Local nonprofits leading the way in senior services

Addressing a growing need for senior services in northern New Mexico

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 30% of New Mexico's population will be over age 60 by the year 2030, an increase of nearly 50% from 2012. We invite you to learn more about local nonprofits that are working to meet our region's critical and ever-growing need for senior services.

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Coming Home Connection

cominghomeconnection.org 
505.988.2468  
‍ellen@cominghomeconnection.org

Mission: To lead, coalesce, and activate a community of support for older adults and their families that provides trusted, high quality and compassionate in-home caregiving, resources, and end of life care for all in need, no matter their ability to pay.‍

Coming Home Connection is one of the few non-profits focusing on older adult services in Santa Fe. Over the past few years, we have launched new services with a holistic approach to meeting the needs of our older neighbors. We continue to connect clients to independent caregivers, but for those with fewer resources, we offer our program "Taking Care of Neighbors" which includes no-cost caregiving and light housekeeping. Resource navigation is available to anyone looking for public benefits assistance or social programs. The equipment loan program provides no-cost loans of durable medical equipment to support clients with post-surgery needs or declining mobility, and "Volunteer Companions" bring companionship and a little extra support into the lives of older adults. Want to get involved? We are always looking for volunteers to join us and make a difference in the lives of older adults.

In 2024:

• 103 clients were connected to caregivers for short and long term care TCN
• 25 Santa Fe residents received no cost, bi-weekly housekeeping and caregivingResource Navigation
• 97 residents contacted us for assistance with benefits and referrals to needed services
• 10 volunteers working with older adults for companionship, errands, gardening projects and dog walking
• More than 1,500 people came to the loan closet for gently used medical equipment and one-time supplies like adult disposable briefs
  

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Life Circle

lifecirclenm.org
505.418.1300
director@lifecirclenm.org

Mission: To be a place to turn to for elders and their families to balance the many needs associated with aging. Life Circle’s focus is to enhance the well-being of our clients as we provide socialization and daily joy for them while simultaneously providing respite for family caregivers.

Life Circle Adult Day Center includes programming for elders living with dementia and elders who require support services to enhance their daily lives. Trained and loving staff provide client engagement by utilizing individual and group activities that meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual needs of our aging elders.

At Life Circle, we want to make our services affordable and accessible to every single person in Santa Fe…without question. Our city has one of the highest percentages of population over 65 in the country. Please help us stay ahead of what scholarly literature calls the ‘silver tsunami.’  Which is a metaphor for our aging baby boomers.

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The Memory Care Alliance

thememorycarealliance.org
‍505.310.9752
‍director@thememorycarealliance.org ‍

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‍Mission: To provide ongoing education and support to families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, replacing social stigmas with compassionate understanding and a vision for life after diagnosis.

The Memory Care Alliance provides trainings, including our eight-hour “Prepare to Care” class for caregivers, and regular caregiver meetings. These meetings include groups open to all and groups specifically designed for women, men, and Spanish speakers. Our “Out and About” program allows people living with dementia and their caregivers to socialize with others at events and institutions of interest, through field trips to museums, music and other performance programs, etc. We believe the best resources for caregivers are other caregivers in their communities.  

We offer programs in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Las Vegas, Taos, Las Cruces and ZuniPueblo. Many of our programs can be attended online for those who live outside those communities or are not able to leave their homes due to their caregiving responsibilities. The Memory Care Alliance also offers regular public talks in these communities intended to raise awareness of dementia, reduce social stigmas about the diseases, and encourage people to treat those living with dementia with compassion and understanding. All of our programs are free, and respite care to people living with dementia is offered so caregivers are able to participate.

The Memory CareAlliance is proud to be the recipient of a 2024 Santa Fe Community Foundation Piñon Award.

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Punching Out Parkinson’s Santa Fe‍

popsantafe.org
‍505.930.1168
‍popsantafe@gmail.com‍

Mission: Empowering people living with Parkinson's disease to maintain and improve their quality of life through exercise, community support and hope.

