Authentic care stories are multidimensional – just like we are. Depictions of care that resonate most with caregivers reflect all nuances, the joys alongside the challenges.
Story Sparks:
- In Malik’s family, care is an everyday part of life – making time to pick prescriptions for an older relative or using PTO to support an ill family member is the norm. Showing up for each other is a huge part of what gives their lives meaning. This is what a modern family looks like!
- Octavio starts a new job as a direct care worker and discovers how much pride it gives him to help his clients live on their terms. Not to mention the on-point notes they give on his novel.
- Naima and Patrick take pride in helping to care for their new grandchild so that his parents can continue working. Reminds them of when they were new parents themselves.
- An older queer couple holds a sense of purpose in caring for one another. It’s not always easy – aging provides new, unexpected obstacles every day! – but it adds a new dimension and complexity to their relationship.
AVOID THE PITFALL:
Taking part in someone’s care can feel rewarding, and that’s valid. But stories that explore this facet of experience should also be mindful not to treat those who need care simply as the source of inspiration or growth for other characters. Inspiration porn is not a good look.
A quick note: scenarios described here are generalized from information that Caring Across Generations has collected through focus groups, polling, and other research. They are generalized scenarios and are not any one individual’s story, and they are not meant to be comprehensive of all experiences having to do with care. This resource is intended to illuminate new storytelling opportunities that also contribute to a more authentic and holistic representation of care on screen.
