Helping People Live at Home As They Age

Ivelin Radkov

AARP New Mexico is working with state lawmakers to ensure adequate funding for services that help people continue to live at home as they age, rather than moving into nursing homes or other institutional settings. Such services include home-delivered meals, group meals at senior centers, transportation and respite for family caregivers.

“For the last couple of years, the state’s budget has remained relatively flat despite an increasing need for services as the population ages,” said Gene Varela, AARP state director. “The state now has more revenue, which we believe should be used in part to expand these vital programs.”

During the 30-day legislative session that begins Jan. 19, AARP New Mexico also will press for continued expansion of Medicaid. An additional 216,000 state residents were covered by summer 2015—significantly more than expected.