Caring for the Elderly and Depression among Caregivers
Focus of New WCMU Outreach

Mt. Pleasant -- Two national grants for community outreach that extend the impact of public television programming have been awarded to CMU Public Television.  Community outreach efforts are being created to supplement the PBS television programs, “Caring for Your Parents” and “Depression: Out of the Shadows.” The programs are part of the ongoing PBS Health Initiative, “Take One Step.” CMU Public Television, which serves central and northern Michigan, was one of  15 stations in the country to receive a “Caring for Your Parents” grant from WGBH Boston, and one of 11 stations to receive an outreach grant for “Depression: Out of the Shadows” from Twin Cities Public Television, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

“This is a continuation of WCMU’s commitment to conduct outreach that takes the message of national programming out to the members of the communities we serve ,” says Linda Dielman, WCMU Program/Outreach Manager.  “The current grants follow two earlier community outreach grants that focused on adult obesity, heart health and childhood obesity. Those projects allowed us to partner with Alpena Regional Medical Center and Alpena Public Schools .”

Current outreach plans for “Caring for Your Parents” and “Depression: Out of the Shadows” include a day and a half conference, “Caring for Your Loved Ones… and You!” to be held May 9-10 at Central Michigan University’s College of Health Professions and MidMichigan Health Park. On Saturday, May 10, nationally recognized author and caregiver advocate Jacqueline Marcel will present a talk, “Laughter and Tears in the Caregiving Years.”  Marcel is the author of “Elder Rage, or Take My Father Please.” The conference includes a community summit on depression among caregivers and the elderly. Approximately 30 professionals and agencies that provide services for caregivers and their families will be on hand in the afternoon at a resource fair.  Breakout sessions ranging from stress reduction to elder law will be offered throughout the afternoon. The day will also include screenings of the documentaries “Depression: Out of the Shadows” and “Caring for Your Parents.”

On May 9, healthcare professionals and social workers will have the opportunity to earn continuing education units at the training 'Behavioral & Medical Management of the Elderly Patient' to be held at the MidMichigan Health Park on Pickard Street.

To ensure the most meaningful event for the community, WCMU has joined forces with numerous community agencies and organizations. A steering committee of representatives from Isabella County Commission on Aging, Midland County Commission on Aging, Gratiot County Commission on Aging and the Clare and Gladwin Council on Aging provides direction for the project. Other community partners include CMU Public Radio, the CMU College of Health Professions, MidMichigan Home Care, and Masonic Pathways and Kerr Law Firm, PLLC.

A unique CMU Public Radio production will provide insight into the caregiving experience. Caregivers are participating in guided journaling, answering questions that will form the basis for a series of program shorts. The goal is to provide caregivers the opportunity to support each other by sharing the joys and challenges of caring for loved ones. Journaling is a proven tool in the prevention of depression.

For more detailed information on “Caring for Your Loved Ones… and You!” and related resources to use in your community, contact Linda Dielman at dielm1lk@cmich.edu or 989.774.3562.

“Caring for Your Parents” airs on WCMU-TV Tuesday, May 20 at 10 p.m.”Depression: Out of the Shadows” airs May 21 at 9 p.m. with a repeat broadcast on Sunday, May 25 at 4 p.m.