The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bernalillo County, NM for 2024

Bernalillo County, New Mexico, has a population of 676,773, and 15.7 percent of these people are 65 years of age and older, some of whom may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Bernalillo County offers over a dozen memory care facilities to accommodate these seniors, with most of these facilities being located in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city.

In Bernalillo County and all of New Mexico, special memory care units are housed in Assisted Living Facilities for Adults (ALFs). The New Mexico Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau licenses and regulates ALFs.

• With an annual average of 280 sunny days, Bernalillo County’s year-round climate appeals to many seniors. The 13 inches of annual rainfall and 14 inches of snow are much lower than the US averages of 39 inches and 26 inches respectively. Warm and dry days make it easy for seniors to spend relaxing, recreational time outdoors. 
  
• On a scale of one to 100 with 100 being the highest, Bernalillo County’s violent crime rate is 48.9 compared to the U.S. average of 31.1 and property crime ranks 47.9 compared to the national average of 38.1. These higher crime rates could be a deterrent for seniors to move to this area, but most memory care facilities are equipped with security equipment to protect residents.
  
• The cost of living in Bernalillo County is 0.8 percent lower than the national average. This is good news for seniors on a tight budget. The savings are especially notable in grocery and healthcare costs, each about 12 percent lower than the national average. The lower healthcare costs in the county could make it an ideal location for seniors seeking memory care assistance.
  
•  Bernalillo County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care such as the Memory and Aging Center at UNM, in the event of medical emergencies or illness. 

Memory Care costs in Bernalillo County start around $5,287 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,743 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Bernalillo County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in New Mexico page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in New Mexico page.

Bernalillo County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in New Mexico are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in New Mexico page for more information about these laws.