Senate passes bill to provide home assistants for vulnerable citizens

By THE STAR STAFF

Arecibo District Sen. Héctor “Gaby” González Lopez announced Tuesday that the Puerto Rico Senate approved Senate Bill 629, a measure that seeks to create the “Law for the Assignment of Home Assistants to People in Vulnerable Situations.”

The bill, which will now be submitted to the House of Representatives for consideration, aims to establish the obligation to provide a housekeeper or home assistant to bedridden people, people with terminal illnesses, and other vulnerable populations on the island.

“The approval of this bill represents a firm commitment to the dignity and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” González Lopez said. “It is critical that we ensure adequate care for those who have significantly contributed to our society.”

The U.S. Census indicates that some 21.3% of Puerto Rico’s population is 65 or older, underscoring the urgent need for structured home support services.

“The shortage of home caregivers creates a deterioration in the quality of life for our older adults, even leading to avoidable hospitalizations,” the senator added.

González Lopez further emphasized the need for empathy and action, stating: “Every day that passes without assistance for these people is another day of suffering. We cannot allow those in vulnerable situations to feel forgotten or helpless.”

Through the implementation of the measure, the island Family Department would be ordered to identify the necessary funds for its execution.

“The money to fulfill this goal must be forthcoming,” the senator said. “We just need to prioritize by closely monitoring the needs and the rapid growth of our senior population. I trust that just as our administration achieved the important initiative of providing vouchers for childcare, the funds will likewise be identified to recruit a greater number of home caregivers to address this pressing need.”