University of Wisconsin - Extension

Contact: Lynn Brockmeyer, WPT publicist, (608) 263-3364, lynn.brockmeyer@wpt.org

As the population ages, many adults are transitioning into the primary caregiver role for their aging parents. Caring for Your Parents, airing 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), draws attention to this emotional and universal reality. The 90-minute documentary will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion led by former NBC Medical Correspondent Dr. Art Ulene.

During the broadcast, Wisconsin viewers may call 800-348-9529 with questions. Following the program, callers may contact the Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program at 866-843-9810.

Caring for Your Parents examines the experiences of five families from varying cultural and economic backgrounds. It exposes struggles to keep parents at home, shows the impact on marriages and reveals the financial repercussions of eldercare. Viewers glimpse the emotional and physical effects of caregiving that often go unnoticed. Heartbreaking stories explore the decision to stop driving, loss of independence and friction between caregivers and medical professionals.

To learn more about Wisconsin's parental caregiving resources, visit wpt.org/creatinghealth/ on the Web.

Caring for Your Parents Wisconsin outreach is a collaboration of WPT, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving and Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

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