March 30, 2008 — Dr. Cora Christian, the prominent V.I. physician who serves on the National Board of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will be seen nationwide Wednesday as part of a panel discussion following the documentary "Caring for Your Parents." The broadcast event premieres locally at 9 p.m. Wednesday on WTJX Channel 12.
"Caring for Your Parents" is a two-hour special that draws much-needed attention to the emotional and universal reality of adult children becoming the primary caregivers for their aging parents. The special incorporates a 90-minute documentary and a 30-minute panel discussion.
The first part of "Caring for Your Parents" covers the struggle to keep parents at home, tension among adult siblings, and the complexity of shifting caregiver roles, through an intimate look at five American families. In the end, the documentary — produced, written, and directed by filmmaker Michael Kirk — contends that successful caregiving requires one primary ingredient: love.
Immediately after the 90-minute documentary, medical correspondent Dr. Art Ulene leads "A Conversation About Caring." This 30-minute panel discussion offers concrete advice and guidance on how to start the conversation, often the most difficult step in caregiving. The panel of experts includes AARP Publications editor-in-chief and co-author of "Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide," Hugh Delehanty; Newsweek columnist Jane Bryant Quinn; writer Gail Sheehy; Christian; and leading elder-care expert, Dr. Bill Thomas.
To view a 3-minute trailer of the film, please visit www.pbs.org/caringforyourparents.
