10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an inviting Southwestern city with stunning mountain vistas, wonderful cultural attractions, and an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year. Albuquerque residents tend to be especially family-oriented, making senior care and quality of life an essential priority. Since keeping aging loved ones in the care of a younger generation is not possible for all families, Albuquerque’s care communities strive to bridge the gap and foster warm relationships with senior residents and their family members for a full spectrum of care, from physical well-being to mental health and quality of life.
Most of Albuquerque’s memory care facilities are integrated with additional care types, such as assisted living. The city also features residential memory care facilities, which are typically single-family homes adapted to accommodate multiple senior residents. A Place for Mom partners with 18 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the Albuquerque city center. Over half of these communities are residential, offering a familial setting in a peaceful neighborhood.
We’ve created this useful guide to Albuquerque memory care based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Albuquerque memory care below.
Albuquerque Memory Care Facilities | 1204 Reviews
The care has been good and I am happy with the care. The staff are helpful and attentive for my dad. The meals are good and my dad likes the food. I would recommend the services if they needed and can afford...
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How we rank order the Albuquerque community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Albuquerque community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
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- Costs of memory care in the Albuquerque area
- What families are saying about memory care in Albuquerque
- How people pay for memory care in Albuquerque
- Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Albuquerque
- Albuquerque memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Albuquerque? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Albuquerque area
Albuquerque memory care costs an average of $4,741 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the cost of room and board in a memory care facility, as well as any additional costs for add-ons and amenities, averaged from what real families referred to memory care by A Place for Mom paid for their loved ones’ senior care in 2022.
Examples of add-ons that may affect the cost of memory care include the following:
- Special dietary accommodations
- Health care services, such as physical or occupational therapies
- Transportation and concierge services
- Day trips and outings
- Pet fees
- Optional room amenities
The figures in the chart below represent baseline costs for memory care in Albuquerque and nearby cities, and do not include costs of optional services and amenities. They should give you a sense of how Albuquerque compares to other nearby cities.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Albuquerque, NM vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Albuquerque, NM vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Albuquerque vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Albuquerque, NM by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Albuquerque over time
What families are saying about memory care in Albuquerque
Recent reviews for memory care in Albuquerque
GoodLife Senior Living Los Lunas
Westwind House Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM
Sandia Senior Suites in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque review score based on 215 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 215 reviews of 36 Albuquerque memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Albuquerque review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Albuquerque memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 215 reviews of 36 Albuquerque memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Albuquerque resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Albuquerque
Albuquerque residents have several private and public assistance options to choose from to help pay for memory care. By first assessing your loved one’s unique financial situation, you can determine the best way to cover the costs of their memory care needs. Even while using private methods to pay for care, make sure to apply for any additional benefits seniors may qualify for in your area. There may be assistance available to your loved one that can help their private pay options go further.
Private pay methods can include your loved one’s income sources such as savings, pensions, returns on investments, and Social Security benefits. Additional private pay options may include the following:
VA benefits for Albuquerque memory care
If your loved one is a U.S. military veteran, they may be able to receive benefits from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help cover costs of memory care. The VA offers a Veterans Pension to qualified veterans. This pension serves as monthly income to veterans who qualify based on factors such as age, disability, wartime service, and income. As a form of income, the pension is to be used as the qualifying veteran chooses.
Aid and Attendance
An additional VA benefit that may be used for memory care is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. To qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the senior veteran must already receive a pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet at least one of the following:
- Need assistance with some activities of daily living
- Spend most of the day in bed due to untreated illness
- Have a qualifying disability
- Have a qualifying visual impairment
The Aid and Attendance benefit is a stipend that can be used by eligible veterans and their spouses however they choose. It is additional pension disability income meant to cover anything that improves the disabled veteran’s quality of life.
The approval process for the Aid and Attendance benefit can be difficult, and approval often requires assistance or advocacy. New Mexico residents can receive assistance from veteran service officers (VSOs) through field offices located all around the state. Veteran service officers are fellow veterans who are familiar with benefits offerings and are able to assist veterans in getting the most out of their eligibility.
New Mexico State Veterans’ Home
New Mexico has a state-of-the-art veterans’ nursing facility with a unit dedicated to caring for veterans with dementia. The New Mexico State Veterans’ Home (NMSVH) is located in Truth or Consequences to the southwest of Albuquerque. The cost of care for eligible veterans will depend on their income and level of need. If you think the NMSVH would be the right choice for your veteran loved one, you can submit a simple application for admission. With beds for 39 memory care residents and 20 residents in need of skilled nursing, eligible veterans may have to spend some time on a waitlist, so it’s best to apply promptly.
