Guillaume and Kim Olloz read with their daughter, Charlotte, who has disabilities. The family is featured in the new PBS documentary “Caregiving.” (Ark Media)
A new documentary highlighting the experiences of the millions of paid and family caregivers across the nation is set to premiere.
The two-hour film “Caregiving” focuses on the personal experiences of six caregivers while examining the historical context and current efforts to tackle the growing need for care.
“The caregiving experience I had with my father inspired this documentary,” said actor Bradley Cooper, an executive producer of the film whose father had lung cancer. “I was lucky enough that I was able to be there for my dad. And I certainly benefited from the help we also got from others. Caregivers are heroic people. Their ability to focus and give all of themselves is something I stand in awe of. I came to appreciate how we need to care for caregivers better. It is my hope that ‘Caregiving’ will provide affirmation and support for those who do this profoundly meaningful and increasingly vital work.”
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There are an estimated 53 million to 105.6 million adults and 5.4 million children or adolescents in the U.S. providing unpaid care to a friend or loved one who is ill, aging or has a disability. In addition, there are some 5 million paid caregivers.
Those behind the new documentary also created 18 short films looking at caregiving experiences, programs and perspectives, which are available online. And, they are working with Fred Rogers Productions to create video content, lesson plans and other activities about caregiving from PBS series including “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Donkey Hodie” and “Alma’s Way” for children ages 2 to 6. The children’s initiative is expected to launch this fall.
“Over the past twelve months, the production team and I have traveled throughout the country, spending time with family and professional caregivers of all ages and backgrounds,” said Chris Durrance, director and senior producer of the documentary. “We have come to appreciate that every family has a care story and we hope that this film inspires viewers to share their own, building new communities of care that will bring us all closer together.”
“Caregiving” will air Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide and is available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app.
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