It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Thurber House in Columbus, NM gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Columbus, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“These folks were so helpful in answering all my questions about my dad's need for”
“We are really impressed with Josh and how efficient and helpful he is. Thank you”
“Efficient, gets work done and very pleasant”
“I hired Always Best Care when my mother needed care after she was released from”
“I hired Always Best Care when my mother needed care after she was released from”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health”
“This company is effective and efficient. The staff are friendly and engaging. Would highly”
“Every time I have referred pt’s and their families members to Always Best Senior”
“This company is effective and efficient. The staff are friendly and engaging. Would highly”
“Every time I have referred pt’s and their families members to Always Best Senior”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are”
“Phenomenal staff. Attentive. Caring. Professional. They match caregivers perfectly based on our needs. 10/10 I”
“Great company to work with they super nice I just wish I have more hours”
“Mrs. Grace C. Is the sweetest person working at/for Always Best Care is an amazing”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and”
“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always”
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents.”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity”
“These folks were so helpful in answering all my questions about my dad's need for care. It's so hard to navigate this part of a parent's life. A few places I called sounded annoyed with all my questions, so I was hesitant to call another. I am grateful for the kindness during this process.”
“We are really impressed with Josh and how efficient and helpful he is. Thank you for Always Best Care Senior Services care to us from Josh.”
“Efficient, gets work done and very pleasant”
“I hired Always Best Care when my mother needed care after she was released from the hospital. She needed help with bathing, meals, and getting to appointments. This company doesn’t disappoint. All of my mother’s needs were met and she enjoyed her caregiver’s help and company. Whenever we needed additional days or to switch a day, Cassandra always fulfilled our needs. Liz, Suri, and Stephanie were amazing. They are the reason my mother is back on her feet. Thank you for everything!”
“I hired Always Best Care when my mother needed care after she was released from the hospital. She needed help with bathing, meals, and getting to appointments. This company doesn’t disappoint. All of my mother’s needs were met and she enjoyed her caregiver’s help and company. Whenever we needed additional days or to switch a day, Cassandra always fulfilled our needs. Liz, Suri, and Stephanie were amazing. They are the reason my mother is back on her feet. Thank you for everything!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and reliable care for their loved ones. The quality of care they provided for my mother was exceptional. The caregivers and providers went above and beyond, offering not only professional medical assistance but also a genuine kindness and empathy that made all the difference. It was clear that they truly cared for my mother's well-being, and their support brought peace of mind to our family. If you’re looking for trustworthy and sympathetic care, Always Best Care is an outstanding choice.”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and reliable care for their loved ones. The quality of care they provided for my mother was exceptional. The caregivers and providers went above and beyond, offering not only professional medical assistance but also a genuine kindness and empathy that made all the difference. It was clear that they truly cared for my mother's well-being, and their support brought peace of mind to our family. If you’re looking for trustworthy and sympathetic care, Always Best Care is an outstanding choice.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and reliable care for their loved ones. The quality of care they provided for my mother was exceptional. The caregivers and providers went above and beyond, offering not only professional medical assistance but also a genuine kindness and empathy that made all the difference. It was clear that they truly cared for my mother's well-being, and their support brought peace of mind to our family. If you’re looking for trustworthy and sympathetic care, Always Best Care is an outstanding choice.”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care Home Health for anyone in need of compassionate and reliable care for their loved ones. The quality of care they provided for my mother was exceptional. The caregivers and providers went above and beyond, offering not only professional medical assistance but also a genuine kindness and empathy that made all the difference. It was clear that they truly cared for my mother's well-being, and their support brought peace of mind to our family. If you’re looking for trustworthy and sympathetic care, Always Best Care is an outstanding choice.”
“This company is effective and efficient. The staff are friendly and engaging. Would highly recommend their service.”
“Every time I have referred pt’s and their families members to Always Best Senior Services- they have been very content with the services that this agency renders. From my experience this agency hires very loyal, kind, compassionate, and trained providers . This agency goes above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the individuals that they serve. * Highly recommend! *”
“This company is effective and efficient. The staff are friendly and engaging. Would highly recommend their service.”
