I’m hoping someone local has been through this and can point me in the right direction.
I’m trying to help my grandmother get a walk-in bathtub or another safer bathroom setup. She has mobility issues and using a standard tub or shower isn’t safe anymore. I’ve heard of people getting these kinds of modifications partially or fully covered through Medicare, Medicaid waivers, insurance, or local assistance programs.
I’ve already called her insurance multiple times and keep getting bounced around without any clear answers or referrals. It feels like there should be resources, but I’m not finding them.
Has anyone in Albuquerque or New Mexico had success with this?
• Insurance or Medicaid programs that actually helped
• Local nonprofits or city/state programs
• Contractors who are familiar with working through insurance or senior assistance funding
Any guidance would be really appreciated. Even a nudge in the right direction would help a lot. Thanks.
You may be able to get help through the ABQ Department of Senior Affairs. I believe they can at least put hand rails in a single shower at no change. I don't think they can help with major renovations like installing a walk-in tub though.
Thank you for this. We had safety bars installed but it's just not enough. I'll do some more digging. Thank you!
The DSA can definitely help you with information at least, they do have some funding for home retrofits but it is an income based program. They used to have a list of contractors who do that kind of work.
I called 311 a few weeks ago to try to get in contact with them, and they said they would fill out a contact form for me. I haven't heard back, but I did some research and found that because she lives just outside of the city, in the county, she may not be eligible. I didn't realize there was a difference, even though she has an Albuquerque address.
Yes, the city and the county fund different services for elders but the older Americans act programs apply to everybody. Calling them is the slow route as you can see, they are super busy. If you go into a senior center they have a guide to Senior Services in the area that may be helpful so that you know exactly what to ask for.
If she has full Medicaid with UHC, BCBS, Presbyterian, or Molina, call and request a care coordinator for her. The care coordinator can help with this.
Also, this link should help.
She does have full Medicaid with BCBS. This is a great start. Thank you!