New Mexico ADRC—REAL ANSWERS, REAL OPTIONS
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he New Mexico Aging and Disability Resource Center is part of the State’s Aging and Long Term Services Department, and is tasked with serving all of New Mexico, connecting people with resources to maximize personal choice and independence. ADRC staff can help provide short-term assistance in connecting individuals to available services and supports and help obtain benefits for which they are eligible. Among the services offered are: • Information and Assistance: Our staff can provide information on community services and supports throughout the state. • Healthy and Independent Living: Options Counselors provide information and education on understanding and living with disabilities, connecting to
Know the Difference Between Disinfecting and Sanitizing When it comes to cleaning, not all jobs are created equal. When you’ve got a big mess in the kitchen—do you clean, disinfect or sanitize? These terms are often used interchangeably, but believe it or not, each is different. Cleaning dirt or food from a surface, for example, doesn’t necessarily kill germs and bacteria that can cause us to become sick. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between disinfecting and sanitizing. The CDC offers the following guidance. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemi-
22 July 2020 • enchantment.coop
wellness programs, and staying healthy and independent.
• Medicaid Choice Counseling: Staff Provide assistance in applying for Medicaid benefits as well as educate callers on Medicaid benefits and services, assist in selection of a Managed Care Organization and educate callers on Self-Directed Community Benefit. • Benefit Counseling: The ADRC’s State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) can provide answers to questions and concerns regarding private and government benefit programs. SHIP staff offers one-on-one benefit counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families ensuring that New Mexicans receive accurate, unbiased information about health care options and other entitlements.
cals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. Hospitals, for example, disinfect areas that have come into contact with bodily fluids, and parents typically disinfect areas where a baby’s diaper is changed. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection. Most people sanitize kitchen surfaces that
• Health Care Fraud Prevention: The NM ADRC Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and report health care fraud. • Prescription Drug Assistance (PDA): The NM ADRC PDA program assists uninsured and under-insured individuals obtain the medications they need at a cost they can afford. • Network of Care: The New Mexico Network of Care social services resource directory is the online pathway to social service providers. Call 800-432-2080 to speak with a counselor or live web chat to easily access information quickly by methods which include popular mobile devices at www.nmaging.state.nm.us
come into contact with food. Pay close attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels. Cleaning products and disinfectants often call for the use of gloves or eye protection. For example, gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions. Visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus for more information on how to protect yourself and your family.
