Puerto Rico joins AARP, United Way caregiver support program
Puerto Rico has been added to the expanding Caregiver Support Program from AARP and United Way Worldwide, bringing new services to thousands of family caregivers on the island through the 2-1-1 helpline.
“Caring for parents, spouses and other adult loved ones is a labor of love — but it can also be a tremendous challenge,” the organizations said in a joint announcement.
By dialing 2-1-1, caregivers in Puerto Rico can now reach trained Community Resource Specialists who provide local referrals for transportation, food delivery, home safety, respite care, veterans’ benefits and other support services.
The program also connects caregivers to resources for their own needs, including housing, employment and emotional support. It offers access to AARP caregiving tools and information on specialized topics. The 2-1-1 service is available 24/7, free of charge, in 180 languages.
With the addition of Puerto Rico and 10 U.S. states, the program now covers 36% of the U.S. population in 25 states and the island. Since its launch in 2021, it has helped more than 1 million caregivers find essential services, the announcement said.
The Caregiver Support Program aims to reduce burdens on unpaid caregivers, many of whom lack formal training or support. It promotes early use of caregiver resources, particularly in underserved areas. For caregivers in Puerto Rico, the 2-1-1 helpline now provides a direct link to services and guidance.
Puerto Rico was one of 10 new jurisdictions added to the program, along with Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Missouri and Illinois.