“Every time I have referred pt’s and their families members to Always Best Senior Services- they have been very content with the services that this agency renders. From my experience this agency hires very loyal, kind, compassionate, and trained providers . This agency goes above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the individuals that they serve. * Highly recommend! *”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I faced reality for finding care for my parents even if it was only temporary. Always Best Care was amazing. Hoping not to need anytime soon, but should the time come again I will definitely go with ABC again! Thank you”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I faced reality for finding care for my parents even if it was only temporary. Always Best Care was amazing. Hoping not to need anytime soon, but should the time come again I will definitely go with ABC again! Thank you”
“Not knowing when Senior care services will be needed ~ the time came when I faced reality for finding care for my parents even if it was only temporary. Always Best Care was amazing. Hoping not to need anytime soon, but should the time come again I will definitely go with ABC again! Thank you”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are caring and gentle with her, very attentive to her needs and show this is more than just a job, it's a calling for them. Their behind the scenes staff are outstanding, great in communication and flexibility. We really appreciate ABC and would give them more stars if we could!”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are caring and gentle with her, very attentive to her needs and show this is more than just a job, it's a calling for them. Their behind the scenes staff are outstanding, great in communication and flexibility. We really appreciate ABC and would give them more stars if we could!”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are caring and gentle with her, very attentive to her needs and show this is more than just a job, it's a calling for them. Their behind the scenes staff are outstanding, great in communication and flexibility. We really appreciate ABC and would give them more stars if we could!”
“Phenomenal staff. Attentive. Caring. Professional. They match caregivers perfectly based on our needs. 10/10 I will talk about them to everyone I know. Las Cruces was in dire need for a Senior Care group who truly does have a passion for us.”
“Great company to work with they super nice I just wish I have more hours and they are super understandable, I don’t want to go :( I just need more hours”
“Mrs. Grace C. Is the sweetest person working at/for Always Best Care is an amazing Experience. Thank you Grace for the wonderful support u give.. She is great at communicating! Thank you for the Extra care giver TRAINING.”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind and compassionate. They went out of their several times to take care of her, and they were very respectful and responsive to our concerns. I would highly recommend using them.”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind and compassionate. They went out of their several times to take care of her, and they were very respectful and responsive to our concerns. I would highly recommend using them.”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism and competence that make them a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommended!”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism and competence that make them a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommended!”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism and competence that make them a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommended!”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are A1, providers are exceptional and staff is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t say enough but positive feedback. Will really recommend this company for all your senior needs and services.”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are A1, providers are exceptional and staff is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t say enough but positive feedback. Will really recommend this company for all your senior needs and services.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and love spending time with the elderly and there families!!”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and love spending time with the elderly and there families!!”
“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always come through with providing the best quality home care for your loved one! I highly recommend them for senior care services! They truly deserve the name of, “Always Best Care Senior Services of El Paso.””
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the elderly. They are so helpful. There is no one else that I would rather work with.”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome and friendly staff. Highly recommend!”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers and family to make sure we have the equipment and support we need. They truly stand by their name. If your looking for a care agency for your loved ones. Look no further because I truly enjoy working for them and I know they hire caregivers who love their job. Patients are our number one concern and the care we provide should be the best. I have learned so much working for ABC Senior Services and I’m grateful for their support.”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help seniors in making their lives a little easier!”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents. Their commitment to client care and integrity of their staff make families of loved ones feel completely at ease. Thank you!”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very personable. My father-in-law just turned 100 and my mother-in-law is 96, and together they can be a handful. I would highly recommend Always Best Care, without any hesitation.”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very personable. My father-in-law just turned 100 and my mother-in-law is 96, and together they can be a handful. I would highly recommend Always Best Care, without any hesitation.”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers and family to make sure we have the equipment and support we need. They truly stand by their name. If your looking for a care agency for your loved ones. Look no further because I truly enjoy working for them and I know they hire caregivers who love their job. Patients are our number one concern and the care we provide should be the best. I have learned so much working for ABC Senior Services and I’m grateful for their support.”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help seniors in making their lives a little easier!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Goodale Park in Columbus, NM with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Lindey's or visit Franklin Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Columbus, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Columbus, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Columbus, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlines the next phase of Southern border reopening, adding Columbus cattle trade and Santa Teresa horse quarantine under strict quotas.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday, Oct. 20, the next steps in USDA’s phased reopening of the southern livestock ports. The Columbus, N.M., port will reopen to cattle trade on Oct. 26.She also announced Santa Teresa, N.M., which opened to cattle on Sept. 24, will resume horse imports on Oct. 26. Horses will be quarantined...
