One Phone Call for Caregiving Help
Caregiving is challenging, but now help is just a call away. AARP California, working with 211 LA and USC’s Family Caregiver Support Center, has launched Ayudando a Quien Ayuda, or “Helping the Helper,” which offers resources and guidance to Latino caregivers.
If you provide care for a loved one—and that means anything from helping with shopping to administering medications—dial 2-1-1 for assistance.
A trained bilingual community resource adviser will provide your information to AARP and the support center; then someone from the center will contact you to assess your support needs. Services range from training sessions to individual consultations.
The new service is aimed at portions of southeastern Los Angeles County, including East L.A., El Monte and South Gate. But Nancy McPherson, AARP California state director, said all residents of the county can dial 2-1-1 for caregiving resources.
By 2030, California’s age 50-plus Latino population is projected to nearly double, and more than 740,000 Latinos in Los Angeles will be older than 65.
As that population grows, more people will take on caregiving roles, and AARP California wants to provide the resources needed.
Find more information at aarp.org/helpingthehelper.
—Owen Stidman
