That number will only increase. From 1990 to 2025, the population of New Mexicans over 65 years old will increase by more than 170 percent. As the aging population increases, so will the demand for services. Long-term care refers to more than nursing homes. An array of services are provided under that title, most of them directed at keeping seniors in their homes.
Senior centers are the most visible component of the long-term care service array.
Seniors rely on their neighborhood senior center for nourishing meals, transportation, information about community services and educational programs that maintain old skills and teach new ones. Senior center volunteers provide daily hot meals to homebound individuals. The meals provide a nutritious support service that helps individuals stay in their homes. Photo by Juan Lopez Homemakers do light housekeeping and cooking and help individuals with bathing, toileting and other personal care, relaxing some of the pressure on caregivers and the people they care for. They offer friendship to those who might not have much contact with others.