Latest news with #ALTSD
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico officials ask for input on how to take care of aging population
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico is getting older, poised to have the fourth-oldest population in the country by 2030. The state is getting ready and is sharing its four-year State Aging Plan. 'I look forward to being able to see that the plan really gives us a roadmap to developing those needed services that they deserve,' said Denise King, Aging Network Operations Division Director with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Story continues below Community: NM Dancewear closes its doors for good, leaving hole in dance community Food: Los Ranchos restaurant named best spot for brunch in the state by Yelp Crime: ABQ woman frustrated, two vehicles stolen from hospital parking lot days apart Film: Do you recognize these 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' filming locations? The plan's three goals include expanding services to the elderly and caregivers, responding to social determinants of health by giving opportunities for community engagement and nutritional support, and reducing occurrences of abuse. ALTSD said right now, some of the biggest needs for the elderly include transportation and access to legal services, as scams target the elderly population. While the state pays for most services, it is monitoring the federal funding for the Older Americans Act. So far, they have not been notified of any federal funding changes. 'Obviously, the climate is very concerning right now, and it is changing every week, and so we are keeping a close eye on what that looks like,' said King. ALTSD is now looking for comments on its plan before it goes to the feds for approval in June. They want everyone's input from elders and caregivers, to local partners like cities and counties. The state hopes the plan meets the needs of our most senior community members. 'They've really made us the state that we are. So, we always look at them for their input and their rich stories that they have to tell about what they've been through and what they need,' said King. People can learn more about the plan and give input here. The deadline to give input is May 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