VA benefits assistance
For assistance with finding veterans benefits for New Mexico residents, you can contact your local veterans office or check out the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services webpage. The New Mexico Judiciary Branch offers information on additional community resources for veterans, such as food and assistance, medical centers, housing assistance, rehabilitation, and more. New Mexico also has specialized departments for aiding veterans of foreign wars and for veterans with disabilities.
Number of veterans who currently live in Albuquerque, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 24% of Albuquerque veterans are 75+.
Resources for Albuquerque veterans
Albuquerque Regional Office
500 Gold St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-346-4810
Phone: 505-346-3986
Northeast Heights Office
5201 Eagle Rock Ave. NE, Suite 2A
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505-383-2404
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — New Mexico
Phone: 575-973-4965
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — New Mexico
Phone: 505-294-6193
New Mexico Courts
The Judicial Branch of New Mexico
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
1501 San Pedro Drive, SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505-265-1711
Mental health line: 505-265-1711 ext. 2150
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for individuals with low incomes or disabilities. New Mexico’s Medicaid program is called Centennial Care. While each state’s Medicaid program is a little different, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Medicaid does not cover the cost of a memory care facility; however, eligible New Mexico seniors may be able to use Medicaid to cover costs of other care services within a memory care or other assisted living facility.
Home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers
The New Mexico Centennial Care Community Benefit Program offers waiver programs that can pay for care services in the patient’s choice of residence, either in a private home or assisted living. These waiver programs are known as home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.
The community benefit can be used to cover costs of services such as the following:
- Medical care services, including dementia care[03]
- Adult day services
- Personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living
- Specialized therapies
- Home modifications, such as support railings, wheelchair ramps, emergency call systems, etc.
- Transitional costs for transfer between care facilities
“Community benefits” through these waiver programs are benefits that are offered to seniors living in the community. In this case, “in the community” simply means that the senior is not in a skilled nursing facility, so they can receive benefits while living in their own homes, the home of a loved one, or in a memory care or assisted living facility. In order to receive benefits, New Mexico seniors must be enrolled in a Centennial Care Managed Care Organization (MCO) and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Read the Centennial Care Community Benefit brochure to understand more about this program that can provide care in your loved one’s chosen place of residence.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Residents of New Mexico who are 55 or older and who receive Medicaid may also be eligible for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE. New Mexico’s PACE program is also known as InnovAge New Mexico PACE.
Through PACE, qualified seniors can have all of their care services coordinated into a comprehensive care plan. In order to qualify, New Mexico seniors must require a nursing facility level of support but continue living in the community — meaning in their own home, the home of a loved one, or an assisted living facility, a memory care facility, or a group home.[04]
Albuquerque residents can manage their care through the New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) and the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALSTD). The ALSTD has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where New Mexico residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. Below you’ll find links to these resources, as well as other tools and call centers that can help you apply for and access benefits.
Albuquerque resident Medicaid resources:
New Mexico Human Services Department benefits access
YesNM Online Portal
New Mexico Medicaid Call Center
Phone: 800-283-4465
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone: 800-432-2080
City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging
P.O. Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Phone: 505-768-2084
Indian Area Agency on Aging
625 Silver SW, Suite 414
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-629-8544
Medicare is a federally-funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans aged 65+ and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare does not cover the cost of a memory care facility. However, it may be used to cover the senior’s medical care.
Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care and may include the following:
- Skilled nursing care or hospital stays
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or reaching out to one of your local Albuquerque Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. You may also be able to use Medicare to help cover your Medicaid premiums through dual enrollment. Take a look at the Medicare-Medicaid Dual Enrollee State Profile – New Mexico to learn more.
Additionally, a local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman can help your loved one access the benefits they qualify for and advocate for their rights. An LTC ombudsman can also investigate complaints from residents of long-term care and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve.
Albuquerque resident Medicare resources
Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for memory care facilities
New Mexico memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health‘s Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau. New Mexico regulations require that memory care facilities provide the following services:
- As-needed supervision and/or assistance with specified nursing services
- Medication administration assistance
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Recreation and social activities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation services
- At least three nutritionally balanced meals per day, as well as evening snacks
The state’s memory care regulations also include the following staff requirements:
- Required types of staff:
- Administrator: A staff member in charge of the daily operations of the assisted living facility.
