Family Caregiver Resources for Puerto Rico

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To request the printed resource guide for family caregivers in Puerto Rico, call the AARP Caregiver Support Resource Line toll-free at 888-971-2013. A copy will be mailed to you.

Puerto Rico Family Caregiver Support Program (Region 1 San Juan Central Office 787-721-6121 Ext. 1245, 1309, 1378; Region 2 Ponce 787-841-1180 or 878-841-1181)
Provides respite services and supports to individuals caring for aging family members and grandparents raising grandchildren. Services include home care, housekeeper, temporary institution care, durable medical equipment (for those who do not have Medicare Part B), nutritional supplements, incontinence supplies, and access to Lifeline medical alert system.
 
Senior Companion Friends (787-721-6121)
Provides free in-home respite care for individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, providing companionship and assistance so family caregivers can get a break.

Energy Consumption Credit for Life-Sustaining Equipment (787-521-3434)
Provides financial relief to residential customers who require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (787-289-7600 Ext. 2386)
Provides financial assistance to households with low-income households to help cover energy costs, including electricity and fuel.
 
Puerto Rico Telecommunications Bureau - Lifeline Program (787-756-0804)
Provides discounted phone and internet services to eligible residents with low incomes. 

Office of the Elderly Citizen's Advocate (OPPEA) Elder Rights Protection (San Juan: 787-721-6121; Ponce: 787-841-1180; Guayama: 787-866-6971; Mayagüez: 787-986-7105)
Investigates complaints of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in long-term care facilities and the community.

Puerto Rico Legal Services (800-981-5342)
Provides free legal representation and guidance to individuals with low incomes.

Pro Bono (800-981-5801)
Non-profit corporation of the PR Bar Association that offers free legal services to individuals with low incomes.

• Elderly Legal Assistance Clinic of the University of PR Law School (787-999-9570)
• Legal Aid Clinic, Interamerican University Law School (787-751-1912 ext. 2158 or 787-751-1600)
• Legal Aid Clinic, Pontifical Catholic University Law School (787-651-2000 Ext. 1832)

Program for the Support of the Elderly (PROSPERA) (787-772-9337 or 1-877-660-6060)
Provides free legal assistance to individuals aged 60 and older who are unable to fully support themselves, helping them obtain financial support or care-related assistance from their adult descendants through mediation or legal proceedings, and enforcing agreements.

Active Minds Puerto Rico (787-677-0503)
Addresses cognitive health and enhances the quality of life for older adults, people with any form of dementia, and their caregivers.

Alzheimer's Association of Puerto Rico (787-268-6818)
Provides Alzheimer's education and support groups for those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and their family caregivers.

American Cancer Society of Puerto Rico (787-764-2295 or 800-227-2345) 
Offers programs and services to help you manage cancer treatment and recovery and find emotional support.
 
Centers 330, Primary and Preventive Health Care Facilities (787-758-3411)
Primary health centers that provide primary and preventive health services to vulnerable and uninsured individuals through discounted sliding scale rates. Provides education and assistance in choosing and/or applying or renewing for medical insurance plans.

Facing Alzheimer's (787-598-9844)
Non-profit organization that raises awareness and educates about Alzheimer's
Disease and financial support for those living with it who have low incomes.

Organization for the Care of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease (OPAPA) (787-696-1159 or 939-231-9618)
Offers therapeutic services to people living with dementia and educates family caregivers. 

Puerto Rico Department of Health Geriatrics Program (787-765-2929, Ext. 4133 and 4430)
Provides health and nutrition programs and administers Medicaid and other medical services.

Puerto Rican Diabetes Association (787-729-2210)
Provides education, prevention, awareness, services and events about diabetes and promotes healthy lifestyles.

Puerto Rico Department of Health’s Vaccination Program (787-765-2929)
Coordinates immunization efforts for all ages.

• Adult Immunization Program: Ext. 3337 or 3338
• General Vaccine Information: Ext. 3551

Puerto Rico Kidney Council (787-765-1500)
Provides kidney screening clinics, education, treatment, complementary medical services, and quality control; advocates for those with kidney disease.

Puerto Rico Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (787-763-7575)
Responsible for providing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Prevention, Support and Services Helpline (Known as the PAS (Prevención, Apoyo y Servicios)  Helpline 800-981-0023) Mental health crisis support services available 24/7 include relief sessions, emotional support and coordination of psychiatric and psychological evaluations.

Puerto Rico State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (787-721-6121 or 877-725-4300) 
Helps older adults choose a plan and enroll in Medicare.
 
Technology Assistance Program of the University of Puerto Rico (787-474-9999 or 855-449-2999)
Facilitates access to and acquisition of assistive technology for people with disabilities in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program.

Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System (787-641-7582)
Provides comprehensive medical care to veterans across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering services such as primary care, mental health support, specialty treatments, and telehealth options.

VOCES Immunization and Health Promotion Coalition (787-789-4008)
A coalition of public and private organizations that advocate for and provide education about preventive health, immunizations and equitable rights to health.

Ombudsman Office for the Elderly (787-721-6121)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services around long-term care including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and other care settings. Residents, residents’ family and friends or employees of long-term care facilities can report a concern and get help resolving problems.
 
Puerto Rico Housing Department (787-274-2527)
Develops and implements housing policies and community development programs, including:

• Puerto Rico Independent Living Services Supports individuals with disabilities with living independently.
  
  • Ponce Independent Living Center (787- 848-5240)
  • Movement for the Achievement of Independent Living (787-758-7901 or 866-933-4098 Ext. 200)
• Puerto Rico Home Improvement Program (787-274-2527 Ext. 2436, 2435, 5270, 5251)
  Provides subsidies for home repairs and improvements for older adults with low incomes.
• Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration  (787-759-9407 Ext. 5251, 2403)
  Provides rental subsidies and leasing programs for individuals with low incomes, including older adults, including:

Puerto Rico Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (787-274-2527)

Administration of Services for the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities (787-625-4900)
Provides information and referral and coordinates services and programs for older adults throughout Puerto Rico, including home- and community-based services (home health care, meal delivery, transportation and other services to enable people to remain in their homes as they age), as well as recreation and social programs for older adults.

Call and Travel Program (787-294-0500)
Bus transportation service for people with physical or mental disabilities offered by the Metropolitan Bus Authority.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Education (787-721-6121)
Offers information and education on preventing elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Nutrition Assistance Program (787-289-7600 Ext. 311 or 1-877-467-4832)
Provides food assistance to households with low incomes.

Ombudsman Office for the Elderly (787-721-6121)
Offers a range of services to support older adults and their caregivers.

Puerto Rico Discount Card and Express Line ID Card for People with Disabilities and People Age 60+ (787-765-2929 Ext. 4131 or 4133)
Discounted admission to cultural, artistic, recreational or sporting activity held in facilities provided by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as an “express service line” in government facilities.

Puerto Rico Food Bank (787-740-3663)
Distributes food and personal hygiene products to people of all ages.

Veteran Directed Care Program (787-721-6121 Ext. 1293, 1256, 1300, 1230, 2246)
Provides veterans in Puerto Rico who are at risk of institutionalization with care services at home or in their community.

Puerto Rico Hospice and Palliative Care Association (787-309-8246)
Offers information and education about hospice care in Puerto Rico.