Caregivers are quiet heroes of families and communities who provide essential care while also managing jobs, households, and their well-being. As our population ages and care needs increase, the systems designed to support caregivers must evolve, experts say.

Recently, Grantmakers in Aging, in partnership with Detroit PBS, held a screening of the PBS documentary “Caregiving” at Detroit’s Hannan Center. A panel discussion followed where caregivers discussed the people behind the care and the systemic changes needed to better support them.

Moderated by Fred Nahhat, Senior Vice President of Production at Detroit PBS, the conversation included Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative Executive Director Kristie King; Misha Stallworth West, program officer at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation; and Damaris Doss, director of development at Teach for America Detroit.

The panelists shared personal and professional stories about the emotional, physical and financial toll on caregivers and the need to focus not just on the act of caregiving, but on the caregivers themselves. The discussion also covered topics including mental health, workplace flexibility, and how policy changes can better recognize and support caregivers. 

Watch the broadcast premiere of “Caregiving,” a PBS documentary by Academy Award-nominated actor Bradley Cooper, on June 24. It airs on Detroit PBS at 9 p.m. Leading up to the premiere, Detroit PBS will livestream a virtual caregiving town hall on June 23 at 7:00 p.m., examining the challenges, needs and triumphs of being a caregiver.