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday, Oct. 20, the next steps in USDA’s phased reopening of the southern livestock ports. The Columbus, N.M., port will reopen to cattle trade on Oct. 26.
She also announced Santa Teresa, N.M., which opened to cattle on Sept. 24, will resume horse imports on Oct. 26. Horses will be quarantined at a USDA-approved facility on the U.S. side. Mexican-import quarantine facilities will remain closed.
The Nogales, Ariz., port will reopen on Nov. 30, if conditions continue to support safe trade and required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place.
Rollins stresses, “Protecting American livestock remains the priority.”
NEW: @SecRollins announced the next steps in @USDA’s phased reopening of southern livestock ports: ???? COLUMBUS, NM: Planned reopening to cattle on October 26. Every animal must undergo multiple inspections before entering the U.S. ???? SANTA TERESA, NM: Horse imports are planned to resume on October 26. Import quarantine must take place at the USDA-approved facility on the U.S. side. Mexican-side import quarantine facilities remain closed. ???? NOGALES, AZ: Planned reopening to cattle imports on November 30, if conditions continue to support safe trade and required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place. Protecting American livestock remains the priority.
— New World Screwworm Rapid Response (@Screwworm_RR) October 20, 2026
The Columbus crossing is the third southern livestock port approved to reopen under USDA’s phased framework. Early industry projections expect trade to start at roughly 750 head per day under strict phased quotas.
Through Oct. 16, 39,600 head have crossed since the ports reopened to cattle trade. The breakdown by port according to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Historically, Mexico exports roughly 1.15 to 1.2 million cattle to the U.S. annually. Santa Teresa alone normally processes roughly 40% to 43% of all Mexican cattle imports (nearly 500,000 head/year), meaning current volumes represent a tightly regulated, gradual restart.
In May 2025, USDA suspended live cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico following the northward spread of the New World screwworm (NWS). Since June 3, 2026, USDA has received 1,000 suspect NWS case submissions nationwide, including 531 from Texas. USDA has confirmed just 56. Only five are still active.
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The port of entry at Columbus, N.M., will be the third crossing reopened for imports of Mexican cattle as of Oct. 26, the USDA said Monday. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is scheduled to visit the Columbus Stockyards on Tuesday at the border, including participating in a roundtable discussion with representatives... The port of entry at Columbus, N.M., will be the third crossing reopened for imports of Mexican cattle as of Oct. 26, the USDA said Monday.Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is scheduled to visit the Columbu...
The port of entry at Columbus, N.M., will be the third crossing reopened for imports of Mexican cattle as of Oct. 26, the USDA said Monday. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is scheduled to visit the Columbus Stockyards on Tuesday at the border, including participating in a roundtable discussion with representatives...
The port of entry at Columbus, N.M., will be the third crossing reopened for imports of Mexican cattle as of Oct. 26, the USDA said Monday.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is scheduled to visit the Columbus Stockyards on Tuesday at the border, including participating in a roundtable discussion with representatives of the local agricultural industry. Dudley Hoskins, under secretary of agriculture for marketing and regulatory programs, and Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer, associate administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and head of USDA’s New World Screwworm (NWS) Directorate, are expected to attend.
After the reopening of the first cattle crossing on Aug. 24 in Douglas, Ariz., and the second, largest port of entry on Sept. 24 at Santa Teresa, N.M., Columbus was named by USDA as the next port in line for reopening to livestock, but with no official date until now.
Imports of Mexican stocker and feeder cattle, which have historically averaged about 1.1 million head or about 5% of annual U.S. fed slaughter, had been halted since May 2025 by the USDA in response to the screwworm’s advance from southern Mexico. The reopening plans advanced after the first larvae were discovered in June in South Texas livestock.
The Columbus reopening is going forward after last week’s confirmation of two new cases of New World screwworm infestation in southwestern New Mexico. The new infestations afflicted a calf and a horse in Grant County adjoining Luna county, which includes Columbus. The flesh-eating past has now been found in three domesticated animals since last month in Grant County.
Two infested zones in a radius of at least 12 miles from the new cases are now being enforced, including one in southern Grant County reaching into Luna County. An adjacent surveillance zone envelopes both infested areas, taking up most of the southwestern corner of the state and stretching east to just outside Columbus.
