TV program examines aging issues
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. A two-hour special will air on public television to help prepare Americans for an emergency health-care issue of staggering proportions. "And Thou Shalt Honor ... Caring for Our Aging Parents, Spouses, and Friends" will be hosted by award-winning actor Joe Mantegna and will feature the real-life stories of men and women all over America.
Think of someone who has had a stroke, a fall, recent surgery, has Alzheimer's disease or another chronic condition. Who is preparing their meals, making sure they are safe, helping them dress, perhaps bathe or use the toilet? Do you know a husband or wife doing these things for their spouse? Or a daughter or son helping their mom or dad remain home? While many of us don't consider these people, or maybe ourselves, to be caregivers, that is precisely what they are.
Many caregivers take care of an older family member without giving it a second thought.
"Family is here to take care of family," says Milton Boykin. "Nobody can look after our mama better than we can." Boykin is fortunate to have two siblings who share in the care of their mother who suffered a stroke and requires round-the-clock care. It is estimated that 30 million Americans are currently caring for an elderly or ill family member or loved one.
Caregiving is often a tiring, stressful, and isolating responsibility with physical, psychological, financial and emotional consequences. Jerry Cohen, who is caring for his wife Harriet, is one of the spouses featured in the documentary "And Thou Shalt Honor."
Despite his dwindling finances and frequent exhaustion, Cohen said, "Any rational person can realize a home environment with a caregiver is best. I love her now more than when I first met her."
Ethelinn Block's father, Arthur, is one of 4 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Arthur needs to be watched 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Block worries about the impact the stress is having on her and her ability to care for the rest of her family. "There (are) two victims in this," she says. "The ailing person and the caregivers, and that scares me, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
The chance of becoming a family caregiver is likely for most Americans, considering our longer life spans and our country's aging population. Unfortunately, family members often wait until they are "at the end of their rope" before seeking help. To prevent family crisis, it is recommended that we all start planning ahead by learning about the challenges and realities of caregiving now. The PBS broadcast "And Thou Shalt Honor" will help us do just that. The program will be extended by a national Outreach campaign, an extensive searchable Web site already in operation at www.thoushalthonor.org and a resource book "The Caregiver's Companion."
Last year, U.S. Congress acknowledged the growth of family caregiving through passage of the National Family Caregiver Support Act. Funding through the Act has made its way to Juneau in the form of the Senior Information Office (SIO) and Caregiver Resource Center. For further information on caregiving, resources available to help, and tips for caregivers, contact Fred at the SIO at 463-6177.
Marianne Mills oversees senior citizen nutrition and transportation programs in Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Yakutat as a staff member of Southeast Senior Services, a program of Catholic Community Service. CCS assists all persons regardless of their faith.