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

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.

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

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

Loved ones connecting through a digital tablet

Amid a workforce shortage, a Rochester, NY 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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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.

“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

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.  

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

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

Detroit respite program makes adult day care more affordable

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

Eldercaring Coordination Settles Family Feuds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

"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. 

The Center for Cooperative Media released the list

New York & Michigan collaborative named among top initiatives in 2021

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)

This market has been ripe for scams and shady dealings

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

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

New York and Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative

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