HOUSE MEMORIAL 43

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Nick L. Salazar

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE AGING AND LONG-TERM SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH AREA AGENCIES ON AGING AND OTHERS TO DEVELOP A PLAN THAT REFLECTS A BUSINESS MODEL OF OPERATION FOR FEDERAL OLDER AMERICANS ACT OF 1965 AND RELATED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

     WHEREAS, according to United States census data, New Mexico is projected to move from thirty-ninth in the nation to fourth in the nation in the percent of the population over the age of sixty-five within the next fifteen years; and

     WHEREAS, by the year 2010, New Mexico is expected to exceed national trends, both with greater decreases in the population of those younger than age forty-four and increases in the population of people older than age forty-five; and

     WHEREAS, the incidence of chronic illness and risk factors for conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity and cancer are expected to continue to grow among the next generation of older people; and

     WHEREAS, instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable elderly and disabled populations are on the rise; and

     WHEREAS, public and private information to assist elderly and disabled consumers to make increasingly complex decisions and choices about medical treatments, health plans, living situations and long-term care service options will become increasingly important in the next decade; and

     WHEREAS, the current array of, and the anticipated future demand for, services and activities available in senior centers does not reflect the changing social demographic among retirees and baby boomers; and

     WHEREAS, the aging network represented by area agencies on aging and senior centers in New Mexico recognizes the need to modify the model of service provision to reflect the more complex, emerging picture of aging and disability needs in the state; and

     WHEREAS, the aging and long-term services department supports the aging network and seeks to ensure the provision of a continuum of coordinated services;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the aging and long-term services department be requested to work together with area agencies on aging and others to develop a plan that reflects a business model of operation for the federal Older Americans Act of 1965 and related programs and services; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan utilize cost-sharing, streamline and integrate programs and services and leverage all appropriate federal, state and local resources on a regional basis; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aging and long-term services department, together with area agencies on aging, report on progress toward development of this plan to the interim legislative health and human services committee no later than October 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of aging and long-term services and to designated representatives of area agencies on aging.

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