Caring for Familia: AARP Orlando Celebrates Hispanic Culture, Caregiving, and Community

On August 22, AARP Orlando brought the Hispanic community together for a powerful day of health, culture and connection at “Caring for Familia: Hispanic Wellness Forum,” held in partnership with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and URBANDER.

Developed by Yazmin Alfonso, Greater Orlando’s Associate State Director of Outreach & Engagement, the day-long forum connected members of Central Florida’s Hispanic caregivers and older adults with local physicians and vital health resources. Nearly 10 expert-led panels explored topics such as dementia and brain health, arthritis prevention, cancer awareness, Medicare vs. Medicaid, grief therapy, and more. Drs. Serguei Castaneda and Luis Isea Mercado, co-chairs of NHMA’s Florida Chapter, guided many of these discussions, with translations offered in both English and Spanish via a QR code-enabled system.

Local Hispanic lawmakers were also in attendance, including Honorable Judge Jose R. Rodriguez and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, highlighting the importance of these topics within Central Florida's Hispanic community. 

“The purpose [of the event] was for the Hispanic community to hear from physicians who look like them,” said Alfonso. “This event brought together experts and multigenerational families in one space, giving attendees tools, knowledge, and resources to better care for their loved ones while taking care of themselves.”

“As physicians, our goal is to connect with our patients and our communities,” explains Dr. Isea Mercado. “We don't want to be isolated in an office. We want to share accurate information wherever we can, and we are grateful that AARP Florida provided a venue to do just that.”

According to Dr. Serguei Castaneda, only 5% of Florida’s physicians identify as Hispanic. “Language barriers are one of the biggest challenges our community faces,” discusses Castaneda. “Having access to physicians who speak the same language and understand our culture helps build trust, and trust leads to better care.”

Caregiving was another central focus. In an emotional panel moderated by Dr. Isea, three AARP Orlando volunteers shared their personal caregiving journeys, highlighting both the challenges and the resilience of Hispanic caregivers.

For Alfonso, the subject is deeply personal. “As a Puerto Rican myself, I was a secondary caregiver to my abuela,” explains Alfonso. “I've seen the impact on both of my parents' health and wellbeing, their retirement, and our family as a whole. This event was about giving voice to those experiences and helping others know they are not alone.”

"In the Hispanic community, we want to take care of our elders,” adds Dr. Isea. “But it can take emotional control. This event will help caregivers understand the resources available to them and create connection with others who may be going through something similar."

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AARP Orlando Volunteers

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URBANDER's Sami Haiman-Marrero

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AARP Orlando volunteers

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Dr. Serguei Castaneda's Keynote Address

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QR-code-enabled translation software allowed participants to understand panels in either Spanish or English.

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(L to R) Sami Haiman-Marrero and AARP Orlando volunteers Lydia Rivera, Alicia Ramirez, and Samuel Ramirez discuss caregiving.

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AARP Orlando volunteer Sam Ramirez shows an image of his father.

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Medicare vs. Medicaid Conversation

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AARP Florida's Director of State Operations Laura Streed discusses AARP's Livable Communities work.

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AARP Orlando volunteer Marie Hernandez contributes to the Livable Communities panel.

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AARP Orlando volunteer Hilda Diaz contributes to the Livable Communities panel.

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Dr. Luis Isea Mercado (L) and Serguei Castaneda (R) of the NHMA

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Dr. Luis Isea Mercado (L) and Serguei Castaneda (R) of the NHMA

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A Laugher Therapy session rounded the forum out.

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As each panel concluded, one resounding message was clear: “You are not alone.” Caring for Familia was a vibrant tapestry of stories, smiles, and support, woven together by a shared commitment to health, heritage, and the power of family. In fact, one of the event’s biggest lessons was that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves – and that a support system is closer than one may think.

The day concluded with a closing reception featuring live salsa music, authentic Latino cuisine, and cultural performances that honored the vibrant spirit of the community.

“This was an event that our [Hispanic] community desperately needed,” stated Alicia Ramirez, a lead AARP Orlando volunteer and caregiving panelist. “I hope this is something that we can replicate in the future, because other areas also need this level of knowledge and support.”

For more information on events near you, visit aarp.org/local. For more information on AARP Florida’s caregiving resources, visit aarp.org/flcaregiver.