Analysis on the availability of programs and services for elderly people in Puerto Rico

This research was conducted with the purpose of analyzing the programs and services available to the aged population in the municipalities of Puerto Rico during 1999 and 2000. The analysis was performed using an evaluation instrument which collected data of the programs and services directed exclusively to the aged population, such as: senior centers, foster homes, institutions, independent living, employed and/or volunteer people, geriatric services, adult education (literacy), recreation, discounts, corporations and/or associations that benefit the aged population, aging offices, support groups, social services, home meal services, and financial aid. Data was also collected from programs and services that benefit diverse aged populations in areas such as: health, housing, employment and social welfare. The sources for the collection of data were directories available to government and private agencies, telephone directories, telephone interviews, and personal visits. The municipalities were divided into two zones, the Northern zone, constituted by 40 municipalities and the Southern zone, constituted by 38 municipalities, for a total of 78 evaluated municipalities. In the Northern region, which accounted to approximately 295,938 aged persons, 18 types of programs or services were found to serve the aged population directly and 50 types were aged-related programs or services. In the Southern region, which accounted for approximately 169,798 aged persons, 13 types of programs or services served the aged exclusively and 43 were aged-related services. The following were among the principal programs or services available: senior centers, foster homes and/or institutions, employment programs, home care services and hospices, independent living, and agricultural extension services. Among the least available programs or services were private home meal services, literacy and retraining, arts and travel services, corporations or associations for the benefit of the aged, geriatric evaluation programs, home repair services, home-assistance programs, support and respite programs, adequate or specialized transportation services, diverse housing models, different types of senior centers, and programs for psychological or psychiatric assistance. In conclusion, the availability of the programs and services in this study and the evaluation of the services needed for a community of aged persons indicate the need for increasing and developing services considered essential in accordance to the population demands.