Our Latest Stories

Advocates and leaders say the state can overhaul its laws to better supports its million-plus caregivers

Caregivers need help. Michigan is slowly finding a way.

Home and Happy, a new nonprofit, uses donated medical equipment and other services to help people who have health setbacks that make it difficult to stay at home. 

Nonprofit looks to lighten the load for older adults who want to live on their own — and their caregivers

Dana Robbins is the founder of Home and Happy.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized November as Veteran Caregivers Month and called those who care for veterans who need extra help “hidden heroes."

Military veteran caregivers across Michigan finally getting praise for tireless work

Angelena Taylor, 35, helps her father, Benjamin Taylor, 72, and a Vietnam veteran get dressed for the day on Saturday, Nov 5, 2022 at Regency at Westland where he is staying temporarily while she goes out of town

A growing group of society is caring for extended family, friends of family, and generations of people they did not birth.

Michigan's most vulnerable rescued by kinship caregivers

Navelle Jenkins, 78, of Detroit with her grandson, Shane, 15, at their home in Detroit. Jenkins is raising Shane after the death of his mother, Jenkins' daughter. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

An executive order signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul created a state Master Plan for Aging meant to foster more collaboration and innovation to support the health and well-being of older  residents and their loved ones.

The aging boom hitting NY is inevitable. State officials say work is underway to make it manageable

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to create a master plan for healthier aging. (Buffalo News file photo)

Finding a caregiver can be tricky. Here are some questions you should ask.

How to screen potential in-home caregivers

Come work with our collaborative and help produce solutions journalism on caregiving

We're hiring a reporter!

Also, how to deal with mobility challenges, kidney disease and legal issues.

Urban Aging News' Annual Caregiving Issue

The Detroit News reporters Sarah Rahal and Hayley Harding appear on Detroit's NPR station and tell Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson why Michigan caregivers are reaching a breaking point.

Why caregivers in Michigan are struggling as population ages

A new survey shows that oftentimes, for caregivers, those who have the least to give find themselves giving the most.

Caregivers in Michigan are reaching a breaking point

Caregivers of color and of modest means have the greatest challenges of all caregivers in Buffalo-Niagara, Detroit and Rochester, a new survey shows.

Working class, people of color face greatest challenges in caregiving

Two noted authorities on media and family care spoke at our two-day conference on how journalists can better report on important issues of contemporary life, such as caregiving and mental health. 

PBS Books offered livestream coverage of solutions journalism collaborative summit

The Resource Guide's content and organization were based on research as well as direct feedback from caregivers.

How what the New York & Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative learned about caregivers led us to create a Resource Guide for them

Tostada está lanzando un proyecto piloto utilizando la aplicación para satisfacer las necesidades de información de los cuidadores latinos.

¿Una fuente confiable de noticias para los cuidadores de habla hispana? Tenemos WhatsApp para eso.

About one in six employees in the U.S. is balancing work and caring for a family member.

How employer benefits can ease burden on people caring for elderly loved ones

Lisa Tawil at her parents house in Tampa.

Coaches work as in-house social workers, helping employees with myriad issues, including food insecurity, child care and budgeting.

Success coaches help workers with problems outside the workplace. That helps their employers, too

Destiny Roque and Lydia Sellers show off an art project they worked on at the Webster Day Habilitation program run by Heritage Christian Services. Roque works with individuals who attend the program. Max Schulte / WXXI News

USA TODAY Network interviewed caregivers, policy makers and advocates, who spoke of the patchwork of efforts aimed at connecting long COVID-19 sufferers, and those who care for them, to health care and government programs.

Long COVID survivors trapped in caregiver limbo as officials push for support, treatment

Federal data show that this field has shrunk by nearly 12% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paid training, tuition assistance may be key to solving New York’s nursing home staffing crisis

Tea Mickles was one of 13 trainees to take part in a four-week paid certified nursing assistant training program at D'Youville University earlier this year.

Companion programs improve psychological health through social interaction between volunteers and care recipients, according to a report.

How Lifespan's Partners in Caring program is changing the perception of older adults with dementia

Ginni Jurkowski is a volunteer with the Partners in Caring respite program at Lifespan.

