Circle of Love
WHYY presents an intimate look at the lives of local caregivers
Edited by Mary Eileen O'Connor
Millions of Americans from all walks of life are caregivers for elderly, chronically ill, or physically or mentally disabled family members or friends. Often, family caregivers are overwhelmed by their situation -- they feel a sense of isolation and despair and are uncertain about where to turn for help.
This month, WHYY is proud to present Circle of Love, an original three-part series on WHYY TV12 featuring first-person accounts of the daily struggles and joys of family caregiving. WHYY provided digital cameras to four Delaware Valley families, enabling them to capture their individual stories on tape.
These intimate video diaries, combined with scenes taped by WHYY, provide a personal exploration into the often-overlooked experiences of family caregivers and their loved ones as they deal with such health issues as autism, Alzheimer's disease and depression.
After each program airs, viewers can call WHYY at (215) 351-2095 to speak with professionals for additional resources about caregiving and related health issues.
Living With Alzheimer's
Delaware residents Florence Collins, whose husband Russell suffers from Alzheimer's-related dementia, and Carol Francis, whose husband Alfred has Alzheimer's disease, share the emotional struggles they face as family caregivers.
Wednesday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m.
 Children With Special Needs
Dan and Carolyn Curran (pictured, right) of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who are the parents of four young children -- three of whom have disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome -- offer insight into the unique challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.
Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Caring For An Aging Parent
Ana Mulero, a Latina woman from Philadelphia, chronicles her experiences as a caregiver for her mother, who is clinically depressed and doesn't speak English.
Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Programs to Remember
Five million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease, and many more receive the dreaded diagnosis each day. WHYY presents two programs this month that examine this national crisis in depth:
Voices in the Family
On a special edition of the weekly program, host Dr. Dan Gottlieb previews the upcoming national television program The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's and discusses the latest research on the causes, signs and treatment. He also explores how families are affected by Alzheimer's and explains what they can do to cope with the disease.
Monday, January 12 at noon on 91FM
The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's
This groundbreaking new program introduces families whose lives have been changed by Alzheimer's, offering insight into their daily challenges. Also profiled are several scientists who are part of the worldwide effort to eradicate the disease.
Wednesday, January 21 at 9 p.m. on TV12
Upcoming Community Events
Including the Special Needs Child
The WHYY Children's Service sponsors this free "In the Spirit of Family" event at the WHYY Technology Center. Dr. Dan Gottlieb of 91FM's Voices in the Family will lead a panel discussion with several local experts. To register, contact WHYY's Member & Audience Services at (215) 351-0351.
Thursday, January 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Living With Grief: Alzheimer's Disease
WHYY Wider Horizons presents an all-day forum and webcast around the Hospice Foundation of America's 11th annual teleconference, which this year focuses on Alzheimer's disease. National and local experts will discuss the clinical aspects of Alzheimer's and examine the personal challenges patients and their caregivers face. For information, call (215) 351-2095 or visit www.widerhorizons.org.
Wednesday, April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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