Finding Care That Feels Like Home

When it comes to finding the right senior care in New Mexico, families are faced with more than just logistics—they're looking for peace of mind. They want to know their loved one is safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. And while many large senior living facilities may promise luxury or scale, they often miss the one thing that matters most: a place that feels like home.

That’s where BeeHive Homes comes in.

Why BeeHive Homes Is Different

At BeeHive Homes, our approach to senior living is simple: smaller homes, bigger hearts. Each of our homes is designed to feel just like that—a real home. With fewer residents, personalized care, and a cozy environment, your loved one receives the attention and companionship they deserve every single day.

From home-cooked meals to meaningful conversations with caregivers who know their name and their story, BeeHive Homes creates a lifestyle that feels safe, supported, and personal.

What Kind of Support Does BeeHive Offer?

At BeeHive Homes, we understand that every family uses different words when searching for the right kind of help. Whether you’re looking for senior living, senior care, or elderly care, we’re here to meet your loved one where they are.

Care You Can Count On, Close to Home

BeeHive Homes offers several assisted living locations throughout New Mexico, each one committed to compassionate, high-quality care in a homelike setting.

BeeHive Homes of ABQ-West

Visit ABQ-West - Located on the scenic west side of Albuquerque, this home is known for its strong sense of community and peaceful surroundings.

BeeHive Homes of Volcano Cliffs

Visit Volcano Cliffs - With beautiful views and a warm, caring team, this home combines comfort with dignity and support.

BeeHive Homes of Taylor Ranch

Visit Taylor Ranch - Residents here enjoy a calm, residential environment, engaging activities, and caregivers who truly feel like extended family.

BeeHive Homes of Edgewood

Visit Edgewood - Nestled in a quieter, more rural area, this home provides personalized care in a serene setting—perfect for those who prefer a slower pace.

Welcome Home

Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily living, support with memory care, or just a cozy, caring place to live, BeeHive Homes is here. We make the transition to senior living easier—for everyone.

Because to us, this isn’t just care. It’s family. It’s home.

Why Small Homes Feel Bigger at Heart

There’s something different about walking into a small BeeHive Home. It’s not just the cozy living room or the smell of fresh coffee drifting from the kitchen—it’s the sense that you’ve stepped into a place where people truly know and care for one another. It’s a place where comfort and connection live side by side.

That’s the beauty of small.

At BeeHive Homes, we design our communities to feel like home—not just in layout, but in spirit. Unlike larger senior living facilities, our smaller size creates space for deeper relationships, meaningful moments, and personalized care.

Personal Connections That Matter

In our homes, caregivers and residents build genuine relationships. Each interaction matters, from remembering a favorite breakfast to sharing a daily routine. As a result, care becomes more than a task—it becomes a relationship rooted in trust and familiarity.

Maria, whose mother lives in one of the BeeHive Homes in New Mexico, shared, “I love knowing that when my mom calls a caregiver by name, it’s because she truly knows them—and they know her. She’s not one of fifty. She’s part of a family.”

Everyday Peace of Mind

Smaller homes create a sense of calm. Families often tell us they feel more at ease knowing their loved one isn’t navigating long hallways or crowded spaces. Because of our home’s design, residents receive quicker responses and enjoy a setting that’s easy to understand—especially important for those living with memory loss.

Moreover, our peaceful atmosphere supports both emotional and physical well-being. Residents move at a comfortable pace, and familiar faces offer reassurance throughout the day.

A Place Where Residents Truly Thrive

We’ve seen firsthand how our environment helps residents flourish. Many who once felt isolated begin to reengage with life—laughing more, participating in activities, and forming new friendships. Whether they’re chatting over breakfast or enjoying sunshine on the patio, they feel a sense of belonging.

After all, when a place feels like home, it becomes more than where you live. It becomes where you’re seen, known, and valued.

What is Dementia?