Researchers, educators and critics call for more research regarding this latest training trend among police departments.

How Michigan police agencies are training to respond to 911 calls with autistic people

Living and Learning Enrichment Center Director Rachelle Vartanian, right, checks the hair of Dawn Thomas at the Northille facility for people with disabilities. Dawn wanted her hair to look right if she was going to be photographed.

Insights, tips and reassuring words from the collaborative's March 24 public forum

Caregiving for someone with dementia is hard. Answers to these questions can lighten the load

David Gonlag, of Kenmore, diagnosed in 2014 with early onset dementia at age 55, calls his wife, Donna, "a rock."

This market has been ripe for scams and shady dealings

Thinking of buying a medical alert system? Here’s what you need to know

One expert said the costs of isolation and loneliness is a growing worry.

As pandemic wanes, Michigan confronts toll of isolation on homebound seniors

In Ann Arbor, University of Michigan senior Lizzy Rueppel and assisted living facility resident Bobbie Jean Gill have become close friends. They met through a program that pairs college students with older residents. (Bridge photo by Ted Roelofs)

The Center for Cooperative Media released the list

New York & Michigan collaborative named among top initiatives in 2021

"Is this going to make a difference? Undoubtedly, yes," said one organization leader.

Scaled-back social services bill could still be vital to Michigan home care workers

WORCESTER - Nurses Lisa DeBoise adjusts the blood pressure cuff on Thad Stappenbeck with his wife Mary beside him.  The Stappenbeck’s participated in the new Hospital at Home Program just launched by UMass Memorial on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. 

California program offers support, connection

Solitary lives of Black caregivers: 'People deal with stuff you don’t even know about.'

Kesha Washington, 43, is a caregiver to her elderly mother, who has battled lung and brain cancer and needs daily care.

WHEC's Deanna Dewberry reports on the caregiving challenges her family faces

Solutions Journalism: Finding emotional support for caregivers

Gary Newberry cares for his father-in-law, who has Parkinson's induced dementia.

Bridge's Lunch Break discussion focused on on the causes of Michigan’s elder caregiving crisis and an exploration of solutions.

Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break about Michigan’s eldercare crisis

AJ Walker takes us to a Detroit program that prepares and trains family caregivers for the many responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one.

This Detroit program trains family caring for their loved ones

Full public forum can be viewed on DPTV’s website

Experts, caregivers point to potential solutions at inaugural forum

A program at Detroit’s Hannan Center that provides day care for adults with dementia

Editor's note: a pseudonym was used to protect the identity of the caregiver and her family.

How one Bangladeshi family’s lifeline of support was disrupted by the pandemic 

Illustration of two women from Bangladeshi community

Tostada Magazine examines responses to challenges facing caregivers in Detroit, home to the third largest Bangladeshi community in the U.S. 

Caregiving in the Bangladeshi community: Lessons shared from NYC

Spanish-speaking caregivers often face language and cultural barriers to resources and support. In search of a potential solution, Democrat and Chronicle reporter Natalia Rodriguez Medina worked with a USA TODAY NETWORK colleague in California to investigate a program that connects caregivers from Latino households with services like respite care, training, and support groups in Spanish.

How a California county is helping Hispanic family caregivers find peace

Spousal caregivers are at greater risk than other types of caregivers for depression caused by isolation and loneliness. WXXI examines a program that may help.

When two is a lonely number: Group aims to connect spousal caregivers, ease isolation

A new method of conflict resolution called eldercaring coordination is coming to Michigan. 

Eldercaring Coordination Settles Family Feuds

"Daybreak" program offers flexible respite services at a lower cost.

Detroit respite program makes adult day care more affordable

A column by Democrat and Chronicle Editor Mike Kilian highlights the importance of community engagement and solutions journalism to help communities tackle problems. 

How community engagement informs coverage about caregivers

Part 1 of a package on the growing problems associated with eldercare and potential solutions.

Overstressed and unpaid, 1.3M in Michigan care for relatives amid aging crisis

Daughter providing care for her mother.  