"After a series of serious falls and arm tremors, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). When the initial shock wore off, I followed the advice of my Neurologist and my adult daughters and immersed myself in research to obtain as much knowledge as possible. During my research, I learned about Punching Out Parkinson’s boxing and its benefits. The POP Santa Fe community was very welcoming, which helped ease my apprehension as it was socially and physically out of my comfort zone. The Rock Steady Boxing coaches and boxers have supported my growth in this PD journey. 

“By regularly attending and participating in boxing classes, I’ve noticed an improvement in my balance, flexibility, strength, and memory. Being involved has helped ease concern for my family. When able, my 10 year old grandsonRidge, attends boxing as my corner person. Being able to attend with me and being involved has helped ease his anxiety regarding my PD. Allowing me to bring him has brought a bit of joy to the gym. Coaches and boxers alike enjoy his presence and have made him feel like part of the team. With the progression of PD, being a part of the boxing community has helped me to emotionally handle the changes.

“I’m so glad that I joined POP Santa Fe as it’s helped me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve enjoyed meeting all the boxers, coaches, and staff. I enjoy the workouts and the camaraderie. Who knew that boxing could be so fun?!?"

— Jeanette aka "Sugar J" (Boxer name)

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Scott’s House

scottshouse.org 
505.984.1133
‍info@scottshouse.org‍

Mission: To provide a free social model hospice residence for end of life and respite in Santa Fe, northern New Mexico and beyond.

Scott’s House is a social model hospice home providing a free residence, respite services, and 24/7 end-of-life care in a home-like setting for Santa Fe seniors who cannot afford or access traditional care. Santa Fe’s senior population is growing, and the need for affordable, accessible end-of-life care is more urgent than ever. Many seniors are aging without a safety net, facing financial insecurity, living alone without family support, or experiencing homelessness. Too often, those at the end of life die alone or in uncomfortable facilities, receiving care that does not align with their personal wishes. Our compassionate staff, mostly experienced volunteers from the community, provide seniors at their end of life with personalized care that honors their cultural, emotional and spiritual needs. Scott's House is developed by the community for the community, and by providing our services at no cost, we ensure that Santa Fe's seniors have access to quality end-of-life care, regardless of their circumstances. Our aim is to help them spend their final days in comfort and dignity, ensuring that no one in our community dies alone or without the care they deserve.
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Villages of Santa Fe

villagesofsantafe.org
‍505.501.8187
‍info@villagesofsantafe.org

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Mission: Keeping our older generation healthy is not just a goal; it's our mission.

Since 2016, Villages has offered exercise and lifestyle programs.We are committed to preventing death and injury from falls in our community.Every year, one out of three New Mexicans age 65+ falls, and falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. With a variety of paid and free classes, all adults, even those on a fixed income, can participate in building their physical and mental resiliency. We serve our older population - 87.5% of our attendees are over 65, and 11.5% are over 80. ‍

From our recent survey, our participants report improved balance, fitness, and a better attitude – they are healthy, resilient, and engaged adults.

“Exercise is a vital part of my daily life.  Classes help me improve my physical strength and emotional well-being.  Balance instruction has helped me immeasurably. I regularly know I am connected to others in my class who are experiencing the same benefits, and I know that our instructors care about us!  It is very much a community of people who want good things for each other. I so appreciate how much the programs enrich my life every day into the future. I feel confident I can maintain a healthful lifestyle no matter what my age or circumstances. Thank you!”

— Nan S.

“I am an introvert, so these online classes are wonderful for me. I am enjoying them more than I anticipated and feel really good about myself. Having had polio when I was 12 - and now I am 81 - it is impossible to express what a gift the classes are in making me feel positive and having more energy, as well as maintaining strength and flexibility. The instructors are absolutely wonderful. I love them.”

— Linda P.