Albuquerque is known for its rich cultural diversity, delicious Southwestern cuisine, scenic mountain ranges, and temperate climate. Albuquerque is a family-oriented city, where the younger generations take care of their aging loved ones. The area’s assisted living communities strive to offer a homelike environment with engaging relationships within the community, as well as continued communication with residents’ own families. Seniors in Albuquerque assisted living are provided with a variety of personalized care services and have access to the best food, culture, and entertainment the city has to offer.
With 25 partnered assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown, Albuquerque seniors have options. This guide is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from those 25 communities and is informed by our over two decades’ worth of experience in the senior living industry and local senior living experts. Browse Albuquerque assisted living facilities according to your specific needs — support services, amenities, budget-conscious, pet accommodations, social and enrichment offerings, and more. Find information about payment options, local long-term care services, facility health and safety regulations, and other important resources for Albuquerque seniors.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque is known for its rich cultural diversity, delicious Southwestern cuisine, scenic mountain ranges, and temperate climate. Albuquerque is a family-oriented city, where the younger generations take care of their aging loved ones. The area’s assisted living communities strive to offer a homelike environment with engaging relationships within the community, as well as continued communication with residents’ own families. Seniors in Albuquerque assisted living are provided with a variety of personalized care services and have access to the best food, culture, and entertainment the city has to offer.Read more
With 25 partnered assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius from downtown, Albuquerque seniors have options. This guide is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from those 25 communities and is informed by our over two decades’ worth of experience in the senior living industry and local senior living experts. Browse Albuquerque assisted living facilities according to your specific needs — support services, amenities, budget-conscious, pet accommodations, social and enrichment offerings, and more. Find information about payment options, local long-term care services, facility health and safety regulations, and other important resources for Albuquerque seniors.
Albuquerque Assisted Living Facilities | 1213 Reviews
I chose this community mainly because the room sizes were good, the price was in the medium range, and the staff ratios were good. They have had a lot staff turnover. The food is good and they are trying ...
For my parents, they have a little apartment outside the main property, so the staff has been very accommodating to them for that and I would rate the cleanliness of that higher than the building of the main...
My sister was only in the Buena Vista Senior Care facility for a short time before she passed. But in that short time, [name removed] and the other staff treated us like family. And we loved the intimate and...
My father has been at Comino for 3 years. They take very good care of him. The early mornings, that he goes to dialysis they bring him coffee and corn flakes. A staff member is always a buzzer away. They...
Everyone we meet has been friendly and helpful It's a beautiful facility and grounds Convenient to shopping The corner 2 bedrooms are spacious Other two bedroom good Didn't look at one bedroom Assisted...
My brother is taken care of by [Name removed] and her staff with sincere care and dedication to each individual client. They take him to his doctors appointments, senior center, and clothing as well as food...
My Father who has dementia and Parkinson's disease has lived here for the past 8 months. This is one of the most trustworthy and safe facilities in all of Albuquerque. It is a small private home that has...
We brought my Mom here in May of 2018. The arrangements had to be rather spur of the moment due to hospital discharge schedule. Life Spire was very accommodating when it came to moving my Mom in. The...
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My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Valencia and everything has been great for her, so far. She is loving her new place! In fact, she is already trying to recruit a couple of her friends to...
My father lived here for apx 2 years intil the end of his life. The caregivers took such great care of him from the point of is independency and then to the most difficult point of his decline. They made...
My Grandmother was at the Garland House after she fell and broke her hip. They took great care of her. They had music therapy and children therapy. It was in a regular neighborhood and it really felt like...
My mother was a resident at Life Spire Rio Rancho for over 6 years. We toured several assisted living locations before moving her in to Life Spire after my father passed. We made a perfect choice moving...
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...
This assisted living facility is fantastic! My loved one was very well cared for and happy at this home. The staff is very attentive and caring. The food is home-made daily and delicious. They have art,...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Albuquerque
- Costs of assisted living in the Albuquerque area
- How people pay for assisted living in Albuquerque
- Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Albuquerque
- What to expect from assisted living in Albuquerque
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Albuquerque? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Albuquerque
Recent reviews for assisted living in Albuquerque
GoodLife Senior Living Los Lunas
Fairwinds - Rio Rancho
Brookdale Valencia in Albuquerque, NM
Costs of assisted living in the Albuquerque area
The cost of assisted living at our partnered Albuquerque facilities averages $4,311 per month.[01] This rate includes rent, care services, and meals, as well as the costs of any optional add-ons, such as the following:
- Transportation services
- Pet fees
- Specialty care services, such as physical or occupational therapy
- Concierge services
- Specialty dietary accommodations
- Optional room amenities
The rates outlined below represent a baseline of Albuquerque-area assisted living costs before add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM vs. nearby cities
Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
How people pay for assisted living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque residents can choose from several private and public assistance options to help pay for senior living. Assessing your loved one’s unique financial situation will help determine the best way to pay for life in an assisted living community. 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 like savings, pensions, returns on investments, and Social Security benefits. These additional private pay options may also be used:
Selling a house
Reverse mortgage
Health savings accounts
Life insurance
Long-term care insurance
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers pensions and benefits that may help eligible Albuquerque senior veterans pay for their long-term care and senior living expenses. One such benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to cover anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, such as senior living expenses. The Aid and Attendance benefit may be added to a veteran’s pension to help cover the cost of rent and long-term care services in an assisted living facility. A veteran’s surviving spouse may also qualify for this benefit. In order to receive this benefit, the senior must already be receiving a VA pension and have acknowledgment from VA health care of a disability. Keep in mind that applying and receiving approval for these benefits can be a long and complicated process, so be sure to contact local veterans advocates — such as the resources included below — for assistance.
