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Caring for a sick or disabled family member and worn out

Use when someone cares for a family member or friend of any age who is sick or disabled, and they are tired, stressed, need a break, money help, training or a support group.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Check on the caregiver
  2. Get a break (respite)
  3. Senior and disability help lines
  4. Support groups and training
  5. Help at home and with basics

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
Website ↗

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
Website ↗
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
Website ↗

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
Website ↗
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
Website ↗
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
Website ↗
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)
Website ↗
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
Website ↗

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
Website ↗
New Mexico Caregivers Coalition
Caregiver training and Stress-Busting support program
505-867-6046
906 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo
Website ↗
CancerCare
Free online support groups and counseling by phone with oncology social workers
800-813-4673
· Call for hours
Website ↗
Alzheimer's Association - New Mexico Chapter
24/7 dementia helpline, care consultation and caregiver support groups
800-272-3900
Las Cruces · 24/7
Website ↗
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.

📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
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.