 for seniors 60+, though no one is turned away for inability to pay.
Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who have difficulty leaving their homes, AAAs coordinate meal delivery programs across New Mexico’s vast geographic area. Services include hot meals, frozen meals, and culturally appropriate meal options. Delivery frequency varies based on location and transportation challenges.
Nutrition Education: Programs often include information relevant to traditional New Mexican diets, managing diabetes (which affects many Hispanic and Native American populations), and nutrition education tailored to cultural preferences.
Transportation Services
Transportation is one of the most critical challenges in New Mexico due to vast distances, mountainous terrain, and limited public transportation. AAAs address this need through various approaches:
Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to medical appointments, including long-distance trips to specialty care in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or other regional medical centers. Programs often coordinate multi-passenger trips to maximize efficiency across long distances.
General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for essential trips like grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy visits, and social activities. Service frequency varies dramatically between urban areas and rural/frontier communities.
Rural and Frontier Adaptations: Special programs for New Mexico’s frontier counties, including volunteer driver networks, coordination with tribal transportation services, and innovative scheduling to serve remote communities.
New Mexico Reality Check: Transportation services are extremely limited in rural and frontier areas and may require booking weeks in advance. Weather conditions, particularly in winter and during monsoon season, can cancel services without notice. Same-day transportation is rarely available except for medical emergencies.
Legal Assistance
AAAs coordinate free legal services for seniors 55+ through the Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP), a joint project with the New Mexico State Bar Foundation:
- Medicare and Centennial Care Medicaid problems and appeals
- Social Security and disability benefit issues
- Housing problems and landlord-tenant disputes
- Consumer protection from scams and fraud targeting seniors
- Basic estate planning (wills, advance directives)
- Elder law and age discrimination issues
- Immigration issues affecting older adults
- Property and inheritance matters
Legal assistance is provided through a statewide helpline and has no income restrictions, making it accessible to all New Mexico seniors.
Medicare and Insurance Counseling (SHIP)
New Mexico’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling through AAAs and trained volunteers:
- Medicare enrollment assistance and plan comparisons
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan reviews
- Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
- Medicare Advantage plan evaluations
- Help resolving billing problems and claim denials
- Assistance understanding Medicare statements and coverage
- Coordination with Centennial Care Medicaid benefits
SHIP counselors provide services in English and Spanish and understand the unique needs of New Mexico’s diverse senior population.
Family Caregiver Support
New Mexico AAAs operate Family Caregiver Support Programs and the innovative New MexiCare program that provides assistance to family members caring for older adults:
Information and Education: Training on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding chronic conditions prevalent in New Mexico populations (diabetes, heart disease), and navigating the state’s service system.
Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups, including specialized groups for dementia caregivers and bilingual support groups.
Respite Care: Temporary care services that provide family caregivers with breaks, including in-home companions, adult day programs, or short-term facility care.
New MexiCare Program: Provides financial assistance and training to caregivers helping friends or family members with daily activities. Available in all counties except Bernalillo and Doña Ana (expanding statewide by 2025).
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
New Mexico AAAs coordinate Senior Medicare Patrol programs that help seniors protect themselves from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse:
- Education about Medicare fraud prevention
- Assistance reviewing Medicare statements and bills
- Help reporting suspected fraud or errors
- Training for volunteer fraud prevention educators
- Outreach to vulnerable populations including rural and minority communities
New Mexico Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs
New Mexico offers Centennial Care Medicaid programs that help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care in their homes instead of nursing facilities. AAAs serve as entry points through the ADRC system.
Home and Community-Based Waiver Program
New Mexico’s primary waiver program allows individuals who would benefit from caregiver support to access full Centennial Care Medicaid benefits while remaining in their homes or assisted living facilities.
