State highlights support for family caregivers

SANTA FE – During National Family Caregivers Month in November, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is encouraging caregivers to learn about the resources available to help them continue providing care while also taking care of themselves.

In New Mexico, an estimated 419,000 people provide more than 274 million hours of unpaid family care every year. Family caregivers help loved ones with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, managing medications, transportation and other household tasks.

“Family caregivers do so much for the people they love, often while balancing jobs, families and their own responsibilities,” said Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD cabinet secretary. “No one should have to navigate caregiving alone. There are programs and services available to help them find support, get a break, and continue caring for their loved ones.”

The Aging Department offers a range of programs and services to support caregivers, including:

• The New MexiCare Caregiver Program: Provides financial assistance and training to eligible caregivers who are helping older adults with physical or cognitive limitations. The program is available statewide and is designed to help older adults remain in their homes and communities.
• The Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program: Helps eligible grandparents, relatives, and other kinship caregivers who are raising children whose parents are unable to care for them with financial assistance and training. The program is available in Rio Arriba, San Juan, and Taos counties.
• Respite care and adult day services: Offers caregivers short-term relief from caregiving responsibilities. Depending on availability and individual needs, respite may be provided in the home, at an adult day care center or in another care setting.
• Caregiver resources and referrals: The Aging and Disability Resource Center can connect caregivers with information, education and other forms of caregiver support including education, transportation, homemaker and chore services, home-delivered meals, senior companion services, care coordination and other programs.

For more information about the caregiver programs, visit aging.nm.gov or call 800-432-2080.