Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM

Assisted Living Costs in Albuquerque

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study indicates the average cost of assisted living in Albuquerque is among the highest in the state at $5,100 per month. Assisted living costs in the city are substantially higher than the national average ($4,000) and state average ($4,250). When compared with smaller cities in New Mexico such as Las Cruces ($3,919) and Farmington ($3,600), assisted living in Albuquerque is significantly more expensive.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Albuquerque: $5,100
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,250
• Farmington: $3,600
• Las Cruces: $3,919
• Santa Fe: $5,100

Care Cost Comparison

The biggest factor influencing the cost of care is generally the type of care required, and this is particularly true in cities like Albuquerque, where the cost of nursing care is about $2,500 more than that of assisted living. Although assisted living costs in Albuquerque are more expensive than home care costs, it’s important to consider the additional expenses that seniors pay when they continue to live in their own home, such as rent, utilities and groceries, which are usually included in the cost of assisted living.

• Assisted living: $5,100
• Homemaker services: $4,191
• Home health aide: $4,286
• Adult day health: $2,217
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,609

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Albuquerque

Medicaid in New Mexico

New Mexico’s Medicaid managed care program is called Centennial Care. The community benefit portion of this program provides seniors with access to assisted living services, as well as providing financial assistance with other health care costs such as medical and dental care, nurse visits, nonmedical transportation and physical, speech and occupational therapy.

To be eligible for this program, seniors must:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Have a monthly income that doesn’t exceed $2,250 or assets that total less than $2,000, excluding the senior’s home
• Reside in New Mexico

To apply for Centennial Care, visit the Yes New Mexico website or call (800) 283-4465.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Older Americans Act

Seniors living in Albuquerque may qualify for state funding under the Older Americans Act: a federal law that provides the state with funding that’s managed by Area Agencies on Aging. Some AAAs may use their funding to provide financial support to seniors who require help with the cost of assisted living or home care. Depending on the senior’s income, the full cost of services may be covered under this program or services could be subsidized.

In order to access funding under the Older Americans Act, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, be legal residents of New Mexico and require daily supportive care. There are no income or asset limits in place for this program, but seniors who are most in need of assistance are helped first.

To apply for funding, seniors can contact the Albuquerque Area Agency on Aging office at:

400 Marquette NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(505) 764-6400

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who receive supplemental security income (SSI) from the federal government may be eligible to receive an optional state supplement (OSS). OSS benefits exist with the intention of helping individuals who reside in long-term care facilities pay for the cost of room and board. The benefit is calculated based on the senior’s income and needs and paid out at a maximum of $100 per month. To be eligible for OSS, seniors must be receiving SSI benefits.

To apply for OSS, contact the Albuquerque US Social Security Administration Office at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife bridge loans are intended to help seniors pay for the cost of assisted living and other types of long-term care while they await permanent funding. Bridge loans are paid directly to the senior’s assisted living facility and are paid back in low-interest monthly installments by the senior and their cosigners.

Seniors may apply with up to six cosigners, which can increase the likelihood of approval. Seniors can apply for an Elderlife bridge loan by contacting Elderlife Financial Services directly.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies are available to older adults who want to prepare for the possibility that they may someday need an assisted living or nursing facility. Insurance policies vary in price depending on the coverage, provider and policyholder’s age and health history.

Although the eligibility requirements for long-term care insurance vary between providers, most require a policy to be purchased before the need for long-term care exists.

Assisted Living Resources in Albuquerque

Albuquerque Senior Centers

Senior Centers are generally open to individuals aged 55 and older and may provide seniors with access to a range of programs and services including day trips, congregate meals, social activities and classes on topics such as computers, finance, fitness and nutrition.

Bear Canyon Senior Center
4645 Pitt Street NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111
(505) 767-5959

Palo Duro Senior Center
5221 Palu Duro Drive Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 888-8102

Los Valcanes Senior Citizen Center
6500 Los Valcanes Road NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87121
(505) 836-8745

Share Your Care Inc Adult Care
5301 Ponderosa Avenue NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 881-8982

Veteran Affairs

Some seniors may be eligible for additional funding and social assistance provided by Veterans Affairs (VA). To determine eligibility and learn more about the benefits VA offers, seniors can call or visit their nearest VA office.

VA Albuquerque Regional Office
500 Gold Avenue SW
Dennis Chavez Federal Building 
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(800) 827-1000

Albuquerque Vet Center
2001 Mountain Road NW Albuquerque, NW 87104
(505) 346-6562

Department of Senior Affairs

The Department of Seniors Affairs is a branch of the Albuquerque city government. It helps seniors connect with benefit programs and community services and acts as an advocate with the intention of protecting the best interest of seniors throughout the state.

City of Albuquerque – Department of Senior Affairs
714 7 Street SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(505) 764-6400