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s: A Guide for Families

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, especially as you navigate the changes that come with memory loss. Whether you're just beginning to notice signs or you're deep in the caregiving journey, understanding the condition and knowing your options can help you provide the best care possible.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline that affects memory, reasoning, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. While memory loss is often the first noticeable symptom, dementia also impacts judgment, behavior, and even physical abilities over time.

Early Signs to Watch For

If you’re wondering whether your loved one may be experiencing dementia, here are some early warning signs:

How Dementia Progresses

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms worsen over time. In the early stages, a person may still function independently but need reminders. As it advances, daily activities like dressing, eating, and recognizing loved ones become more difficult. Eventually, round-the-clock care is often required.

Providing the Right Care

Caring for someone with memory related issues requires patience, understanding, and a supportive environment. Here are some ways you can help:

When to Consider Memory Care

There may come a time when home care is no longer enough. If your loved one is wandering, becoming agitated, or struggling with basic tasks, a memory care community can provide the specialized support they need. BeeHive Homes offers a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where residents receive personalized care tailored to their needs.

You’re Not Alone

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to explore memory care options. Contact BeeHive Homes today to learn more about how we can help your loved one live with dignity and comfort.

Compassion and Comfort Come Together

At BeeHive Homes, we believe that assisted living is more than just care—it’s about connection, community, and comfort. Every day, we witness the magic that happens when compassionate caregivers and vibrant residents come together in a homelike environment. From the joy of sharing stories around the dinner table to the reassurance of knowing someone is always there to help, BeeHive Homes is a place where life continues to be full of purpose and warmth.

A Place Where You Belong

Making the move to assisted living can feel overwhelming, but at BeeHive Homes, we make the transition easy. Our small, intimate communities ensure that every resident receives the personalized attention and care they deserve. Whether it’s a gentle reminder to take medication, a helping hand with daily activities, or just a friendly conversation over morning coffee, our team is here to make every day feel safe, comfortable, and fulfilling.

The Power of Compassionate Care

Our caregivers aren’t just staff—they’re family. They go beyond providing assistance; they build relationships, share laughter, and create meaningful moments with residents every single day. We know that kindness and empathy make all the difference in senior care, and it’s these qualities that have helped many of our BeeHive Homes locations earn awards for excellence in care.

A Life Well-Lived, Every Day

A fulfilling life doesn’t stop with age—it evolves. Our residents continue to find joy in friendships, take part in fun activities, and enjoy the simple comforts of home-cooked meals. From bingo nights and community gatherings to relaxing afternoons in cozy common spaces, we make sure that life at BeeHive Homes is always engaging, enriching, and full of heart.

See the Difference for Yourself

If you or a loved one is considering assisted living, memory care, or respite care, we invite you to experience the warmth of BeeHive Homes firsthand. Schedule a tour today and see why so many families trust us as the next best place to home.

Because at BeeHive Homes, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Love Story for the Ages

As Valentine's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the greatest love story I know — the story of my parents. They have been married since 1959 and, in 2025, they are still happily together, side by side. Their love is not just an emotion; it is a testament to commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.

They met under fairly ordinary circumstances, but their love turned it into something extraordinary.

The Beginning of Forever

My father was an immigrant from Canada, moving from a tiny town in northern Saskatchewan to Los Angeles when he was just 15 years old. His father was ill, and the family relocated in search of medical care. Life was not easy, but my dad took on responsibilities early, working hard to support his family while finishing high school.

My mother, on the other hand, had grown up in Oklahoma City, raised by a single, hardworking mother. She was shy and soft-spoken, a stark contrast to my father’s spirited and lively family, particularly his strong-willed and gregarious mother, who we all lovingly called “Granni.” But my father took after his own dad—a quiet, thoughtful, and deliberate man.

Their story begins on an unexpected blind double date. My dad had been set up with someone else, and they had already picked up his date when they stopped to collect his friend’s date — who happened to be my mother. The moment he saw her, he leaned over to his friend and matter-of-factly stated, “This one is my date.” And just like that, they swapped partners, and a decades-long love affair began.

