Can't afford to grow old

Resource Information

The work Can't afford to grow old represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Bates College. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Moving Image, Visual Materials.

Label

Can't afford to grow old

Statement of responsibility

produced, written, and directed by Roger Weisberg for Public Policy Productions

Creator

• Weisberg, Roger

Contributor

• Public Policy Productions, Inc

Subject

• Health
• Medical care, Cost of -- United States
• Older people -- Medical care -- United States
• Documentary films
• Older people -- Medical care -- United States -- Cost control

Genre

• Documentary films

Language

eng

Summary

As you age you probably will want to live with the familiar comforts of your home, but you d better be healthy and wealthy. The reality of aging in America is that there is no help in paying for a nurse or a housekeeper if you become disabled and need assistance. All your family can do is place you in a nursing home, and only after your money runs out will the government pay the bills. The cruel irony is that the cost of a nursing home is often much greater to the American taxpayer than subsidized home care. This film features several families eager to keep their elderly relatives at home, who have simply exhausted their physical and financial resources. Every year, up to one million Americans are forced into poverty by the cost of long-term care, and only then do they qualify for Medicaid, the state and federal health insurance program for the very poor. This cogent analysis of the impact of the aging of America on our strained health-care system combines poignant human stories with informed testimony by law makers and public policy experts. The debate centers around whether the government or the private sector should ultimately pay for long-term care. We are shown innovative programs, one private and one publicly funded, that give seniors some options as they experience frailty in old age. This landmark film clearly illustrates the crisis facing all Americans as they and their parents age. It should be seen by students and professionals in health care, gerontology, social service, public policy, as well as the general public

Cataloging source

VaAlASP

Characteristic

videorecording

Intended audience

For College; Adult audiences

Language note

English

Runtime

57

Target audience

general