Stories from Caregivers: JOHANNA from PUERTO RICO
PR
JOHANNA
FROM PUERTO RICO
Hello, my name is Johanna. I'm 33 years old and I live in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I care for my mother Gladys, who is 71 years old, and grandmother Isabel Mont, who is 92 years old. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012. My father Miguel was her primary caregiver until 2017. After hurricane Maria, both of my parents' health declined and I started taking care of them. My health also declined. I have had multiple sclerosis since 2011. My dad started dialysis and died of health complications in September 2018. He died at age 79. He was and will always be my hero. I promised him I would take care of my mom and grandma. It is an honor to give and care for both of them. Every day is a blessing to have them in my life and I treasure all the moments, the good days and also the days that have more challenges. I joined AARP after attending an activity for caregivers sponsored by Caribbean Geolife and AARP Puerto Rico.