“Caregivers are the second silent patient. They are dying sometimes before the person they are serving because of the stress.” 

As Michigan ages, one woman has made it her mission to train family caregivers

Portrait of Paula Duren, a former caregiver who now helps other caregivers

Michigan Radio reports on funding cuts for caregiving of adults with brain or spinal cord injuries from car accidents. Could a new bill save the day?

Can Michigan bill save funding for caregiving of adults injured in car accidents? 

A woman injured in a car accident sits in a wheelchair in her home.

Shortage of health care workers keeps family members up at night. What can be done to help direct care workers in Michigan? 

Can a program like the one in Oregon help direct care workers elsewhere?

Dogged reporting on vaccine hesitancy among workers at nursing homes in Western New York.

39% of state's nursing home workers declined Covid-19 shots. Here's how some WNY homes did better.

Worker meets with resident at nursing home.

DPTV's One Detroit teams up with Urban Aging News for this special report on respite care.

Detroit program provides caregiver support through respite care

A long-sought-after bump in pay has helped keep some direct care workers on the job, performing crucial, life-saving services for seniors and those with disabilities in a pandemic. What happens if it goes away?

Michigan caregivers got a $2 hourly boost in COVID. Should it be permanent?   | Bridge Michigan

Direct care workers assisting older adults

Home health agencies are becoming creative to maintain health workers. Michigan agencies are boosting pay, while a New York City cooperative owned by workers could provide a model to a crisis that is deepening.

Innovation, bonuses may help curb Michigan’s home health care shortage

Home health aide hands newspaper to older adult at home

Michigan is getting older, and there aren’t enough workers to care for seniors and those with disabilities. The coronavirus pandemic has worsened the situation, as few are willing to risk their health for menial pay.

As Michigan ages, a shortage in health care workers explodes into a crisis | Bridge Michigan

Not a single one of Slate Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing's approximately 80 residents and more than 100 workers had tested positive for the virus or were suspected of

These nursing homes kept Covid-19 out for 7 months. Here's what caregivers learned

Nursing home administrators at nursing home

The first thing you notice when you meet Tim O’Neill is that his hazel eyes smile, forming warm half-moons just above the disposable mask the pandemic necessitates.

Solutions Journalism: Are 'villages' the future of elder care?

Obstacles to ADUs becoming a common solution to family caregiving needs include the need to change local zoning laws.

Are 'granny flats' an answer for family caregivers?

LAMDA has assisted hundreds of Latino families in greater Chicago. The hope is that this approach could be broadened to other communities nationwide.

How a program to support Latino caregivers may have discovered a new wave of patients

Video about how to help seniors remember their medication

Amid a workforce shortage, a Rochester home health agency relies on close communication and out-of-work support to retain their employees.

Program helps New York home health agency face coronavirus challenges in real time

Caregivers of color face even more of an uphill battle caring for elderly loved ones in a pandemic. The right technology could make all the difference.

Caregiving in a pandemic: Technology key to quality health care in communities of color

Loved ones connecting through a digital tablet

In partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, our reporters examined ways to support  caregiving among communities of color in Rochester.

Caregiving in Rochester: 3 possible national solutions for local communities of color

Woman being helped by her daughter, who is her primary caregiver.

Kathie Gansemer concentrates on her breath first. Slow, steady breaths. Then, perhaps, she recites an inspirational quote or a poem to set the mood. One of

When ‘om’ can help you take care of Mom: Meditation, mindfulness useful tools for many caregivers

Family Caregivers

As the COVID pandemic raised stress and anxiety levels for many, a New York state program supported by federal funds offered mental health counseling and assistance to ease the burden.

'We're all Covid survivors': Program offers tips, support for those headed back to school and work

Tostada Magazine is launching a pilot project using the app to fill information needs of Latino caregivers.

A trusted news source for Spanish-speaking caregivers? We have a WhatsApp for that.

To the left, me, and my grandfather Al Diaz, circa 1982. Photo to the right is my Gramps in 2012 when he participated in the Honor Flight Network, a program that flies WWII to Washington D.C. to honor them for their service to the country.

This program shares tips to spot driving red flags and helps lead conversations with loved ones about their skills.

