New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Lifespan Respite Care Program - SUMMARY ABSTRACT The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) in partnership with the New Mexico Caregivers Coalition, and other key partners will work over 36 months to expand on the New Mexico Lifespan Respite Care Program with aims to improve the lives of New Mexicans by enhancing the capacity of respite care systems to strengthen caregiver supports and reduce caregiver stress. Goals focus on expanding the foundation of the statewide Lifespan Respite Care System that provide respite care services to family caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities. Objectives include: 1) Increase the availability of respite services by expanding the New Mexico state-wide Lifespan Respite Care System that provides community-based respite care services to family caregivers for adults living with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Other Dementias, Parkinson’s Diseases, adults with chronic conditions, and adults with disabilities. 2) Increase the awareness of statewide respite service availability and enhance the coordination of respite services. 3) Enhance the quality of New Mexico respite services through evidence-based education, training, and resources. Outcomes include 1) Increase awareness and access to respite care services in underserved communities including Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations, 2) Integrate the coordination of referrals and respite services resources, 3) Increase provider competence, expand access to resources, and improve quality of respite services through education and training. Products include the New Mexico Caregiver Coalition respite registry, ALTSD website with respite resources including referral system integration, respite marketing materials, and caregiver training materials.
