“She did so much for me… It’s time for me to take care of her. It’s time for me to give back…”
—Bonnie Copeland

Often, the journey begins with small steps—perhaps checking in on an older person, doing yard chores for a neighbor, or driving mom to the doctor. But, down the road, as needs increase, so too does the caregiver’s role. And, chances are, most members of the baby boom generation will face significant challenges caring for aging or ill relatives.

Through a new three-year public awareness campaign, Life Journeys — Solutions for Caregivers, the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter, is partnering with WNED to offer resources for successful caregiving. The multi-media community outreach effort is funded by the John R. Oishei Foundation.

“It takes specific knowledge and skills to be an effective caregiver,” says Nancy Blaschak, executive director of the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter. “Using the power of television, the Internet and hands-on training classes, LIFE JOURNEYS will provide crucial information and practical advice to help people care for their loved ones.”

The campaign includes three television programs, produced by Lynne Bader-Gregory, designed to inform family caregivers. For those not currently facing a caregiving situation, they offer preparation for the future—awareness and knowledge about what to expect and how to deal with it.

Knowing that caregiving can be “one accident away,” everyone is encouraged to “take a good look at the loves ones in their lives and their support systems,” says Bader-Gregory. “It’s important to open up a dialogue now and start to plan, so when the time comes, you won’t be blindsided.”

Because the first step is awareness, the initial program asks the questions that may help many realize they are, in fact, caregivers, or that they need care on some level. Topics include caregiving basics, the national crisis of caregiving, family meetings, and legal/financial documents.

Host Susan Hunt is a Buffalo native and television producer who, since caring for her mother, has become a passionate advocate for caregivers. Expert guests include:

• Miriam Callahan, a project coordinator with the Caregiver Resource Center at Erie County Senior Services;
• The Rev. William (Bill) Wipfler, Ph.D., an Episcopal pastor who cares for his wife, and
• Attorney Bruce Reinoso, an elder law specialist.

Future programs move further along the caregiving journey, exploring specific skills and support for the caregiver.

Life Journeys also reaches out to the community through:

• Television public service announcements
• Online information/resources via the American Red Cross/Greater Buffalo Chapter and ThinkBright Lifelong Learning
• Hands-on caregiver skills training

• A Resource Kit, with a guidebook, a DVD with the television programs, and a voucher for a training class (coming in 2008)

Caregiving: A Growing Need
An aging population brings staggering social, economic and emotional implications for workplaces and families.

• Number of caregivers (U.S.): 50 million
• 65+ population (Western New York): 16% (2006); 25% (2015, est.)
• Share of informal eldercare provided by family/friends: 80%*
• Lost productivity due to eldercare (U.S.): $11.4 to $29 billion/year