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 for danger first
Lost, wandering outside, hurt, or very sudden new confusion: call 911. Sudden confusion can be a stroke or an infection.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
2Get a real diagnosis
Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Some causes can be treated, like low vitamin B12, thyroid problems, medicine side effects, or depression.
You can say"Let's get a doctor to check this out, so you know what you are dealing with."
Hidalgo Medical Services
(HMS): HMS main appointment line (all Silver City clinics)
575-800-1467
1007 N Pope St (Community Health Center), Silver City · CHC Mon-Fri 7am-6pm
Gila Regional Medical Center
Gila Regional Family Medicine Clinic
575-534-0400
3185 N. Leslie Rd., Silver City
3Help and breaks for the caregiver
Alzheimer's Association - New Mexico Chapter
24/7 dementia helpline, care consultation and caregiver support groups
800-272-3900
Las Cruces · 24/7
Alzheimer's Association - New Mexico Chapter
Caregiver support group at Cross Point Church (Silver City)
800-272-3900
Cross Point Church, 11600 US-180 E, Silver City · Last Thursday of the month, 5:00 pm
Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregivers' Support Group (Silver City)not yet confirmed: call first
Monthly caregivers' support group (Silver City Public Library)
515 W College Ave, Silver City · Third Saturday of the month, 10:00 am (posted Jun-Sep 2026)
Silver Adult Care Services (SACS)not yet confirmed: call first
Friday caregiver respite for adults with dementia
575-388-1319
Silver City · Fridays, 4 hours (call for times)
Silver City Care Center (Genesis HealthCare)
Short-stay respite care
575-388-3127
3514 Fowler Avenue, Silver City
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors are here to listen. Prayer is there if wanted, never required.
A caregiver who talks about suicide or feels they might hurt the person: call or text 988 now.
4Senior services and money for care
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
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
At the Gospel MissionThe Senior Pantry and Pantry to the People can help with food.
See the guide "Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get out".
5Plan ahead while they can still sign
New Mexico State Bar Foundation - Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP)
Free legal helpline for people 55 and older
800-876-6657
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
End of Life Options New Mexiconot yet confirmed: call first
Free help with advance directives and end-of-life planning
505-393-1321
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.