Puerto Rico conducts home inspections for elderly care before hurricane season

A significant initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and compliance of elder care facilities in Puerto Rico was discussed during a recent meeting of the Cámara de Representantes. The government is launching a comprehensive inspection project that will assess all licensed elder care homes across the island, with the goal of ensuring they meet safety standards ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

The initiative, which began on May 1, is expected to take approximately two months to complete. It focuses on creating a detailed overview of the conditions in these facilities, particularly in light of the challenges posed by natural disasters. Representatives emphasized that the initial visits will serve as courtesy inspections, allowing facilities to address any identified issues before more stringent follow-up visits occur.

During these inspections, facilities will have a five-day window to rectify any compliance issues. If they fail to do so, further actions could include fines or even closure of the facility. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining regular inspections every three months, a practice that has faced challenges in the past due to resource limitations.

The meeting also touched on the necessity of updating regulations governing elder care facilities, particularly concerning emergency preparedness plans. Current regulations require facilities to have contingency plans for 20 days, but proposed changes would extend this to 30 days, raising concerns about potential contradictions in the law.

The representatives underscored the urgency of these measures, especially as the hurricane season approaches. Ensuring that elder care homes are adequately prepared is crucial for the safety and well-being of some of the island's most vulnerable residents. The government aims to foster a culture of compliance and safety, with ongoing evaluations to ensure that all facilities adhere to the established standards.