What They're Saying | Viewers

"I loved your show, was spellbound by it. I've "been there, done that". I hope it will be shown again, I would like people in our Alzheimer's group to know about it. Again, appreciate your work on the program. The title was so appropriate.
-- Dorothy, Mancos, CO

Your program was wonderful and I could totally relate. Your follow-up resources are very good. My caregiving journey began exactly 4 years ago in October 1998. My parents came from New Orleans to see me in MA for a New England fall foliage visit. That's when I discovered that things weren't like before -- that age was catching up with them and they needed help. They were in their early 80's and living 1500 miles away. I had no idea what to do. I asked if they would come to live with me since there was no one left in New Orleans and I couldn't leave due to my work. At first it was "yes" then it was "no." They couldn't decide. The research began. So did regular trips. I would go to see them for long weekends every 8-12 weeks...then every 4-6 weeks. I could see things really beginning to change.

Even though my job was in the healthcare field, I was getting static. "I know you have to take care of your parents, but.." my boss would say. I gave my notice and left in November, 1999.

Thanks for a wonderful program. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I'm so glad to now be both a caregiver and a professional helping my daddy and others.
-- Mary Beth, Westport, MA

My husband and I watched the program last night and thought it was wonderful, helpful, insightful, and extremely pertinent both to ourselves and to many of our friends. Almost everyone we know is now dealing with their elderly parents who are in their 80's and 90's. In our particular instance, my husband's mother has dementia, and is currently going through the rather extensive testing process for Alzheimer's. She insists on living on her own, but refuses to accept the fact that she would be unable to do so if her son and myself didn't take over her medicine twice a day, write out her checks, make her doctors' appointments, take her food, etc., etc. I have been to the local Alzheimer's Assoc. and am reading constantly. It seems I eat, sleep and dream about Alzheimer's, and think about the future and bringing her home to live with us. I sincerely hope that you re-broadcast this program to give more people an opportunity to see it. I am sure we would watch it again.
-- Karen, Deltona, FL

As an RN who worked in nursing homes for nine years, I was so touched when I viewed this program. I, like Dr. Thomas started my nursing career in long term care after graduating and obtaining my LPN license. What joy I received from working with the residents! You cannot help but love them. However, with all of the red tape that nursing home workers deal with, they cannot give the care that residents need and deserve. Unfortunately, the caregivers often receive a bad rap for their work.

We, as the citizens of the United States need to change legislation on the ratio of caregivers to residents. Our elderly deserve so much more. That is the reason I no longer work in a nursing home - I could not bear to go on, knowing that I wanted more for my residents, fellow workers and myself. However, I would love to be involved in the rebirth of nursing homes as Dr. Thomas mentioned.
-- Tammy, Mt. Pleasant, PA

I have been my mother's caregiver for seventeen years. I cried while watching the show, because it was the first time a group of people voiced what I have felt. It has been a rough road for me and isolating. Many friends and coworkers only mention my situation when it happens to them. When the situation ends, they go away.

First, I wish to salute all of you. You are to be celebrated. Second, I hope PBS is just the first of many outlets to recognize our role, in helping to make the lives of our loved ones as meaningful as possible. To give back to those who often sacrificed so much for us.
-- Anita, Brooklyn, NY

Thank you so much for this program. I have worked in the health field as a CNA and also as a CHHA. I had many thoughts on the nursing homes that I have worked in. Why can't the elderly live in an environment that they have had for most of their lives? Many love to watch children play, or admire a garden. This was a wonderful program that I just happened to catch. I now work in an adult daycare facility that could use a face-lift. We need more facilities like the Eden tree.
-- Texas Rose

Your show was deeply moving to me and well done. You spoke for many of us. As a Social Work consultant, I have worked in many different arenas especially in health care. Additionally, I have been a caregiver to elderly parents. I can tell you that there are unsung heroes everywhere, paid and unpaid. In addition to long term care, I am also working for a new geriatric psych unit, and facilitating a network of Caregiver Support groups for family members. It is a privilege and joy to work with these people. Thank you again for the wonderful show.
-- Suzanne in Alabama

"Thou Shalt Honor" has truly hit home for me and my family. I'm taking care of my husband of 3 plus years. He has severe rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other health problems. ... Lately in doing this, I've found myself becoming resentful and bitter. I guess I'm feeling as though as if this some sort of punishment for me and my family. I love my husband dearly, but it hurts to slowly watch him disappear in front of my eyes. But thru all of this, I feel closer to him in a sense. Our children are coping as best as they can. I pray a lot for him, for us. It helps.
-- Nina, Chicago

I made myself watch all of the program the other night. Heard myself in so many of the words the caregivers spoke. Thought I was the only person who said things such as, "When this is over, will there be anything left of me?" and "This is the most difficult thing I've ever done" and "I feel like I'm disappearing." It's disheartening to realize that Medicare will not pay for in-home care (sitters, etc.) -- we were fortunate to have Hospice care for my mother, because of the terminal cancer.

I could really relate with to the woman who left grad school to care for her mother, dad and blind sister. Cried until there were no more tears -- and kept watching. Hope you show it again. So many people in my age group that I know are in/have been in this situation. Planning to purchase the video tape and pass it around.

Thank you, PBS and Joe Mantegna for doing this program.
-- RuthAnn, Kenner, LA