This Division is the “Aging” in the Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Aging Network providers include senior centers, congregate meal sites, adult day care programs, volunteer programs, employment program host agencies, Senior Olympics, the New Mexico Alzheimer’s Association, and others. Aging Network contract providers help families remain together, at home, in their own communities. The contract providers create a safety net for the vast majority of New Mexico’s elders, those who don't qualify for Medicaid but whose resources are limited, those whose families are stretched to capacity caring for loved ones at home. Employment and volunteer opportunities enable older adults to remain active, vital members of their communities. Financial subsidies offered by the employment programs and by some of the volunteer programs help seniors maintain their economic independence. The Aging Network is the only resource for many senior New Mexicans.

Aging Network Services

New Mexico’s Older Americans Act funding, and significant state aging network funding, provides for a comprehensive array of services and the administrative infrastructure to deliver those services. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department receives an annual allotment of funds under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA), as amended, from the Administration on Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In New Mexico, these funds are allocated to four of the six area agencies on aging based on an approved intrastate funding formula. The Navajo Area Agency on Aging receives Title III OAA funding through the state of Arizona, and New Mexico’s Pueblos and Apache Tribes receive Title VI OAA funding directly from the federal Administration on Aging. New Mexico provides state funds as appropriated by the New Mexico State Legislature to all six of its area agencies on aging. Each area agency plans for, develops, and implements a system of services for individuals age 60 and older, or age 55 and older in the Native American Indian communities. All services are targeted to those with the greatest economic and/or social needs, with particular emphasis on minority older persons with low incomes and older persons residing in rural areas.

Goal

Maintain an aging network structure that is effective and complies with federal and state requirements, including development of a state employment plan and review/approval of plans developed by area agencies on aging.

Objectives

• Work with area agencies on aging and other contract providers, to establish service objectives, targeting services to those with the greatest need and maximizing resources.

• Work with area agencies, other units of state government, and local service providers to expand and increase services and programs as appropriate funding streams are identified.

• Expand staffing to facilitate increased liaison capacity to serve each area agency and contract organization with enhanced technical assistance and monitoring.