NM aging department to incorporate public response into latest state plan
New Mexico's aging department will incorporate public response into its latest state plan. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico Aging Services)
Public comment closes Friday on New Mexico's aging department's long-term plan, which outlines goals to address the state's growing senior population and their needs.
The Aging and Long-Term Services Department opened public comment in April for its draft plan, which includes three overarching goals: administering home and community programs to help seniors age in place and support caregivers; responding to social determinants of health such as food and housing insecurity, access to services and social support; and reducing instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation while preserving the autonomy of seniors.
The public comment period included a survey in which participants were asked to rank how they would prioritize the three goals, how well the plan addresses their needs and how successful they believe the plan will be, along with an opportunity to provide suggestions for improving the proposed plan.
'We have received meaningful feedback from across the state—including organizations, direct service providers, senior participants, and community members—and it's clear that New Mexicans care deeply about how we support our aging population,' ALTSD Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angelina Flores-Montoya told Source NM in a written statement.
She said the department will incorporate the feedback into the final plan, 'which will influence our work now and in the years to come.'
The draft plan was informed by a needs assessment conducted by the Center for Applied Research and Analysis at the University of New Mexico's Institute for Social Research. The department contracted with the center in fiscal year 2023 and released a report in September 2024 identifying six key findings and six recommendations.
Researchers gathered information from focus groups in five New Mexico communities, as well as surveys completed by service providers throughout the state. U.S. Census data and other state collected data were also used.
Findings included: New Mexico's aging population has 'grown significantly,' as have metrics of vulnerability such as poverty and disability; older adults and service providers describe service deserts without access to transportation and medical supportive services; providers note lack of funding, personnel and training are 'critical barriers;' and rural and urban areas differ in vulnerabilities.
The report suggested the aging department expand services to meet growing needs; plan for a growing aging population and expanded service requirements; improve public outreach; address workforce shortages; complete a statewide services inventory; and implement a statewide consumer survey. These findings are reflected in the current draft plan, which members of the public have had a chance to comment on.
According to the draft, the plan is set to go into effect in October 2024.
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