Caring for the Elderly and Depression among Caregivers
Focus of Spring 2008 WCMU Outreach

Mt. Pleasant -- Two national grants for community outreach that extend the impact of public television programming were awarded to CMU Public Television in early spring 2008.  Community outreach efforts were 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 was 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,” said Linda Dielman, WCMU Program/Outreach Manager.  “The grants followed 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.”

Outreach plans for “Caring for Your Parents” and “Depression: Out of the Shadows” included a day and a half conference, “Caring for Your Loved Ones… and You!” 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 presented “Laughter and Tears in the Caregiving Years.”  Marcel is the author of “Elder Rage, or Take My Father Please.” The conference included a community summit on depression among caregivers and the elderly. Approximately 30 professionals and agencies that provide services for caregivers and their families were on hand in the afternoon at a resource fair.  Breakout sessions ranging from stress reduction to elder law were offered throughout the afternoon. The day included screenings of the documentaries “Depression: Out of the Shadows” and “Caring for Your Parents.”

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

To ensure the most meaningful event for the community, WCMU 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 provided direction for the project. Other community partners included CMU Public Radio, the CMU College of Health Professions, MidMichigan Home Care, Masonic Pathways and Kerr Law Firm, PLLC.