In Adelante’s ongoing quest to be a community resource, the agency found it imperative to begin addressing the needs of our aging population, and establishing services that support the needs of seniors who still want to live and learn and be a part of the community. Adelante felt there were too few options to families who wanted to avoid nursing homes for their loved ones, and would prefer more integrative, community-based services.

Today, Adelante provides respite, part-time and as needed services for elders at the Compadres Senior Center. On-site activities like computers, fitness, gardening and art are included in addition to community outings.

As our population ages and life expectancies increase, all seniors need to be provided support services of their choice.The life expectancy among people with disabilities is usually estimated at 20 years below the average population, and this continues to hold true thanks to advancements in adaptive and medical technologies. People are leading healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What Adelante Offers Seniors
Adelante began offering services for seniors with disabilities over 10 years ago, involving the agency’s aging population of program participants in local seniors centers and activities. In 2004, Adelante began offering day services for seniors as a full-time option, and including seniors referred from the Veterans Administration who had not suffered from disabilities, but who were just becoming more disabled as part of the aging process. For some, aging can also mean the onset of dementia, but Adelante has the expertise to care for them all.

Adelante has operated the seniors-only program for over six years, but due to space limitations, has not been able to offer services to more seniors. Thankfully, with the agency’s new location at 5411 Osuna Road NE in Albuquerque, Adelante will be able to support more seniors.

The new location, called the Compadres Senior Center, is completely accessible and designed with seniors in mind. Adelante has transformed a formerly vacant site into an open and airy senior center with plenty of natural light. On-site activities and learning options include fine art, horticultural therapy, computers, games, fitness options, and lots of opportunity to socialize. In addition, the site is centrally located in Albuquerque’s northeast heights, just a few blocks from I-25 for easy access from anywhere in the city.

The site will also include an even larger community garden in the back area of the site as of Fall 2010.

Like all Adelante locations, the Compadres Senior Center site serves as a jumping off point for activities in the community. After all, there are many cultural and social opportunities in the Land of Enchantment and it’s important that everyone have the opportunity to participate.

Adelante currently accepts DD Waiver funding in addition to private pay seniors. Pricing for private pay begins at $8 per hour, but is dependent on the needs of the senior to be supported. The agency has also applied for COLTS-C and should be able to accept that funding soon.

Too many people find their golden years to be anything but golden. Don’t allow your loved one to live a life of boredom, loneliness, and isolation. Adelante can help people live life to the fullest and remain a part of the community, and provided a needed respite for family members caring for seniors in their own homes. The agency provides services designed to allow seniors the opportunity to get out of their homes, meet new people, have new and enjoyable experiences, and learn new skills. Medication assistance and some nursing services are also available.

Adelante’s Compadres Senior Center offers services that are individualized to meet the needs and goals of each person participating in the program. The overall goal of Compadres is to help seniors enhance their daily life skills and maintain as much independence as possible. We can assist with personal care and provide a variety of programming and activity options to the people we support, both on and off site.

Each senior participates in the activities of their choice. A monthly calendar is provided, from which seniors select activities.

Adelante Compadres Senior Center also snacks for people participating in our program. Special diets – heart healthy, diabetic, and pureed – are accommodated, as needed.

If you or someone you care about need support services during the day to remain in your own home or living with loved ones, please give Adelante a call!