Older Hispanics find healthcare lacking in Florida

Orlando Sentinel, August 8, 2008

Florida is facing an explosion in its number of elderly Hispanic residents, raising concerns about the strain on a healthcare system that is not prepared to handle their unique needs. In 1995, U.S. census officials said Florida would face a 102% increase in Hispanics age 65 and older by 2010. By 2007, the Hispanic elderly population had already increased by 124% to 530,000 people, or 12.5% of the senior population. Nurses and doctors who speak Spanish are sorely needed, but the language barrier isn't the only concern. Sometimes there are cultural differences that can affect a patient's care, experts say.