A Lifetime of Love

Today, in their mid-eighties, my parents are still an inseparable pair. They eat a late brunch together every day, hold hands on walks, and share quiet conversations in the evenings. I often find them chatting about the little things that make up life, stealing a kiss, or simply enjoying the comfort of each other's presence.

My father still opens the car door for my mother, extends a hand to help her in, and ensures she is settled before closing the door gently. These small gestures — often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world — are the foundation of a love that has lasted more than six decades.

Their love has endured trials, joys, grief, and triumphs, but through it all, they have stood together, choosing each other every single day. The strength of their bond has extended far beyond their marriage, blessing six children, eighteen grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Love That Lasts a Lifetime

At BeeHive Homes, we believe that love should continue to thrive, even as couples enter their later years. Our homes are designed to provide a warm, comfortable environment where couples can live together, share meals, and continue writing their love story. Whether it’s a place for yourself, a parent, an aunt or uncle, or a beloved grandparent, BeeHive Homes is the next best place to home—a place where love is cherished, memories are honored, and every resident is treated like family.

If you or your loved one are looking for compassionate, home-like assisted living, we invite you to schedule a tour and experience the BeeHive difference.

This Valentine’s Day, may we all be reminded that true love is not just found in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday moments that add up to a lifetime together.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lessons of the Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful force. It can transform even the most challenging moments into opportunities for reflection and growth. A story shared by Gordon Green in a Reader’s Digest published in 1956 reminds us of this truth. It’s about a family on a Canadian farm whose Thanksgiving celebration taught them to find joy in life’s blessings—even when circumstances seemed dire.

The story begins with Gordon’s father leading the family in a tradition of taking inventory on Thanksgiving Day, counting the abundance of their harvest and livestock. This act wasn’t just practical; it was a way to reflect on how richly they had been blessed through their hard work and the grace of God. But the year Gordon remembered most wasn’t marked by abundance—it was the year they had almost nothing.

After devastating rains destroyed their crops, the family was left with little more than a patch of turnips and a jackrabbit for their Thanksgiving meal. In that difficult moment, Gordon’s father lit an old oil lamp and asked them to turn off their new electric lights. The dim glow reminded them of how far they had come and the blessings they still had. It wasn’t a feast of abundance, but the spirit of gratitude transformed their humble meal into something beautiful.

At BeeHive Homes, we embrace the power of gratitude every day, inspired by stories like Gordon’s. Gratitude shapes how we see the world, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Whether it’s enjoying a home-cooked meal, participating in a group activity, or simply sharing stories in our cozy common areas, we approach each day with a grateful heart.

The Benefits of Gratitude at BeeHive Homes

In our assisted living community, gratitude fosters connection, joy, and well-being. Here are just a few ways it impacts daily life:

Gratitude transforms challenges into lessons and scarcity into abundance. Just as Gordon’s family found richness in their modest Thanksgiving, our BeeHive Homes family finds joy and meaning in the moments we share together.

Come See the Difference Gratitude Makes

At BeeHive Homes, gratitude is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes how we care for our residents, nurture relationships, and create a home that feels truly special.

We invite you to experience the difference for yourself. Call us today at (505) 591-7022 to schedule a tour and see how BeeHive Homes approaches daily life with a grateful heart, creating a vibrant community where everyone feels valued and cared for.

Every day is an opportunity to celebrate life’s blessings at BeeHive Homes. Let us show you how we see things differently.

Honoring Our Veterans: A Tribute to Bravery, Sacrifice, and Service

For generations, veterans have protected our country, preserving our freedom and contributing to the peace we enjoy today. This Veterans Day, we reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who served, including the veterans within our BeeHive Homes family. Caring for our aging heroes is a unique honor, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support them in this chapter of their lives.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established on November 11, 1919, marking the end of World War I and paying homage to the soldiers who had served. In 1954, after both World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially renamed it “Veterans Day” to honor veterans of all U.S. wars, a tradition we uphold today as we recognize the service, resilience, and sacrifices of these heroes.