Animal health authorities in New Mexico have stepped up fly-trapping in the zone around the latest cases.
Two new cases of New World screwworm in southwestern New Mexico are raising concerns about the next planned reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to cattle imports, potentially complicating efforts to restore livestock trade between the two countries.State and federal animal health officials confirmed the infestations Oct. 15 in a calf and a horse in Grant County, near the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry. Columbus had been identified as the next crossing expected to reopen to Mexican cattle, although USDA has not announced an offici...
Two new cases of New World screwworm in southwestern New Mexico are raising concerns about the next planned reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to cattle imports, potentially complicating efforts to restore livestock trade between the two countries.
State and federal animal health officials confirmed the infestations Oct. 15 in a calf and a horse in Grant County, near the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry. Columbus had been identified as the next crossing expected to reopen to Mexican cattle, although USDA has not announced an official date.
The detections follow a previous case involving a horse in Grant County on Sept. 17, bringing New Mexico’s total to four confirmed animal cases since the parasite returned to the United States.
The new cases have prompted additional surveillance, animal movement restrictions and expanded fly-trapping efforts across southwestern New Mexico.
In response to the detections, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico Livestock Board established two infested zones in Grant County.
One surrounds Silver City, while the second is centered near Coyote Hills and includes the Lordsburg, Playas and Hachita valleys. The designated areas extend into neighboring Luna County, with a broader surveillance zone reaching east toward Columbus.
Animals within the infested zones are subject to mandatory inspections and may require treatment before being moved within or outside the restricted areas.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveillance and monitor for additional infestations,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck.
Officials have also increased fly trapping near the confirmed cases to determine whether additional screwworm activity is present.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is urging livestock producers, veterinarians and animal owners to closely inspect animals and report suspicious wounds.
“We appreciate the continued cooperation of livestock producers, veterinarians and animal owners as we respond to these additional cases,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to limiting the spread of this pest. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and work closely with animal health officials.”
The latest cases come at a particularly sensitive time for cattle producers and livestock traders on both sides of the border.
USDA began reopening cattle crossings in phases on Aug. 24, starting with Douglas, Arizona. The Santa Teresa, New Mexico, crossing followed on Sept. 24, restoring access through one of the busiest livestock ports along the southern border.
Columbus was expected to be next in the reopening sequence.
Although no date had been formally announced, livestock traders had anticipated another reopening roughly 30 days after Santa Teresa, potentially placing Columbus on track for late October.
The new detections near the crossing could complicate that timeline as federal and state officials assess the risk of additional infestations.
No official postponement of the Columbus reopening has been announced in the reporting available as of Oct. 19.
For cattle producers, the uncertainty adds another challenge to cross-border livestock movement. Mexican feeder cattle are an important source of animals for U.S. feedlots, particularly in the Southwest, where imports support cattle feeding and beef production.
Restrictions on cattle crossings can affect feeder cattle availability, transportation logistics and marketing decisions for producers on both sides of the border.
The latest New Mexico detections bring the total number of confirmed New World screwworm infestations in U.S. animals to 56 since June 2026, according to Texas Public Radio’s Oct. 15 report.
Texas accounts for 52 cases, while New Mexico has recorded four.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service had listed 55 confirmed animal cases, including five active and 50 inactive, before the additional New Mexico calf case brought the combined total to 56.
All confirmed U.S. animal infestations have involved domestic animals, with no confirmed cases in wildlife or feral animals as of that report.
Officials have also detected one wild screwworm fly in a surveillance trap in Brewster County, Texas, on Sept. 25. That detection is tracked separately from animal infestations.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common maggots, which generally feed on dead or decaying material, screwworm larvae can invade healthy tissue surrounding wounds.
Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or natural body openings, and infestations can rapidly worsen without treatment.
Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wildlife and pets are all susceptible.
Producers should pay particular attention to wounds that fail to heal, unusual swelling, bloody or foul-smelling discharge, visible larvae and changes in animal behavior.
Prompt veterinary attention and reporting are essential to preventing additional infestations.
Federal and state officials continue using surveillance, movement controls and sterile-fly releases to combat the parasite.
For now, the latest detections underscore the challenges facing efforts to control New World screwworm while reopening livestock trade along the southern border. With Columbus next in line, the coming weeks could be critical for determining whether additional cattle crossings can resume operations as planned.
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