Gary O. Chavez

This State Plan on Aging outlines four key goals to support older New Mexicans. It focuses on administering and expanding core programs that enable older adults to remain in their residences and communities, promoting equity and well-being by responding to social determinants of health, reducing occurrences of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and assisting Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations in accessing Title III funding while enhancing coordination. The plan aims to improve the quality of life, access to services, and overall autonomy for older adults across the state.

This document serves as a development guide for the New Mexico Area Agencies on Aging's Area Plan on Aging for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. It focuses on several key areas, including requirements for budget reporting, allocation of funds via an Intrastate Funding Formula, and the identification of target populations. The plan prioritizes serving older individuals with the greatest social or economic needs, including minorities, rural residents, and those with specific health challenges or limited English proficiency, along with their caregivers. Additionally, it specifies minimum funding proportions for access, in-home, and legal assistance services, and outlines fiscal policies to support lifelong independence and healthy aging.

This document serves as a development guide for Area Agencies on Aging in New Mexico, outlining the requirements and instructions for creating the Area Plan on Aging for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. It details essential components such as executive summaries, demographic context, needs assessments, agency accomplishments, goal setting, quality management, and public input. The guide aims to establish a framework for delivering coordinated and accessible services to older adults and caregivers, ultimately strengthening New Mexico's publicly funded long-term care system.

This report from the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) outlines its commitment to the State-Tribal Collaboration Act, focusing on supporting tribal elders and communities. Key priorities include providing accessible, integrated services to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to foster independence and well-being, while addressing social determinants of health and preventing elder abuse. The department aims to facilitate tribal access to Title III funding and enhance inter-program coordination. For FY26, ALTSD's strategic objectives include improving operational effectiveness through enhanced Title III and Title VI program coordination, providing targeted technical assistance and training for senior services, and updating its State-Tribal consultation policy, all executed with respect for tribal sovereignty.

This document outlines the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) goals and associated performance measures for the Aging & Long-Term Services Department. The agency's strategic direction focuses on five key areas: administering core programs to support the independence and access to services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers; promoting equity and addressing social determinants of health; reducing abuse, neglect, and exploitation; facilitating tribal access to funding and coordination; and developing internal behavioral health supports for staff. The plan aims to empower individuals to live independently in their communities, ensuring their dignity, health, safety, and economic well-being.