On a more personal note, my own family history is woven with stories of courage and dedication. My grandfathers both served in World War II—one as a tail gunner stationed in Europe and the other as a naval officer in the Pacific. Two of my uncles bravely fought in the Vietnam War. These family stories remind me not only of the resilience required by those in combat but also of the strength that comes from a commitment to something greater than oneself. The stories they shared—often told quietly, with a certain reverence—reflect the many sacrifices they made, not only in physical endurance but in leaving behind families and dreams to ensure our collective safety.

As a part of BeeHive Homes, we have the privilege to give back to veterans through quality senior care that respects their legacy:

  1. Quality Elderly Care: At BeeHive Homes, we’re committed to providing respectful, compassionate elderly care that addresses each resident’s unique needs in a comforting environment. Learn more about our elderly care services here.
  2. Compassionate Assisted Living: We believe that a home-like setting is essential for senior well-being. Our assisted living services are designed to foster comfort, familiarity, and community, helping seniors feel at ease. Explore our assisted living care offerings.
  3. Memory Care Options for Veterans: Specialized memory care for veterans with Alzheimer's or dementia is a priority at BeeHive Homes. We offer tailored programs and a dedicated team to ensure their safety and dignity. Discover more about our memory care services.
  4. Financial Options for Veterans: For veterans and their families, several financial support options are available to make quality care accessible. Learn more about these resources on our financial options page for veterans.

At BeeHive Homes, caring for our veterans is a true honor. These residents carry with them decades of history and resilience, having faced unimaginable challenges, and yet they still hold an unwavering spirit of service and camaraderie. Providing them with comfort, support, and community in their later years is our way of giving back and recognizing the impact they have had on our lives. The relationships we build with our veteran residents remind us of the value of respect, compassion, and the profound privilege it is to serve those who have served us.

This Veterans Day, as we honor those in our care and beyond, let us remember not only the freedoms we enjoy but the sacrifices made to secure them. Every day we enjoy in peace and liberty is a testament to their bravery and dedication. At BeeHive Homes, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve these men and women, giving them the same level of care and dignity that they have given to our nation.

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

In the aftermath and destruction of Hurricane Ida, many of us are considering what we can do to better prepare for natural disasters and unplanned emergencies.  Add emergency planning together with senior care and aging, and we begin to have an entirely new set of questions.  Have we ever thought about how aging impacts our preparedness for an emergency or a natural disaster?  Tasks and other daily activities get more difficult on a monthly basis as we age.  Now think about emergency preparedness from the perspective of someone elderly who is living on their own.  From owning life saving medical alert devices to participating in a state-wide or even national emergency program, it is best to be prepared before an incident occurs rather than wishing that we had been prepared.  And, what's more, if we are prepared and our loved ones are prepared, perhaps we'll be able to help someone who isn't when the time comes!

Medical Alert Devices

Medical Alert Device

Seniors who are beginning to notice difficulty with walking or stairs should take some time to investigate medical alert devices.  It doesn't necessarily mean that you'll have to wear a necklace with a button (although that is certainly an option). There are watches available, too.  This way, at a very basic level, you are able to contact Emergency Services to come to your aid in the event of a fall or getting stuck while alone.  Many people do not think about needing them until there is a serious problem where they've found themselves unable to get up when they've fallen outside.  Consider Northern climates and whether or not you'd be able to survive for long if the temperatures drop to -20F.  Or, in the South, if you're in an area that gets very hot and humid, if you'd survive without water for long.  Cell phones can also serve as a mobile alert device, as long as it's in your pocket when you need it!  Take 30 minutes to research the options you have available and make a decision about whether you should be getting a medical alert device and wearing one for peace of mind.

Household Hazards

My grandmother lived for years with tripping hazards all around her house.  She loved her old rag rugs.  As she advanced in years, however, they became more of a nuisance and liability.  She lived on her own, but because of extreme arthritis, the effort of lifting her feet to avoid turning up the corners of the rugs became too much for her.  She finally got rid of the rugs in most places or had them replaced with options that were heavier and stayed down on the edges better.  Door knobs that are easier to open, close and lock are other possible safety improvements.  Replace rolling chairs with non-rollers and sturdier options.  Unusually high or low bedsides can be replaced with easily maneuvered beds set at the right height.  Showers and bathrooms can have tubs with doors, handles near the toilet and in the shower, etc. Take a little time assessing the potential household hazards that can be removed now and might allow our us to enjoy our aging years in comfort.