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services has field offices located all around the state where residents can receive assistance from veteran service officers (VSOs). Veteran service officers are fellow veterans who are familiar with benefits offerings and can help veterans get the most out of their eligibility. VA services and benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- Compensation and pension
- Health care
- Housing
- Education and training
- Burial and survivor support
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 live in Albuquerque
About 24% of Albuquerque veterans are 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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
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 those with low incomes or disabilities. New Mexico’s Medicaid program is called Centennial Care. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines.
Through Centennial Care, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers can help seniors pay for their care services in the residence of their choice, including an assisted living apartment. You must be enrolled in a Centennial Care Managed Care Organization (MCO) and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers
Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waivers are designed to cover care for those in need of a Nursing Facility Level of Support (or NFLOS),[03] but choose to live at home instead of in a skilled nursing facility. Eligible seniors can use this benefit while living at home, with a loved one, or in assisted living. New Mexico’s HCBS waiver program is offered through the Centennial Care Community Benefit, or just simply Community Benefit. It can be used to cover long-term care costs in the place of residence, such as the following:
- Medical care services
- Adult day services
- Personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living
- Home modifications, such as support railings, wheelchair ramps, emergency call systems, etc.
- Transition-related costs if the senior is moving from a Medicaid-approved skilled nursing facility back into their community
The HCBS waiver is not an entitlement for eligible New Mexico residents. Community Benefits will only be granted to a maximum number of eligible residents at a time. Once this number is reached, the remaining eligible residents will be placed on a waiting list. They can then receive benefits when more spots become available. With entitlement benefits, such as Nursing Home/Institutional Medicaid, eligible residents can begin receiving benefits as soon as their application has been approved.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
New Mexico residents aged 55 or older who are receiving Medicaid can also take advantage of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE. Through PACE, eligible seniors can have all of their care services coordinated into a comprehensive care plan. New Mexico’s PACE program is also known as InnovAge New Mexico PACE. To be eligible, seniors must require a Nursing Facility Level of Support but remain living in their current residence, whether it’s their own home, the home of a loved one, or an assisted living facility or 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 Aging and Long-Term Services Department Person-Centered Planning Tool
Person-Centered Planning Tool
New Mexico Medicaid Call Center
Phone:Â 1-800-283-4465
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Aging and Disability Resource Center website
Phone:Â 1-800-432-2080
City of Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging
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 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care and may include the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of room and board at an assisted living community; however, it will cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, including dementia care. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by 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 Medicaid to help cover your Medicare premiums through dual enrollment. Take a look at the Medicare-Medicaid Dual Enrollee State Profile – New Mexico to learn more.
Albuquerque resident Medicare resources
Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in New Mexico are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau. New Mexico regulations require that assisted living 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
- A minimum of three nutritionally balanced meals per day, as well as evening snacks
The state’s assisted living 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
- Licensed nurses, physician’s assistants, or nurse practitioners: 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
Assisted living facilities are required to follow state building code standards. These are some applicable guidelines:
- Assisted living facilities cannot house more residents than the maximum bed capacity that their license allows.
- All of the buildings on the assisted living facility property need to be licensed.
- Assisted living facilities must be accessible for individuals with disabilities or those requiring a wheelchair.
- Assisted living facilities must have at least one bathroom (including toilet and bath/shower facility) for every eight residents.
Additionally, assisted living 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]
New Mexico Department of Health resources
You can use the New Mexico Health Care Provider Search Tool to look up assisted living facilities and view their inspection reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop down menu. You can then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for.
Other online resources:
- New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department
- Report Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation by a New Mexico assisted living or other health facility
- New Mexico Department of Health staff directory
COVID-19 regulations for Albuquerque assisted living facilities
Most COVID-19 restrictions in Albuquerque have been lifted. However, Albuquerque assisted living communities continue to have a few guidelines in place.
