Family Assistance for Older Adults in Puerto Rico

Authors

  • Paul-Jesús Fericelli Potifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/3809

Keywords:

Family assistance, policy analysis, Latino older adults, global aging

Abstract

Global aging is a growing issue in most countries, including Puerto Rico. The well being of the older adult population depends mainly on a collaborative government initiative that uses both public assistance and the engagement of family members. Puerto Rican policymakers are searching for alternatives to care for the expanding elderly population as well as to protect the country’s economy, avoid the financial cliff, and reduce the high cost of public assistance. The purpose of this article is to analyze The Act for the Improvement of the Family Assistance and for the Support of the Elderly, Act No. 193 of 2002, under the criteria-based model (Gallagher & Haskins, 1984) with a value-critical appraisal (Chambers & Wedel, 2009). I suggest Act No. 193 of 2002 as a model for policymakers who are seeking ways to improve assistance for older adults, by promoting the following values: fairness, familism, fraternity, and accountability.

Author Biography

Paul-Jesús Fericelli, Potifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Paul-Jesús Fericelli is an evidence based practitioner lecturing in The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico at The Department of Social Work. His research interest includes elderly welfare, child custody disputes, and parental alientation.

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Published

2013-09-04