Preparedness Kits

Before spending money on building an emergency preparedness kit, first spend some time thinking about what emergencies could occur in your area.  In all areas of the country, power outages can occur.  If those outages last for a number of days, how will this affect a senior living alone or even a group of seniors who rely on others for help?  Water is the first and primary concern. We should have adequate water for at least three days time somewhere in our house. In Northern climates, that water must also be accompanied by a way to have heat should it go out. Water will do no good if it frozen solidly.  Light via flashlights, candles or lanterns is another good idea to consider when facing a power outage.  Shelter, heaters for warmth, fans to stay cool in warm climates, and food are also other considerations for these times.  How will we eat and stay warm (or cool depending on circumstances)?

You can read some great tips from the Red Cross on this PDF - for building a kit:

Form a Plan

Forming a plan that family/neighbors/friends know about is an important step for being prepared. In all of the preparations that we make or that we help a loved one to make, please keep in mind that plans are most effective if they are shared with others.  Many older people look out for one another.  If that is the case with you or your loved one, share necessary emergency numbers, keys or papers with those you trust.  Forming a chain of people to call is a great idea so that everyone knows when things are safe and that you're okay.  Lack of communication can be the scariest part of an emergency, so find a way to combat that, if you can.

These are only a few suggestions to help start you on your preparedness journey.  There are countless websites and books that can help you to prepare for specific emergencies in a more comprehensive way.  This article takes aging into consideration in the process.  Most of us do not think about the limitations that aging presents in these situations.  Start with simple steps.  Begin thinking and preparing today for these types of emergencies and rest easy knowing that you're as ready as you can be.

Sleeplessness In Older And Aging Adults

Sleeping as we Age

Have you noticed that as we age, genuine, deep sleep is more and more difficult to attain?  Many people blame this sleeplessness on the aging process, but is it right to do so?  There are certainly many older persons who can sleep well through the night.

Why Don't I Feel Rested?

Sleeplessness is caused in part by the aging process.  As we age, our bodies produce lower amounts of growth hormone while we rest.  This can result in making it harder to fall into a deep sleep.  Our bodies end up requiring more sleep to get the same amount of "rest" when compared to our younger years.  We will want to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier.  We may also need to take a nap during the day to make up for the lost rest.  So what steps can we take to try to get a good night's rest again?

A Hard Day's Work

First, we can ensure that we have been active during the day.  As we age and go into retirement or stop working a regular job, it oftentimes gets harder to sleep at night, but not because of any health concerns.  Rather it is because enough energy has not be expended during the day to make us sufficiently tired at night.  Though our minds may refute this argument, the truth is, our bodies NEED certain levels of work or activity throughout the day in order to rest properly at night.  If our bodies don't have a sufficient level of activity, they also do not recognize or trigger the need for rest.  We need to try our best to raise our activity level during the day, finding work and exercise that's appropriate for our abilities at this stage of life.  Work hard and later enjoy a more restful night's sleep.

Clocks and Time Schedules

Consistent Sleep Routine

Another helpful step that we can take is to establish a regular routine of waking and sleeping.  Sometimes, as we age, our schedules can be thwarted by illness, aches, incontinence or even just out of boredom.  We find ourselves dozing at various times during the day.  Yet not able to sleep later, or staying up later watching television and sleeping in later in the morning.  Whatever schedule we decide makes us feel best, we should stick with it on a daily basis in order to obtain the most restful night's sleep possible.  Our sleep patterns are rhythmic and throwing off that rhythm can have an adverse effect on our sleep at night.

