Series launches Thursday, May 30, 2013 with a look at one family’s daily struggles
Every day in the United States, nearly 10,000 baby boomers reach the official retirement age of 65, many of whom will live well into their 80’s – though not without assistance.
As part of its on-going reports examining the challenges facing America in the wake of a “silver tsunami” of aging boomers, PBS NewsHour is launching “Taking Care” – a series of reports on the increased demand for and challenges of long-term care.
The series begins Thursday, May 30, 2013 (check local listings) with a profile of one family’s daily struggles with long-term care.
Mary Wyant is an artist and former college professor struggling with dementia. Like most Americans, Mary and her family had not prepared for the possibility of long term care. Although she is lovingly cared for by her daughter Rebecca, it is easy to see the tremendous toll long-term care can take on families – financially, emotionally and physically.
Produced with support from The SCAN Foundation, the report is the first in a 6-part series on long-term care that will continue throughout the year with reports that show the magnitude of the problem, the challenges faced by individuals and governments, and some of the models for change being tested.
In addition to the broadcast reports, the series will feature robust online components, including additional material, topical reports and discussions. Addendums to Thursday’s report on the Wyant family include:
- Health Care Report on the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Photo Slide Show detailing Alzheimer’s impact on Mary Wyant’s artwork
- Q & A – Viewers can share their experiences and concerns about long-term care and pose questions to Carol Steinberg, President of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Rebecca Wyant, the caregiver featured in the NewsHour report, through the PBS NewsHour comment section and via the NewsHour Facebook page. www.facebook.com/newshour
The SCAN Foundation is an independent, non-profit public charity devoted to advancing a world where all of us can age with dignity, independence, and choice.
PBS NEWSHOUR is seen by over 5 million weekly viewers and is also available online, via public radio in select markets and via podcast. The program is produced in association with WETA Washington, D.C., and WNET.org in New York. Major corporate funding for the PBS NEWSHOUR is provided by BNSF Railway, AT&T and BP with additional support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and public television viewers. www.pbs.org/newshour
