Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Amanda Dyer, Director and Producer, and Tom Dyer, Director and Cinematographer, who share the story of what led them produce the documentary film, “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters.” The documentary film chronicles the life of Jess and Ryan Ronne, a blended family of eight children, including Lucas, who has profound disabilities requiring total care. The Ronne family’s situation has gotten more challenging as Lucas gets older and stronger. With limited resources and support, caregiving takes a toll on their physical and mental health. During the interview, Amanda and Tom talk about the process of filming the documentary and putting it together, some of the important takeaways and lessons for viewers, how the film is bringing parent caregivers together and giving them a voice, how they are partnering with organizations to offer resources and help, and how the community can support their efforts. November is National Family Caregiver Month and Amanda and Tom are conducting an online screening to raise awareness of caregiving issues, to education communities and increase support for caregivers. Watch the film online between November 18-30, 2022.
What issues are parent caregivers facing in the U.S.?
- One in five children in Tennessee has a special healthcare need, chronic illness, or disability. (Source: Tennessee Disability Coalition)
- An estimated 16.8 million people in America are caring for a child with disabilities.
- The demands of daily life take a heavy toll on their mental and physical health.
- 43% of special needs caregivers report experiencing high stress.
- 30% of special needs caregivers say caregiving has worsened their health.
- Women account for about two-thirds of all unpaid caregivers and report both higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower levels of well-being and physical health than male caregivers.
Tell us about the documentary film Unseen. Why did you make it?
- Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters is a documentary film that chronicles the life of Jess and Ryan Ronne (pronounced: Ron-nee) a blended family of eight children, including Lucas, who has profound disabilities requiring total care. Their situation has gotten more challenging as Lucas gets older and stronger. With limited resources and support, caregiving takes a toll on their physical and mental health.
- We wanted to give an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of parent caregivers and the real challenges.
- We also wanted to bring attention to how difficult it can be for caregivers to get support and solutions.
- We wanted to establish strategic partnerships to enable real change.
- The documentary film has won numerous awards and we hope this brings more attention to the issues around parent caregiving and the support that is needed.
How can audiences watch the film?
- November is National Family Caregiver Month and we’re conducting an online screening to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support of caregivers.
- Watch the film online on November 18-30, 2022.
- Tickets are on sale now at http://caregiverdoc.com/november/.
How can parent caregivers get help?
- We have partnered with a number of nonprofit organizations who provide resources for children with disabilities and parent caregivers.
- Visit https://caregiverdoc.com/ to learn more. We have a Caregiver Toolkit on our website with resources for parents.
How can we support Unseen?
- Purchase tickets at http://caregiverdoc.com/november/ for our online screening on November 18-30, 2022 during National Family Caregiver Month.
- Visit our website https://caregiverdoc.com/ to get involved as a partner or host a virtual or in-person private screening for your group.
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