- Direct care staff: Trained staff who offer personal care and supervision
- A licensed nurse, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner: One of these medical professionals must also be available to review health evaluations and individualized care plans.
- Staff ratio requirements:
- One direct care worker for every 15 residents or fewer
- One direct care worker and one additional staff member per 16 to 60 residents
- Two direct care workers and one additional staff member per 61 to 120 residents
- At least three direct care workers and one additional staff member for more than 120 residents.
Memory care facilities are required to follow state building code standards, including the following:
- Memory care facilities cannot house more residents than the maximum bed capacity that their license allows.
- All of the buildings on the memory care facility property need to be licensed. All indoor spaces that will be used by residents must pass inspection for health and safety purposes.
- Memory care facilities must be accessible for individuals with disabilities or those requiring a wheelchair.
- Memory care facilities must have a minimum of one bathroom (including toilet and bath/shower facility) to every eight residents.
Additionally, memory care facilities must keep the following documentation on the premises:
- Fire inspection report
- Zoning approval report
- Certificate of occupancy
- Approved building plan
- Pet vaccination records (if applicable)
- Most recent inspection report
- Copy of “Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities for Adults (7.8.2 NMAC)”[05]
Inspection reports on New Mexico senior care facilities can be viewed through a search of the Health Care Provider Survey Reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop down menu, and then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for.
Memory care facilities are required to have a diagnosis from each resident’s physician of their need to be in memory care. Memory care facilities may require secured indoor and outdoor environments. A memory care facility or secured unit must have at least one awake staff member at all times.[05]
New Mexico Department of Health contact information
COVID-19 regulations for Albuquerque memory care facilities
Most COVID-19 restrictions in New Mexico have been lifted. However, New Mexico skilled nursing and assisted living communities, including memory care, continue to have a few guidelines in place.
Testing. Nursing homes and assisted living communities in Albuquerque must not admit visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 until 10 days past their positive test, provided that they have no symptoms at that time.
Masking. Visitors to nursing and assisted living facilities are encouraged to wear a face mask, especially if they are visiting a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19.
What to expect from memory care living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is rich in culture, with wonderful food, music, and scenery. Characteristic of the Southwestern United States, Albuquerque is also a very family-focused area. While many families prefer to care for their aging loved ones in their home, this is not a viable option for every family. Albuquerque memory care communities strive to be as family-forward as possible.
Explore the unique aspects of Albuquerque memory care below.
Residential setting
A Place for Mom partners with nine residential care homes in Albuquerque. Unlike larger senior care facilities, residential care homes are typically single-family homes that have been modified to accommodate a limited number of senior residents. Residential care homes are micro-communities, and generally offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio in a home-like environment. Smaller communities like these can be ideal for memory care, as residents may have less to overwhelm them and fewer new faces to get used to.
Albuquerque residential communities typically offer both assisted living and memory care. Residential communities’ neighborhood settings give them a cozy, often quiet atmosphere, and their small size can give residents a sense of normalcy. Albuquerque residential care homes are subject to the same regulation standards as other assisted living facilities. Residents are offered quality meals, care services, laundry and housekeeping, and enrichment activities, but may also receive more one-on-one attention due to the size of the community.
Multiple levels of care
Many Albuquerque memory care facilities are integrated with senior living communities that offer multiple types of care, such as combinations of assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing. A Place for Mom partners with seven multi-leveled communities that include memory care. These communities make it easier for residents to transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change in the future. This enables residents to age in place without the stress of having to switch communities. As there are not always enough memory care openings to meet demands in the area, these multi-level care communities also enable seniors in mild stages of dementia to begin in assisted living even when memory care is full. Multiple care types together also offer more variety among residents, often giving more opportunity for friendships and community engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
Amenities
Many of Albuquerque’s assisted living communities offer amenities like movie theaters, barber shop/beauty salons, fitness centers, and restaurant-style dining, so that residents can keep up their usual routines and pleasures without the hassle of a commute. Memory care communities often have secure areas where residents can safely take walks and maintain their autonomy, while also ensuring their safety. These communities also offer activities designed to support cognitive function to improve seniors’ quality of life.
