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5312 Rio Bravo Suite 6
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
Located in Santa Teresa, NM at 5312 Rio Bravo Suite 6, Alto Mar New Mexico is a senior home health care provider that offers home care services as well as in-home medical services. For nearly 13 years, they have been ...
Santa Teresa is a small city of about 4,300 people, approximately 500 of whom are aged 65 and over, in the southeasternmost region of New Mexico. It’s located about 40 miles south of Las Cruces, the state’s second-largest city, and just 20 minutes from the historic downtown district of El Paso, Texas, providing easy access to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Closer to home, the Sunland Park Community Library is about 8 miles from Santa Teresa and offers a selection of print and digital media, help with accessing public services and year-round programs.
Santa Teresa has a modest SeniorScore of 61. This score is based on regional factors relevant to seniors, including the cost of living, access to healthcare, recreational amenities and crime rates. The national score is 72, but New Mexico’s overall score is lower at 66. Santa Teresa scores exceptionally well in the General Quality of Life category at 82, mainly due to its very comfortable climate. In the Finances category, it scores 67. The overall cost of living is very low and senior care is affordable, but residents’ incomes also tend to be lower than the national average. The city scores 36 in Health & Safety and 34 in Recreation & Leisure. Because of the region’s low population density, there are limited options for recreation and healthcare.
Despite its small population size, Santa Teresa has a range of services for seniors, enabling them to obtain the care they need to remain in their homes. Through local agencies, older adults can access free and low-cost case management, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation and personal care services.
This guide highlights the agencies that administer services for seniors and provides contact information. It also provides insight into how much local home care agencies charge for services.
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, home care services in Santa Teresa cost approximately $3,457 per month, making it among the most cost-effective cities in the nation for this type of care. By comparison, New Mexico seniors typically pay $4,290 per month for home care. Nationally, rates are even higher at $4,481. Home health care is generally more expensive than standard home care because it includes skilled nursing services, in addition to personal care, meal preparation and light housekeeping. In Santa Teresa, seniors pay $3,695 for home health care.
The Santa Teresa area is the cheapest surveyed region in the state for home care. In Albuquerque, fees exceed the state median at $4,385, and in Farmington, they’re even higher at $4,957. Santa Fe is the most expensive surveyed city in New Mexico, with home care costs averaging $5,148.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care per Month
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Santa Teresa | $3,457 | $3,695 |
New Mexico | $4,290 | $4,385 |
The United States | $4,481 | $4,576 |
Albuquerque | $4,385 | $4,385 |
Santa Fe | $5,148 | $5,148 |
Farmington | $4,957 | $4,957 |
Note: Data for Santa Teresa was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Las Cruces, was used instead.
Seniors in Santa Teresa have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
The Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide array of supportive services for Santa Teresa residents. Through this agency, seniors can sign up for free computer literacy classes that teach basic computer skills. The agency provides free tax preparation services in Spanish and English, which can help older adults access programs, such as property tax relief to lessen the financial burden of homeownership. The agency also administers the Benefits Services Program to screen seniors for public benefits that they’re eligible for, including nutrition assistance, health insurance and cash assistance.
Contact Information
Seniors can get more information on the local Community Action Partnership’s programs and services by calling the agency at (575) 527-8799, emailing [email protected] or submitting an online contact form.
Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging helps seniors maintain their independence by providing a broad range of services that support aging in place. This agency serves congregate noontime meals and home-delivered meals to eligible individuals and provides transportation services to help seniors attend medical appointments, senior centers, shopping and recreational activities. Seniors can arrange low-cost assistance with meal preparation, basic housekeeping, chores and money management. The agency also provides respite care and adult day services.
Contact Information
Older adults can learn more about the services available through the AAA by calling (505) 395-2668 or submitting an online contact form.
Adelante Development Center is a local nonprofit organization that features the Compadres Senior Center, which has a day program for older adults in the county. At the center, seniors enjoy hobbies, such as gardening, fitness and fine arts. The organization also provides benefits counseling for low-income seniors, which can help them obtain the public benefits they’re entitled to.
Contact Information
To learn more about the organization’s day program or to speak with a benefits counselor, seniors can call the main office at (505) 341-2000.
The Southwestern Region Housing & Development Corporation administers the region’s Weatherization Assistant Program, which helps seniors in Santa Teresa reduce energy bills and improve their homes’ energy efficiency and safety. Funds from this program can be used to replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs, repair or replace the home’s heating unit, insulate water pipes, seal gaps around doors and windows or add insulation.
Contact Information
For general information about the programs the organization administers, seniors can call (575) 546-4181. Those who want to find out if they qualify for weatherization services can call the Weatherization Office at (575) 523-1639.
The Las Cruces Vet Center is situated about 40 miles north of Santa Teresa, making it the closest vet center. At this location, qualifying veterans can obtain assistance with applying for programs that may help fund home care, including pension programs and the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit. The center can also help veterans obtain transportation and healthcare services.
Contact Information
To schedule an appointment with an advisor, seniors can call the vet center at (575) 523-9826.
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