PUERTO-RICAN ELDERS AND NATURAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS - IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN-SERVICES

There is a growing body of literature on the importance of natural support systems in the lives of elders of color. It is impossible to talk about cultural competence without utilizing natural support systems as a central component in service delivery. This article will report the result of a key informant survey of Puerto Rican academics with an interest in Puerto Rican elder natural support systems; the reader will have a better appreciation of the challenges and rewards confronting agencies wishing to involve Puerto Rican natural supports in their efforts to reach elders.