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.
1Find out what help they need
You can ask"Which things are hard for you: bathing, dressing, the toilet, cooking, cleaning, or taking your medicine?"
You can ask"Do you have Medicaid, Medicare or both? Who helps you now?"
If they are alone without food, care or medicine, or someone is hurting them, call Adult Protective Services.
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services
1-866-654-3219
Silver City (address shared by phone) · Report line 24/7 at 1-866-654-3219. Silver City office (575-534-0832) Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00.
2A paid helper through Medicaid
Medicaid's Community Benefit can pay a personal care helper for bathing, dressing, meals, light cleaning and errands. It is for people who need a lot of daily help.
If they have Medicaid: call their health plan and ask for a care coordinator. Say: "I need help at home with bathing and dressing. I want the Community Benefit."
Presbyterian Health Plan
Turquoise Care member services
888-977-2333
· M-F 8am-6pm
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Turquoise Care member services
844-862-4543
· Weekdays
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico
Turquoise Care member services and 24/7 nurse line
877-236-0826 · 24/7:
833-890-3050
· M-F 8am-5pm; nurse line 24/7
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
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
3Home care agencies in Silver City
Ambercare
In-home health care
575-388-0222
1290 E. 32nd St., Silver City
Horizon Home Health
Medicare/Medicaid home health
575-388-1801
1250 E 32nd St, Silver City · Weekdays
4Meals
Silver City Senior Center (operated by the Village of Santa Clara)
Senior center and Meals on Wheels sign-up
575-597-7124
205 W Victoria St, Silver City · Lunch Mon-Fri 12:00-12:30pm
Deming Luna County Senior Center (Luna County Commission on Aging)
Senior lunches, home-delivered meals and rides
(575) 546-8823
800 S Granite St, Deming · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; closed weekends and major holidays
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, the food pantry and monthly food boxes. Ask staff if someone else can pick up food for them.
5Tools that make it easier
NM Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) - SW Region at WNMU
Free assistive technology device loans and demos (Silver City)
(575) 538-6622
PO Box 680 (WNMU), Silver City · By appointment
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.
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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
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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.