When to take the keys away? Driver evaluation takes burden off caregivers to decide

Keith Bookbinder, hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury last March, is again behind the wheel of his 2019 Audi Q5, after the Erie County Medical Center Driver Rehabilitation Program gave him the green light to resume driving.  John Hickey/Buffalo News

One program addresses the need for social support.

More youth are becoming home caregivers. Experts say they need more help and support

Daniela Castro-Martinez (R) with her mom, Sandra. Daniela became a youth caregiver after her mother's ALS diagnosis.

The LA SED Senior Center's mission has grown through the years

Detroit center emphasizes wellness, support for caregivers as Latino population and funding needs rise

LA SED seniors and staff collaborate with World Medical Relief to make baby blankets

“It's almost like having a real cat,” one person's spouse said. “She loves that thing.”

People with dementia can get these pets for free – and you don't have to feed them

Donna Brese, of Eden, diagnosed four years ago with dementia, takes comfort interacting with Angel, an animatronic cat that she can love unconditionally without having to feed or clean up after. The Alzheimer's Association of WNY can make such dogs and cats available free to those in the region with dementia.  Robert Kirkham

Bill would offer tax credits of up to $5,000 to people who provide hundreds of billions of dollars in unpaid care each year

Biden plan: How tax credits might be the solution for family caregivers

Theresa Robertson, left, 58, organizes medication for her husband, Emanuel, 63, at their home in Elkridge, Md., Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Photo by Steve Ruark

Paid Caregivers

As inflation continues to climb, Michigan's $2.35-per-hour pay boost simply isn’t enough to lure new workers.

Crucial but underpaid, Michigan home care staff face inflation now, too

The Biden administration’s plan would spend $400 billion on in-home care for the elderly and disabled with the presumption that reducing the number of Americans relying on nursing homes saves taxpayers money.

Biden caregiving plan: Housing availability, politics hinder transition to more in-home care

Nurses Lisa DeBoise adjusts the blood pressure cuff on Thad Stappenbeck with his wife Mary beside him. Christine Peterson/Telegram & Gazette

Nearly one in four Americans rely on Medicaid, yet there are disparities in their ability to access in-home care services.

Biden caregiving plan: How Medicaid might be used to boost in-home care

Bill Glover (left) a home caregiver with Home Instead visits Jean-Marc Bollag (right) at his home in Daniel Island, S.C. Glover spends several hours each week visiting clients, helping them with basic tasks around their homes. Photo credit: Home Instead

“Before the union came in, we had nothing," said one caregiver.

Unionization could help home health care workers, experts say

Saran Walker protests along with the SEIU Michigan Healthcare union for working conditions at the Ambassador nursing home on April 9, 2020, in Detroit. Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and Detroit Free Press vetted some of the solutions and shortcomings in the plan.

Biden's plan to overhaul home care is 'more of a repair effort than a new direction'

Joe Slomba has cerebral palsy and lives at home with his family. His mother Nancy and twin brother Ben split time as his paid caregivers but Medicaid only allows for $12.50 an hour for that care. Jamie Germando/Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

New York and Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative

Our Latest Stories

Nonprofit looks to lighten the load for older adults who want to live on their own — and their caregivers

Caregivers need help. Michigan is slowly finding a way.

Military veteran caregivers across Michigan finally getting praise for tireless work

Michigan's most vulnerable rescued by kinship caregivers

The aging boom hitting NY is inevitable. State officials say work is underway to make it manageable

Family Caregivers

Working class, people of color face greatest challenges in caregiving

Caregivers in Michigan are reaching a breaking point

'We're all Covid survivors': Program offers tips, support for those headed back to school and work

A trusted news source for Spanish-speaking caregivers? We have a WhatsApp for that.

When to take the keys away? Driver evaluation takes burden off caregivers to decide

Paid Caregivers

How to screen potential in-home caregivers

Caregivers need help. Michigan is slowly finding a way.

Crucial but underpaid, Michigan home care staff face inflation now, too

Biden caregiving plan: Housing availability, politics hinder transition to more in-home care

Biden caregiving plan: How Medicaid might be used to boost in-home care

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