Caring for the Aging and Chronically Ill

Glen Ellyn, IL, 2000

When faced with unexpected, life-changing decisions concerning care of aging or chronically ill relatives, most people, as caregivers, encounter a lack of information. Medical advances lengthening the lives of parents and grandparents create a dilemma for baby boomers, many of whom are raising their own children at the same time. Given the extraordinary health care needs of the aging, changes in reimbursement for health care, and financial concerns, it is necessary to inform the public about affordable choices and options that can meet their needs.

WDCB listeners are primarily age 45 and over, and it is this group that is most concerned with the care of aging relatives. Census figures also indicate that many elderly residents choose to live and retire in DuPage County. The goal of this project was to significantly improve area residents' knowledge about health care choices by informing them about available resources, services, and options.

WDCB produced a series of 13 30-minute radio programs, which included interviews with senior citizens, DuPage County health officials, services providers, gerontology specialists, College of DuPage faculty, and Older Adult Institute staff. The series was comprehensive, covering the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of aging as well as the changes in family structure that occur when an aging parent joins a household. The series received tremendous feedback from both health service agencies and individuals, and has become a platform for listeners to plan future care of their aging or chronically ill family members. A companion workbook, developed in cooperation with the DuPage County Health Department and listeners, was developed to aid in solving related questions and issues. Tape copies of the programs have also been made available.

Contact Information

Caring for the Aging and Chronically Ill
Mary Pat LaRue, Program Director
Tel: 630-942-3708

DuPage County Departments of Human Services and Public Health
Nancy Gier, Director of Communications
Tel: 630-682-7400

Awards:

WDCB Round Two
Regional Best Series Award
— RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for Journalism Excellence