Film and Sept. 17 discussion to broaden awareness of caregiving
'People don't often know what it means to be a full-time caregiver, which leads to a lot of others in the community just really not understanding the issues'
Parenting isn’t easy. Caregiving is even harder. An upcoming screening and discussion is hoping to ease burdens by raising awareness and effectuating policy change.
On Sept. 17, the Family Forum — a group led by The Branch, in partnership with the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh and Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh — is hosting a free in-person 7 p.m. screening at the Squirrel Hill JCC of “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.”
Released in 2022, the 53-minute documentary details the challenges faced by parent caregivers of children with disabilities.
Alison Karabin, The Branch’s community and partnerships director, hopes the upcoming event will raise awareness of the inordinate pressures faced by caregivers.
“They are living it day-to-day,” Karabin said. “They should be seen.”
“People don’t often know what it means to be a full-time caregiver, which leads to a lot of others in the community just really not understanding the issues,” Amanda Dyer, the film’s co-director and producer, said by phone from Nashville. “Caregiving takes place behind the scenes, a lot of times at home, behind closed doors.”
The documentary masterfully captures caregivers’ exhaustion, joy and silent undertakings.
Screening the film is an opportunity for people to observe these realities, “build compassion around this issue and come together to find ways to support the caregivers in our community,” Dyer said.
Approximately 16.8 million people in the U.S. care for special needs children under 18 years old, according to Caregiver Action Network.
Those efforts take an astounding physical, emotional and economic toll. National Survey of Children’s Health found that only 44% of mothers and 52% of fathers who care for kids with special needs report being in excellent or very good physical and mental health — among caregivers of children without special health care needs, 63% of mothers and 67% of fathers report being in excellent or very good physical and mental health.
While caregiving can lead to the deterioration of a parent’s physical and mental health, there’s also the financial burden.
Nearly 16% of respondents indicated difficulties paying for a child’s medical expenses — among parents whose children do not have special health care needs the figure was 7%.
“Unseen” shares the stories of several caregivers who face near 24/7 tasks. Interviewees describe sleeplessness, physical attacks and isolation all stemming from caregiving.
Karabin said parent caregivers will understand the challenges presented on screen. She hopes community members come to the JCC on Sept. 17, watch the movie and learn how to help others.
Parents who care for children with disabilities often experience demands that will last a lifetime.
These caregivers “don’t want pity, they want understanding,” Karabin said. “The system is fundamentally broken, but there are ways for communities to step up.”
Karabin pointed to efforts from “individual synagogues and groups” but said she would “love to see a conversation across the entire Jewish community.”
The Sept. 17 program is a start.
Registration is available at https://rb.gy/epbf9v. PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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