Turn off the T.V

Cutting off any screen time in the evenings a couple of hours before sleeping will help notify your body that it's time to begin winding down to rest.  That means perhaps not texting or video chatting with your friends and family after a certain hour.  Choose quieter activities that are not as stimulating, such as crossword puzzles, restful music, reading books, playing solitaire, etc.  Help your body to be able to identify the cut off time from evening activities to sleeping time by establishing a nightly routine.  Soon enough, you will find yourself longing to retire for the evening and looking forward to the rest that comes with it!

Doctors Orders

Finally, if you are still having problems sleeping after all of these steps, talk with your doctor.  See if your doctor can suggest any other steps or changes you might make in your life.  Your doctor may also be able to diagnosis if you have insomnia or other sleep depravation conditions.  Supplementing melatonin is an option for some people.  Others might need something a little stronger in order to help them set the rhythm of sleep again.  Before you head to the doctor, however, be sure that you've tried everything in your power to re-gain sleep in a natural way.  Older adults tend to take more medications than younger people and the combination of drugs can sometimes impair sleep.  Natural sleep patterns will always trump medicated ones.

Time for Bed

Sleeplessness is frustrating and tiring by very definition!  Even though we won't sleep like babies as we grow older, we can take many steps to improve the rest we are getting.  Relax, don't stress and soon enough you'll be dreaming of the good old days again!

Incontinence in Older Adults

Incontinence is an issue of embarrassment among many older people.  According to a report from 2014, about half the population of older Americans experience urinary leakage or accidental bowel leakage.  And roughly 25% have moderate, severe or very severe urinary leakage.  That's a lot of people!  Perhaps because people are unwilling to talk openly about this condition, there tends to be a bit of misinformation floating around about the topic.  This can easily be corrected for the benefit of the sufferer in order that they might have a much less complicated life. 

Causes

There are many causes of incontinence in older adults.  The causes can range from poor posture, to inflammation or other underlying conditions.  Incontinence occurs when muscles are too weak or to active.  Prostate problems (in men) or nerve damage can also contribute to incontinence issues.  People often say is that it is normal to have urinary incontinence as you age.  Although older women are about twice as likely as men, this is simply not true.  Do not accept this as it is a common belief.  Perhaps your incontinence is caused by something that could be easily fixed.  Or it may be that you have a medical condition that needs to be addressed.  Regardless, determining the cause will allow you to move forward and possibly even find a solution.

Solutions

Poor posture is one of the least talked about but most common causes of a weak bladder.  For a variety of reasons, we tend to slouch or slump forward as we age.  It is somewhat natural, but what happens to your internal organs when you allow your body to slouch forward?  Your organs are arranged inside of you atop of one another.  And also supported by the spine in the back.  If you slouch forward the organs push forward and rest fully on top of your other organs.  Specifically atop your bladder.  Apart from causing terrible back, neck and shoulder problems, slouching will often cause weak bladder. Or, if left for long enough, incontinence.

Another common cause is inflammation in the lining of the bladder.  If you have an infection, it may be a simple matter of receiving a prescription for an antibiotic and you could be on your way to recovery!  Sometimes it really is this simple, and yet people will suffer for months thinking that they are just getting older and that incontinence is a natural part of that process.

Another way to prevent or reverse incontinence might be exercise.  Sometimes you may need to do exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor.  And other times you may need to receive a treatment if the physician finds something more serious.  The main concept to remember is that if this problem begins or persists, you need to listen to your body and try to solve the problem by discussing with your doctor.

Friends_BeeHiveHomes

Take Good Care of Yourself

If you need to wear adult incontinence pads or underwear, do your best to get the proper size and absorbency for your needs.  Some folks that are on a limited budget try to economize by getting a smaller size (there are generally more pairs in the smaller sized packages). Or by getting some that are less absorbent (because they are cheaper).  The result of this is that you can end up getting sores from ill-fitting underwear or end up in an embarrassing situation when the absorbency was not up to par.

Whatever your current situation with incontinence, if it IS an issue for you, do not be afraid to raise the question with your doctor.  Start the conversation so that you can begin the process of healing and return to a more active and less stressful lifestyle!