Testing. 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 are encouraged to wear a face mask, especially if they are visiting a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Get to know assisted living in Albuquerque
What to expect from assisted living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is rich in culture, with wonderful food, music, and scenery. Characteristic of the southwestern U.S., Albuquerque is also a very family-focused area. Many families prefer to keep their aging loved ones in their home to be cared for by the younger generations. However, as this is not a viable option for every family, Albuquerque assisted living communities strive to be as family-forward as possible. Many assisted living facilities in and around Albuquerque have care staff and management that strive to make personal connections, not only with residents but with their loved ones.
Many of Albuquerque’s assisted living communities offer amenities like movie theaters, barber shops and beauty salons, fitness centers, and restaurant-style dining so residents can keep their usual routines and pleasures without the hassle of a commute. Many of the city’s assisted living communities also welcome pets, so residents with fur-babies can feel even more at home. Check out some more features Albuquerque assisted living communities are known for:
Residential settings
A Place for Mom partners with 10 residential care homes in Albuquerque. Unlike larger assisted living facilities, residential care homes are typically single-family homes that have been modified to accommodate a limited number of senior residents.
As micro communities, residential care homes generally offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio in a family-like setting. Residential communities’ neighborhood settings give them a cozy, often quiet atmosphere, and their small size can give residents a sense of normalcy rather than being in a larger, more populated community where they may feel overwhelmed.
Albuquerque residential care homes are kept to the same regulation standards as other assisted living facilities. Residents are offered quality meals, care services, laundry and housekeeping, and enrichment activities, but seniors may also receive more one-on-one attention due to the size of the community.
Multiple levels of care
Many of Albuquerque’s senior living communities feature multiple types of care all on one site. Out of our partnered communities offering assisted living, 74% feature multiple care types. These communities typically offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, so that if a resident’s care needs ever change they can easily transition to a support level that fits them — ideal for aging in place.
Assisted living facilities within multi-tiered communities typically strive to foster as much independence for as long as possible for each resident. 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.
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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 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 rehospitalization, which can be especially vital for seniors.
Presbyterian Hospital
Presbyterian Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Albuquerque, according to U.S. News and World Report. Presbyterian is the largest hospital in New Mexico and offers a full range of medical and surgical procedures.
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque
AMG Specialty Hospital offers extended critical care and recovery stays for patients who might otherwise be at risk of rehospitalization. AMG Specialty offers longer stays, a higher staff-to-patient ratio, and the same level of care as an intensive care unit (ICU) so patients can have a more complete recovery.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque offers inpatient rehabilitation for a number of medical needs, including traumatic brain injury and 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, but for an extended stay to lower their risk of rehospitalization.
Transportation for seniors in Albuquerque
Nearly half of our partnered assisted living communities offer complimentary transportation services. Another 33% of our partner communities offer transportation services at an additional cost. This means that nearly all our partner assisted living communities have safe and reliable transportation options for their residents.
Albuquerque’s main transit bus system, ABQ RIDE, offers monthly passes, assistance with planning your route, and a Guaranteed Ride Home system. While the neighborhoods and residential areas are walkable, the commercial areas like shopping and dining generally require vehicle access, so most residents use a car if they are able.
For residents aged 60 and over, Albuquerque has transportation services for seniors. Seniors can take advantage of the city’s curb-to-curb van transport to medical appointments, meal sites, 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.
WalkScore has assessed Albuquerque’s transportation options, city layout, and population density to determine the following ratings out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Albuquerque
With over 310 days of sunshine per year, surrounded by auburn mountain ranges, Albuquerque is an oasis amidst the southwestern desert. Albuquerque is also a foodie destination, with top-notch restaurants of every variety. Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to explore restaurants, artisan boutiques, and craft libations.
The city has many senior and multigenerational centers where older adults can form relationships with other Albuquerque seniors, enjoy concerts and lectures, participate in lifelong learning classes, and take up hobbies like pottery and other art forms. Senior centers also feature skiing, hiking, aerobics, and other indoor and outdoor sports.
Frequently voted one of the top ten U.S. cities for families to visit, Albuquerque also has many exciting activities to enjoy with multiple generations. There are natural history museums, nature centers, zoos, planetariums, amusement parks, and more to be discovered on the Albuquerque visitors’ website.
Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world, and in the summertime the skies behind gorgeous mountain vistas are frequently dotted with bright colors. Residents of all ages can enjoy the views of the marvelous annual International Balloon Festival, and if watching from below isn’t enough, take flight with the Rainbow Ryders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Haven Care- Evergreen, Fairwinds - Rio Rancho and Morada Quintessence are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Albuquerque, NM. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Albuquerque is 4437.01 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2021). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.Â
Managed Care Program Community Benefit, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.308.12 (2019).
MI VIA Home and Community-Based Services Waivers, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.314.6 (2018).
Assisted Living Facilities for Adults, NMAC Rev Stat § 7.8.2 (2010).
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.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Albuquerque.
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