Caring for Caregivers: The Art of Aging Well

Certainly, there are challenges to aging and to caring for older loved ones. But there are also benefits and joys to be found in staying active, finding companionship and knowing where to turn for resources.

Just ask the thousands of people who regularly visit senior centers throughout Southeast Michigan or the caregivers who find respite while their loved ones are enjoying themselves in pleasant and productive ways they probably can’t at home.

Detroit PBS is partnering with St. Patrick Senior Center in Detroit for an evening of free, public activities focusing on the needs of older adults and their caregivers. At 6 p.m., the doors of St. Pat will open for a celebration of caregiving, which will include a preview of the PBS documentary “Caregiving” film, produced by famed actor Bradley Cooper, who tells his own personal story of caring for his elderly father as he struggled with cancer.

It is one of the many evocative family dramas highlighted in the film, intertwined with the history of how the nation has met the challenge of supporting caregivers over the years and more often how it has not.

The preview will be followed by a panel discussion by local leaders in caring for our older adults, who will engage in a constructive conversation, also answering audience questions.

PANELISTS

• SaTrice Coleman-Betts, Executive Director, St. Patrick Senior Center
• Ronald Taylor, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging
• Kristie King, Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative
• Terry Plowden, leader of the St. Pat Belly Dancers

OTHER FEATURES

As a major treat, Terry will lead her troupe through a live belly dance performance.

At the same time, key agencies and nonprofit organizations will have tables set up, displaying the services they provide for caregivers and older adults in our community.