Albuquerque memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Albuquerque memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Albuquerque memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Albuquerque memory care
Availability of select dining options in Albuquerque memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Albuquerque memory care
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Unfamiliar with Albuquerque? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Albuquerque
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Albuquerque population
Median annual retirement income for Albuquerque seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Albuquerque
Albuquerque seniors have access to several reputable medical centers, many of which specialize in long-term acute care and rehabilitative stays. These types of facilities strive to reduce the risk of re-hospitalization, which can be especially important to the health of seniors.
Presbyterian Hospital
The largest hospital in the state of New Mexico, Presbyterian Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Albuquerque according to U.S. News and World Report. Presbyterian offers a full range of medical and surgical procedures.
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque offers extended critical care and recovery stays for patients to help lower the risk of re-hospitalization. AMG Specialty has higher staff-to-patient ratios and the level of care of an intensive care unit (ICU), but offers longer stays than most standard hospitals.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque offers inpatient rehabilitation for a number of medical needs, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, orthopedic injury or surgery, illness, and more. Encompass Health is typically able to accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque offers long-term acute care. Patients at Kindred Hospital can receive the same comprehensive care offered by a standard hospital for an extended period.
Transportation for seniors in Albuquerque
While the neighborhoods and residential areas of Albuquerque are walkable, the commercial areas like shopping and dining generally require vehicle access. Of our partnered memory care communities in Albuquerque, 89% offer on-site transportation. These services may come at an additional cost, depending on the community’s policy.
Albuquerque offers senior transportation services for those aged 60 and up. Seniors are offered curb-to-curb van transport to medical appointments, restaurants, activities, and shopping, with wheelchair accommodations available for those who need it. Many of these services require reservations, which can be made by calling 505-764-6464.
Albuquerque’s main transit system is known as ABQ RIDE. ABQ RIDE offers monthly passes, assistance with planning your route, and a Guaranteed Ride Home system. The Guaranteed Ride Home system is ABQ’s “commuter insurance,” and it ensures that in the case of an emergency, such as a passenger missing the last ride, ABQ will make sure that the passenger is still safely picked up and driven home.
Senior activities in Albuquerque
Albuquerque outdoors
With dramatic mountain ranges and over 300 days of sunshine per year, Albuquerque is an inviting oasis amidst Southwestern desert. Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world, and in the summertime, the skies, which also feature gorgeous mountain vistas, are frequently dotted with brightly colored balloons. Residents of all ages can enjoy the views of the marvelous annual International Balloon Festival.
Albuquerque senior centers
The city has many senior and multigenerational centers where older residents can form relationships with other locals in their same phase of life. Albuquerque seniors can enjoy concerts and lectures, participate in lifelong learning classes, and take up hobbies like pottery and other art forms. Senior centers also feature indoor and outdoor sporting adventures including skiing, hiking, and aerobics.
Albuquerque eats
For food-lovers, Albuquerque is a destination city. Albuquerque’s restaurant options have something for everyone, with special emphasis on Southwestern favorites like Mexican cuisine and savory barbeque. Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to get a little of everything — from food and craft beverages to one-of-a-kind local boutiques.
Albuquerque for all ages
Albuquerque has an abundance of family-friendly attractions, such as nature centers and museums, and the BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanical gardens. The Visit Albuquerque website has a list of coupons, activities for under $10, and even free activities, so the whole family can enjoy outings without breaking the bank. Visit places like the Breaking Bad RV Tour, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, Creativity Warehouse, the American International Rattlesnake Museum, and more. The city is also rich with performing arts, so even individuals who aren’t as mobile are able to enjoy the city’s wonderful cultural offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fairwinds - Rio Rancho, Morada Quintessence and Brookdale Valencia are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Albuquerque, NM. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Albuquerque is $4,879 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 36 memory care facilities near you in Albuquerque, New Mexico typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Albuquerque, New Mexico, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico ranges from $1550 to $50000. The average Memory Care cost in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $4,879. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Albuquerque, New Mexico typically starts at $1550. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
New Mexico Human Services Department. (2019, January 1). Managed Care Program Community Benefit.
New Mexico Human Services Department. (2006, December 1). Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
New Mexico Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau. (2010, January 15). Assisted Living Facilities for Adults.
New Mexico Department of Health Aging and Long-Term Services Department. (2022, February 7). Addendum to letter of direction updated December 14, 2021 for long-term care facilities.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 Years and Over in the United States (S0103): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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