National Center on Elder Abuse
Home / Resource / Blogs / Home Sweet Home, Aging with Dignity in Puerto Rico
National Center on Elder Abuse
Home / Resource / Blogs / Home Sweet Home, Aging with Dignity in Puerto Rico
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HHS Administration for Community Living websites devoted to supporting Elder Justice
Home Sweet Home, Aging with Dignity in Puerto Rico
 | Authors: Ciení Rodríguez Troche, Secretary, Puerto Rico Department of the Family |
If there’s something that distinguishes societies and cultures, it’s the way each treats people as they age. This is evident across all sectors of society: family, work, friendships, government, and ultimately, the individual themselves.
Sadly, there are societies where older adults are perceived as a burden, as people without value, or worse, as invisible. However, most communities and people do not think this way. That’s why governments have largely taken responsibility for the well-being of older adults, providing necessary services, and creating public policies that define what is appropriate in their care and treatment. This population is growing larger and living longer.
Beyond government efforts, it is the responsibility of everyone in our society to care for our elders. And by "care," I don’t just mean physical assistance for those who need it, but also their social, emotional, and economic well-being.
Older adults have their own "strata." There are people in their 60s and 70s who are still working, healthy, and leading fulfilling lives, though they still feel the impact of aging over time. At this stage, they start making small changes in their daily routines to adapt to the new challenges of aging, which they can manage gradually.
At the other end of the spectrum are the much older adults with more fragile health, who depend more on others for their daily needs. It is this group that requires the most attention.
Often, these individuals lack support. A common scenario arises when children move away for work, leading to serious implications for daily living. Sometimes, they miss medications or medical appointments, waiting for "someone" to come and help.
Another factor to consider is where they live—urban or rural areas? This makes a big difference, as older adults often live alone in remote rural areas, making supervision and support nearly impossible. In an emergency, help is unlikely to arrive in time. Additionally, these areas often lack adequate transportation systems that would allow for some mobility.
It’s well established that loneliness greatly affects both physical and mental health, a condition that worsens as the years pass and we have fewer friends or family around.
Those who live alone in isolated places are particularly vulnerable in multiple ways. Besides being at risk health-wise, they are often victims of abuse and neglect.
Too often, older adults refuse to leave their homes, while children or relatives view visiting as a burden. This is seen as unnecessary and often leads to a pattern of neglect. Being alone, without assistance, they begin to lack medicines, proper food, and even basic self-care.
This prompts us to stop and reflect on what we are doing to ensure this community receives better attention as their needs increase over time.
Statistics and trends show that more and more older adults choose to stay in their homes rather than move to an institution, a common practice in past years. The reasons are varied and mostly valid, making it necessary to study this situation and identify factors that can facilitate support in their homes.
First, we must recognize that their immediate environment changes. Space must be made for wheelchairs, adjustable beds, walkers, and canes. Major adjustments are also needed in the bathroom and kitchen, which, of course, come with additional costs that may not be covered by medical insurance.
Therefore, it's time to review our public policies, recognizing that "institutionalization" should be the exception, not the norm. For this to happen, conditions must be created for families to fulfill their loved one’s wishes without an unbearable financial burden. This involves revisiting medical plans and the laws and regulations governing them. The vast majority of home-based services should be covered by insurers. Simultaneously, the government must provide services and human resources for those lacking the means. Lack of funds should never be an obstacle to an older adult receiving the 24-hour care they need at home.
The home is our greatest treasure, our sanctuary, where we feel safe and where our memories were made. Therefore, it is logical that for someone in the twilight of their life, being at home brings peace and even happiness—both integral to better health and quality of life.
From a young age, we are taught that we are unique and special. Why shouldn’t this hold true for older adults? Each human being is distinct and unique. We all deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Respecting the desire to stay at home should be a priority when making decisions.
Last Modified: 11/29/2024