Disaster Recovery- Elders, San Antonio Puerto Rico

From July thru October 2024 our cook prepared 2,224 meals which were distributed to the homes of 53 elderly participants.  The menus are reviewed regularly so they can receive a different meal every week; one of their favorite is the beef stew.

The Case Manager continues to visit the participants to verify if any of their basic needs have been met; if not, she can determine if any additional help can be provided.  Sometimes the number of participants vary as when someone has passed away or relocated by their families. 

Three participants were visited by the housekeeper to help them with their usual domestic chores such as laundry, cleaning, or cooking. The visit is coordinated according to the priority because as of this date we only have one housekeeper.

Our organization delivered 50 prevention kits (masks, alcohol, hand sanitizer) to 53 participants and 17 families from the community.  We also distributed 196 apple packs to our participants and 78 families from the community. 

A recent major concern is that the computer of our director has been malfunctioning for quite some time.  We have performed some needed maintenance but it hasn't been enough.  The computer is over six years old and with so many needs we are hoping that our donors can provide us with the funds to get a computer so we can continue servicing this much neglected elderly population.

During the past three months (ending 6/30/2024) our cook prepared 1,727 meals which were distributed at the homes of our elderly participants.  Right now, we have 58 elders receiving this service as two of them died during this period.

The Case Manager found that many of the elders lack basic transportation to go to medical appointments, supermarkets, etc.  She provided transportation to 23 participants to:  medical appointments, to the medical laboratory, pharmacy, and the supermarket.  In other cases the participant had to make utility payments or to provide updates to their health plan provider and she took them to those agencies.

We only have one housekeeper who prioritizes her visits to provide services to some of our participants on a weekly basis.   She maintains the homes of six (6) participants clean, and prepares them breakfast and lunch in order to keep them healthy. 

As the elderly are the most affected by high temperatures during the summer, we distributed water bottles so they can be hydrated.  We distributed emergency goods, 30 packages of disposable adult diapers to participants and some other people in need in the community.

The participants received a present on Mother’s Day (May) and Father’s Day (June) containing hygiene items.  They were very grateful; one of them said:  “Sometimes I feel that nobody cares, and that’s why this present means a lot to me”.

Our services have a positive impact in the elderly and their families.  We are committed to provide some of their needs so they can feel they are not forgotten and rely on your contributions to continue their support.