These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Check on the caregiver
You can ask"Who are you caring for? How long have you been doing this?"
You can ask"When did you last get a full night's sleep or an hour for yourself?"
You can say"Needing help is not failing. You can't care for someone if you fall apart."
A caregiver who talks about suicide or feels they might hurt the person: call or text 988 now.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 crisis call/text/chat
988
· 24/7
2Get a break (respite)
Respite means someone else cares for the person for a few hours or days so the caregiver can rest.
Silver City Care Center (Genesis HealthCare)
Short-stay respite care
575-388-3127
3514 Fowler Avenue, Silver City
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
3Senior and disability help lines
NM Aging & Long-Term Services - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Senior and disability help line (Medicare/SHIP counseling)
800-432-2080
· Mon-Fri 7:45am-5pm
NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department - New MexiCare
Paid stipend for family caregivers of older adults
800-432-2080
· ADRC Mon-Fri 7:45am-5pm
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Caregiver Support Program
Support, training and stipends for caregivers of veterans
855-260-3274
1501 San Pedro Dr. SE, Albuquerque · National line Mon-Fri
NM Department of Health - Children's Medical Services (Grant County Public Health Office)
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program
575-538-5318
2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
NM Health Care Authority - DDSD Pre-Service Intake Bureau
Apply for the DD Waiver or Mi Via waiver (developmental disabilities)
505-630-9555
Albuquerque · Mon-Fri business hours
4Support groups and training
Caregiver Action Network
National Caregiver Help Desk (free phone, chat and support groups)
855-227-3640
· Mon-Fri 6:00am-5:00pm Mountain time
New Mexico Caregivers Coalition
Caregiver training and Stress-Busting support program
505-867-6046
906 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo
CancerCare
Free online support groups and counseling by phone with oncology social workers
800-813-4673
· Call for hours
Alzheimer's Association - New Mexico Chapter
24/7 dementia helpline, care consultation and caregiver support groups
800-272-3900
Las Cruces · 24/7
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors are here to listen. Prayer is there if wanted, never required.
5Help at home and with basics
See the guide "Needs help at home with bathing, dressing or meals".
See the guide "Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipment".
At the Gospel MissionThe food pantry, monthly food boxes, Senior Pantry and Pantry to the People.
At the Gospel MissionHygiene kits and the clothing bank.
More help like this
A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage ofUse when an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected, left without care, or someone is taking their money or property.An older person seems confused, lost or wanderingUse when an older adult seems lost or confused, can't say where they live, or is wandering outside alone, maybe because of dementia or a medical problem.Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get outUse when an older person can't manage at home, can't get out, is alone, or their family caregiver needs help.Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipmentUse when someone needs a wheelchair, walker, shower chair, hearing or communication device, or other equipment to live safely.Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deafUse when someone has hearing loss, needs hearing aids or an amplified phone, or is deaf and needs an interpreter.
See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.