New Mexico Aging Services June Newsletter
New Mexico Aging Services June Newsletter
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
View this email in your browser | Forward to a friend | Archive
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY
Each June, we bring to light the importance of protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of older adults. This awareness is important because for too many people, elder abuse remains a serious and often hidden issue. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, financial exploitation and scams targeting older adults. Unfortunately, these situations are often underreported, leaving many older adults isolated or without support when they need it most. At the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, protecting and supporting older adults is central to our mission. Our staff in Adult Protective Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program work tirelessly every day to help ensure New Mexicans can age safely and with dignity. Preventing elder abuse is also a community effort. Staying connected with older adults in our lives, checking in on neighbors and loved ones, learning to recognize the warning signs of abuse or exploitation, and speaking up when something feels wrong can all make a meaningful difference. I encourage everyone to take time this month to learn more about elder abuse prevention and the resources available in your community. You can visit our website for more information or give us a call at 800-432-2080. New Mexicans who suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation can report it to Adult Protective Services by calling 866-654-3219 or filing a report on aging.nm.gov. Reports can be made anonymously and may be crucial in preventing further harm. Together we can help build a New Mexico where every older adult feels valued, supported and safe. Thank you, as always, for the work you do every day on behalf of older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across our state. Warmly,
Cabinet Secretary New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS- Learn to recognize the signs. Common warning signs include: • Abuse: Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, bedsores), forced confinement, sexual abuse, or verbal/emotional mistreatment. • Neglect: Malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, unsafe living conditions, medication issues, or lack of basic needs like heat, water, electricity, or medical care. • Exploitation: Misuse of an adult’s money or property, missing checks, sudden financial losses, unauthorized use of bank accounts, or disappearing valuables. Look for physical injuries, poor living conditions, or sudden financial changes. If something seems wrong, report it to APS at 866-654-3219
CONNECTION RESOURCES & ADVOCACY
OIEA Nutrition, Knowledge & Wellness Training for Tribal Providers Creates a Community of Care
New Mexico Aging…