Services Include:
- Case management and care coordination
- Personal care services
- Homemaker services
- Adult day health services
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Home modifications and assistive technology
- Personal emergency response systems
- Transportation for medical appointments
- Skilled nursing services in the home
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be Centennial Care (Medicaid) eligible
- Must need nursing facility level of care
- Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under $2,901/month (2025)
- Must choose to receive services at home/community instead of nursing facility
Application Process:
- Call 1-800-432-2080 to schedule intake assessment
- Complete assessment with ADRC Options Counselor
- Register for waiting list if eligible
- Participate in Centennial Care Medicaid application process
Coordinated Long Term Services (CLTS)
For those who qualify for basic Medicaid, waiver services are provided through New Mexico’s managed long-term services and supports system:
Key Features:
- Integrated with Centennial Care managed care organizations
- Coordinated physical health, behavioral health, and long-term care
- Person-centered planning approach
- Cultural competency requirements for providers
Specialized Waiver Programs
New Mexico also offers specialized waiver programs administered through other agencies:
- Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DDW)
- Mi Via Waiver (self-directed services)
- Medically Fragile Waiver
- Support Waiver
Special Population Services
Hispanic/Latino Seniors
New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanic/Latino residents in the nation, and AAAs have developed culturally competent services:
Cultural Adaptations:
- Bilingual staff and services in Spanish
- Traditional foods incorporated into nutrition programs
- Cultural programming at senior centers
- Understanding of extended family structures and caregiving patterns
- Partnerships with Hispanic/Latino community organizations and churches
Native American Seniors
New Mexico has 23 sovereign tribal nations, and AAAs coordinate with tribal aging programs:
Tribal Coordination:
- Partnerships with tribal aging programs and Indian Health Service
- Cultural competency training for service providers
- Respect for traditional healing practices and cultural values
- Coordination with tribal transportation services
- Understanding of sovereignty and jurisdictional issues
Key Tribal Resources:
- All Pueblo Council of Governors
- Navajo Nation (portions in New Mexico)
- Jicarilla Apache Nation
- Mescalero Apache Tribe
- Multiple Pueblo communities
Rural and Frontier Communities
New Mexico has some of the most remote communities in the nation, requiring innovative service delivery:
Rural-Specific Adaptations:
- Mobile service delivery using specially equipped vehicles
- Volunteer networks covering vast distances
- Coordination with local businesses and community organizations
- Technology solutions including telehealth coordination
- Seasonal service adjustments for weather and access challenges
Frontier Community Innovations:
- Hub and spoke service delivery models
- Coordination with emergency medical services
- Partnerships with post offices and general stores
- Use of community health workers (promotoras)
Low-Income Seniors
New Mexico has high poverty rates among seniors, requiring targeted financial assistance:
Financial Support Programs:
- New MexiCare financial assistance for caregivers
- Assistance accessing food assistance programs
- Help with utility assistance programs
- Coordination with local food banks and emergency assistance
- Tax preparation assistance through AARP Tax-Aide
LGBTQ+ Seniors
New Mexico AAAs work to ensure LGBTQ+ seniors feel welcome and safe when accessing services:
What to Expect:
- Non-discrimination policies in place
- Staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency
- Partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations in larger communities
- Safe space designations at some senior centers
- Support groups for LGBTQ+ seniors in urban areas
How to Access Services
Step 1: Contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center
Call 1-800-432-2080 from anywhere in New Mexico to access the statewide ADRC system. Services are available in English and Spanish, typically Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Step 2: Initial Information Gathering
ADRC staff will ask questions about:
- Your location (county and nearest town)
- What type of assistance you’re seeking
- Your current living situation and support system
- Whether you have urgent needs requiring immediate attention
- Basic information about your resources and insurance coverage
- Language preference for services
This conversation helps staff understand your situation and connect you with appropriate local resources.
Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)
For ongoing services, you may need a more detailed assessment:
- Phone assessment for information and referral services
- In-person assessment at AAA offices, senior centers, or community locations
- Home visits for complex care coordination (may involve long-distance travel)
- Options counseling for long-term care planning
Assessments are conducted in English or Spanish and may involve cultural liaisons for Native American clients.
Step 4: Service Coordination
Based on your assessment, ADRC staff will:
- Explain available services in your specific area
- Help you apply for relevant benefits including Centennial Care Medicaid
- Make referrals to local service providers
- Coordinate with your healthcare providers and managed care organization
- Develop person-centered service plans for complex situations
Step 5: Ongoing Support
AAAs provide continued support through:
- Regular check-ins and reassessments
- Help accessing new services as needs change
- Advocacy when problems arise with service providers
- Annual reassessments for waiver programs
- Coordination with the broader aging services network
Costs and Financial Assistance
Free Services
These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:
- Information and assistance through ADRC
- Options counseling and person-centered planning
- Benefits counseling (Medicare, Centennial Care Medicaid, Social Security)
- Legal consultations through LREP for seniors 55+
- Case management and care coordination
- Long-term care ombudsman services
Donation-Based Services
These services have suggested donations but cannot turn away those unable to pay:
- Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
- Transportation ($3-15 suggested donation depending on distance)
- Home-delivered meals ($3-5 suggested donation per meal)
Income-Based Services
Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:
- Some home care services
- Adult day programs
- Respite care services
- Home modification assistance
Insurance and Medicaid Coverage
Many services can be covered by:
- Centennial Care (New Mexico Medicaid) including waiver programs
- Medicare (for medically necessary services)
- Private insurance
- Veterans benefits
- Other federal and state programs
New Mexico Financial Reality: The state’s rural nature and low income levels affect service delivery:
- Transportation costs are high due to long distances
- Limited provider availability in rural areas can increase costs
- Many seniors live on very low incomes, making donations difficult
- Services are prioritized for those with greatest need
- Cultural and language barriers can affect access to financial assistance
Quality and Accountability
Program Standards
All AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:
- Staff qualifications and ongoing training
- Cultural competency requirements
- Service quality and safety protocols
- Financial management and accountability
- Non-discrimination and accessibility policies
Oversight and Monitoring
AAAs are monitored by:
- New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD)
- Federal Administration for Community Living
- Independent financial auditors
- Older Americans Advisory Council
- Consumer feedback systems
Complaint Process
If you have concerns about services:
- Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved directly
- Contact the AAA director – Each AAA has procedures for handling complaints
- Call ALTSD – 505-476-4799 for state-level review
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – 1-866-451-2901 for facility-related complaints
- Contact Adult Protective Services – 1-866-654-3219 for abuse or neglect concerns
Your Rights
As a service recipient, you have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect regardless of background, culture, or language
- Receive culturally appropriate services in your preferred language
- Have your personal information kept confidential
- Participate in decisions about your care and services
- File complaints without fear of retaliation
- Receive services that meet established quality standards
Resources by Region
| Region | Primary AAA | Key Characteristics | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Metro | City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County AAA | Urban services, diverse populations, medical center | Comprehensive urban services, multicultural programming |
| Northern New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Santa Fe area, Pueblos, mountain communities | Native American coordination, arts community programming |
| Southeastern New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Carlsbad, Roswell, oil/gas communities | Oil field worker programs, rural services |
| Southwestern New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Las Cruces, border communities, mining areas | Border health coordination, migrant worker services |
| Northwestern New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Farmington, Gallup, Navajo Nation areas | Tribal coordination, energy sector services |
| Northeastern New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Las Vegas, rural ranch communities | Ranch family services, rural transportation |
| South Central New Mexico | Non-Metro AAA | Socorro, Truth or Consequences, rural areas | Technology research coordination, retiree services |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do New Mexico’s AAAs serve such a culturally diverse population?
New Mexico AAAs provide bilingual services in English and Spanish, employ culturally competent staff, partner with tribal nations and Hispanic/Latino organizations, incorporate traditional foods and cultural programming, and provide interpretation services for other languages as needed.
What makes serving seniors in New Mexico’s rural areas particularly challenging?
New Mexico has some of the most remote communities in the nation, with vast distances between towns, mountainous terrain, limited infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and provider shortages. AAAs adapt through mobile services, volunteer networks, and innovative technology solutions.
How do AAAs coordinate with New Mexico’s 23 tribal nations?
AAAs work with tribal sovereignty in mind, partnering with tribal aging programs rather than duplicating services, coordinating with Indian Health Service, respecting cultural practices, and providing services that complement rather than compete with tribal programs.
What is the New MexiCare program and how does it work?
New MexiCare provides financial assistance and training to family caregivers helping older adults with daily activities. It’s available in all counties except Bernalillo and Doña Ana (expanding statewide by 2025) and represents New Mexico’s innovative approach to supporting family caregivers.
How do weather and geography affect service delivery in New Mexico?
Services can be cancelled due to snow in mountainous areas, monsoon flooding, dust storms, and extreme heat. AAAs have emergency protocols, maintain emergency supply programs, and use technology to maintain contact during weather-related isolation.
What services are available for seniors who primarily speak Spanish?
All major AAA services are available in Spanish, including information and assistance, legal help through LREP, Medicare counseling, and case management. Many senior centers offer programming in Spanish, and written materials are available in both languages.
How do AAAs serve seniors living in frontier communities?
Frontier communities (less than 6 people per square mile) receive adapted services including mobile delivery, volunteer networks, coordination with emergency services, technology solutions, and innovative scheduling to maximize efficiency across vast distances.
What is the waiting time for Medicaid waiver services in New Mexico?
New Mexico operates a registry waiting list system for waiver services. Wait times vary by region and level of need. Priority may be given to those in crisis situations. The ADRC can provide current wait time estimates and help with interim planning.
How do AAAs address the needs of military veterans in New Mexico?
AAAs coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, help veterans access VA benefits, provide transportation to VA medical facilities, and understand the unique needs of veterans including those from nearby military installations.
How does New Mexico’s rapid population aging affect service delivery?
New Mexico is projected to have the 4th highest percentage of older adults by 2030. AAAs are expanding services, developing new programs, advocating for increased funding, and planning innovative service delivery models to meet growing demand, particularly in rural areas where aging is most pronounced.
Disclaimer
Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
For the most current information, contact:
- Aging & Disability Resource Center: 1-800-432-2080
- New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department: 505-476-4799
- Your local Area Agency on Aging
About This Guide
Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors
This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance.
Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, ACL, CMS), New Mexico state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.
Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements.
Information Currency:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026
Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.
Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.
This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs.
About the Authors