Caregiving in America: Film Reveals Challenges | NPR
Uncover the complex history of caregiving in America with a poignant new documentary airing on PBS,directed by Chris Durrance,which premieres on June 24th. The film unveils the shifting landscape of care, from early 20th-century almshouses to the evolution of federal programs like the Social Security Act, initially excluding crucial domestic workers. Witness how pivotal moments, including the Great Depression and the rise of nursing homes, reshaped the caregiving experience, demonstrating its crucial role. Explore how federal policies and societal shifts have impacted the quality of care, and also the roles of caregivers, revealing the tension between public support and private duty. This in-depth report also touches upon NPR’s series “What It Takes”.Discover the struggles and triumphs of caregivers in this revealing account, featured on News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for care and those who provide it.
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The documentary Caregiving airs on PBS on june 24 and is directed by Chris Durrance.
The documentary explores the history of caregiving in the US, highlighting the tension between public support and private duty.
Early 20th century: People needing care were often relegated to almshouses.
The Great depression led to the creation of the first safety net by President Franklin Roosevelt to keep people at home.
Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor, was an architect of the Social Security Act of 1935, which provided income for older Americans and other benefits.
Domestic workers, including caregivers, were excluded from Social Security benefits, giving the role a second-class status.
1950s: Rest homes and convalescent homes emerged due to federal policy allowing old-age payments to go to private nursing homes. Nursing home beds doubled between 1954 and 1965.
1960s: Medicare legislation intentionally declined to cover long-term care.
The article also references NPR’s special series on caregiving, What It Takes.
There is a link to an NPR article about a caregiver named Amanda Cruz and how caregiving changed her sense of self.