PBS to air caregiving documentary

East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and East Texas Area Agency on Aging (AAA) yesterday announced the premiere of Caring for Your Parents on PBS on April 2 at 9:00 pm. (check local listings)

As the population ages, many adult children are grappling with an unprecedented social, cultural, economic, and personal revolution as they transition into the primary caregiver role for their aging parents. Produced, written, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Kirk, Caring for Your Parents is a two-hour special that draws much-needed attention to this universal reality.

The first 90-minutes of Caring for Your Parents underscores today's struggle to keep parents at home, tensions between siblings, and the complexity of shifting caregiver roles through an intimate look at five American families. In the end, the documentary contends successful caregiving requires one primary ingredient--love.

Immediately after the 90- minute broadcast, medical correspondent Dr. Art Ulene leads "A Conversation About Caring." This half-hour panel discussion offers concrete advice and guidance on how to start the conversation--often the most difficult step in caregiving.

"I would encourage all who can possibly take a few minutes to watch Caring for Your Parents," said Claude Andrews, Director of Aging. "This documentary will help everyone, gaining a greater appreciation for those who find themselves having to take on this unexpected responsibility."

Caring for Your Parents is a Kirk Documentary Group, Ltd. Production for WGBH Boston. The executive producer is Laurie Donnelly. Major funding is provided by Harrah's Foundation. Additional funding by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

For more information on East Texas resources, programs and services for seniors contact Karen Cline at 903.984.8641 x 215.