What is going on? 

Puerto Rico's elderly population has been progressively growing. Elder care is still a problem that is frequently disregarded, despite its severity. Many elderly people go without the care they need, especially those who have limited family support. The migration of Puerto Rico's younger population to the United States has made the long-standing issue of systemic neglect in nursing facilities worse. This leaves many elderly individuals unattended and drastically reduces the workforce available for elder care.

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Despite the minimal attention that this issue has received, minimal effort has been made to ensure that seniors receive high-quality care, especially in rural areas where there is less access to healthcare, transportation, and community support. There is also a lack of easily accessible information regarding the quality of nursing homes, making it challenging for families to make the best decision for their loved ones.

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Research shows reports of systemic negligence, staff shortages, and a lack of resources in nursing homes. Puerto Rico's inadequate healthcare creates major challenges that neglects advocacy campaigns and cuts funds needed for systemic modifications and programs that aid in elder care expenses. Access to healthcare is still a significant problem, restricting seniors from the essential medical care they need.

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A 2019 report from the Puerto Rico Department of Health revealed that over 14,000 lawsuits have been filed against nursing homes, with cases of neglect and mistreatment becoming common. Many elderly residents battle with chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, and depression, and cannot afford quality care. Hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic also compromised the island’s economy and left thousands of seniors even more vulnerable.

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