Care 2017
Distributed by New Day Films, 190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 888-367-9154 or 845-774-7051
Directed by Deirdre Fishel
DVD, color, 57 min.
General Adult
Health, Sociology
Date Entered: 05/01/2018
Reviewed by Kay Hogan Smith, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of the Health SciencesElder care, like aging, is both a part of life and among the more difficult tasks in life to undertake. Notwithstanding the exponential growth of the older adult population and the fact that so many do not have family members close by to take care of them when they become unable to care for themselves, it stands to reason that professional caregivers are in one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. Yet, despite the obvious demand and the value of their work, particularly to family members of the care recipients, caregivers are largely excluded from labor protections and at an average annual pay of $13000, struggle to make ends meet. This tender and urgent documentary reveals the agonies of a diverse real world cast of caregivers and families struggling to deal with financial millstones on top of the stresses of caring for a deteriorating patient who is clearly loved. The cinematography is meticulous and unflinching, and the interviews with experts and documentary subjects lay out a clear case for action.
This film would be a good fit in a number of subject collections, from gerontology to sociology to social justice and public health. Highly recommended.