Forever Young Magazine

January 2007
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Section: WNY Caregivers

Caregiver Television
By Gail Nicholson

Susan Hunt hosts
Journeys: Solutions for Caregivers,
on WNED-TV beginning in January.

Beginning this month, WNED-TV, the American Red Cross and the John R. Oshei Foundation will offer Western New York caregivers a much needed treat. The collaboration, Life Journeys: Solutions for Caregivers, is a new television series exploring the concerns of caregivers from a real life perspective. In a kitchen setting, experts and experienced caregivers share their personal stories, advice and support. Video stories are also featured with caregivers in the community who relay their challenges and insights. Everyone should watch as you really don’t know when you may be called upon to help a loved one in need. The series is a useful guide in the caregiving journey including:

• Basics: who is a caregiver?

• The national crisis of caregiving, given a burgeoning aging population.

• The first step: a family meeting to discuss needs and challenges.

• Legal and financial issues and documents: health care proxy,
durable power of attorney and HIPPA (Health Information
Privacy & Protection Act)

The series is hosted by Buffalo native and TV producer Susan Hunt, who, since caring for her mother, has become a strong advocate for caregivers. Hunt is the founder and executive director of Gifts for the Greatest Generation, a non-profit organization that spearheads a holiday gift drive for elderly shut-ins (giftswny.com). The series continues through summer 2007.

The first half-hour television program, You Are A Caregiver, premieres at 9 p.m. on January 24 on WNED-TV and on January 29 on ThinkBright TV (TimeWarner 21 or Digital 43.3).

Guests on the first show include:

• Miriam R. Callahan, Project Coordinator, Caregiver Resource Center, Erie County Senior Services, cared for her mom for seven years.

• The Rev. William (Bill) Wipfler, Ph.D., Episcopal clergy and missionary, cared for his wife who has Alzheimer’s. He serves on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

• Bruce Reinoso, partner, Magavern, Magavern & Grimm, L.L.P., specializes in elder law, estates and trusts, and health law. He chairs the Erie County Bar Association’s Elder Law Committee.

Future programs inlcude A Day in the Life of a Caregiver (spring 2007) and Caregiver Support and Placement Options (summer 2007) will move further along the caregiving journey.

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