The physical and emotional strain on caregivers looking after the elderly in Cuba is intensifying due to frequent power outages, food shortages, and basic necessities scarcity, as well as the country's ongoing economic challenges. This situation was highlighted in a report by Cáritas Cuba, which sheds light on the lack of support for these caregivers.
In the article titled "The Invisible Thread of Care," the challenges faced by those caring for dependent family members are detailed, questioning why the legal recognition of their rights hasn't led to adequate protection mechanisms.
The narrative centers on Ada, a woman in her 60s, who cares for her nearly 90-year-old aunt, Juana, amidst prolonged power cuts and difficulties in securing essential resources.
Ada's duties include ensuring her aunt's hygiene, managing her nutrition and medication, providing physical assistance to prevent immobility, and offering companionship and emotional support.
While Ada benefits from a familial support network, material and economic shortages complicate her role, exacerbating the physical toll at her age, the report states.
The author uses Ada's story to highlight a reality often absent from public discourse: individuals dedicating much of their time and energy to caring for sick, elderly, or disabled relatives, frequently without sufficient resources or respite opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Caregivers in Cuba
Cáritas warns that difficulties in obtaining food, hygiene products, and transportation have become daily hurdles for those caring for dependent individuals.
The organization notes that some elderly caregivers must quit their jobs because balancing family obligations with transportation issues, power outages, and other limitations is unmanageable.
This precarious situation can lead to greater economic vulnerability for both the caregiver and the person relying on their care, according to their assessment.
The stress extends beyond physical exertion. Cáritas identifies isolation, constant worry, and a lack of spaces to share experiences as factors negatively impacting these individuals' emotional well-being.
The Legal Framework and Its Shortcomings
The organization emphasizes that caregiving should not be seen solely as a woman's duty, as this perception perpetuates inequalities and places a disproportionate share of family responsibilities on them.
Despite the legal recognition of caregivers, practical challenges persist. Cáritas points out that Cuba's Family Code, enacted in 2022, acknowledges and protects caregivers starting with Article 413.
Additionally, Decree 109 of 2024 established the National System for Comprehensive Life Care, aimed at coordinating policies for those needing care and their caregivers. However, the institution argues that these measures have not sufficiently resulted in education, compensation, rest opportunities, or family and community support networks for those undertaking these responsibilities.
The report acknowledges the presence of community and private initiatives dedicated to caregiving but warns that the costs of certain professional services are hard for many Cuban families to bear.
In response to these challenges, Cáritas has implemented support activities through its Elderly Program, including visits, guidance, training, community gatherings, and spaces for caregivers to exchange experiences.
The organization explains that these initiatives aim to alleviate isolation and help those caring for dependent family members find support among others facing similar challenges.
Cáritas advocates for strengthening community services and ensuring caregivers have access to support, education, and rest opportunities, especially when they are older adults themselves, as is the case with Ada.
Examples of Elderly Hardships
Recent testimonies have further highlighted the plight of the elderly in Cuba. In June, a report on Cuban seniors revealed the difficulties they face in obtaining food and meeting health needs amidst low pensions and power outages.
In July, elderly residents of Santiago de las Vegas in Havana were seen carrying water containers due to the lack of supply in their homes, another example of how basic service shortages complicate life for older adults.
More recently, a Cuban elderly woman reported enduring 23 consecutive hours without electricity, explaining the challenges of cooking when power is only intermittently restored.
Understanding Caregiving Challenges in Cuba
What are the main challenges faced by caregivers in Cuba?
Caregivers in Cuba grapple with power outages, food and product shortages, economic struggles, and transportation issues, all of which complicate their ability to care for elderly or dependent family members.
How does Cáritas Cuba support caregivers?
Cáritas Cuba supports caregivers through its Elderly Program, offering visits, guidance, training, community gatherings, and spaces for exchanging experiences to mitigate isolation and provide mutual support.
What legal protections exist for caregivers in Cuba?
Cuba's Family Code, enacted in 2022, recognizes and protects caregivers starting with Article 413. Decree 109 of 2024 also established a national system to coordinate care policies for those in need and their caregivers.