CAREgivers Film Underscores Importance of National Caregivers Day

     #NationalCaregiversDay is February 17, 2017. It was established in an effort to draw attention to, and honor, the health care professionals who serve those who require long-term or hospice care.   

     “Caregivers who work in long-term and hospice care are vital," says Vic Compher, co-producer of Portraits of Professional Caregivers: Their Passion. Their Pain.  “I hope that people take the time to thank not just long-term and hospice care workers, but professional caregivers of all types.  

     "The work of professional caregivers is demanding - so much so, that they can be traumatized by the things they see, hear, and experience at work. We need to step up and encourage employers to put systems in place to help our helpers," he adds.   

     Portraits of Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion, Their Pain is an award winning documentary film about the impact of vicarious trauma and how to promote staff resiliency. It is   directed and co-produced by filmmaker and licensed clinical social worker, Vic Compher, and Emmy award winning composer and filmmaker,  Rodney Whittenberg.

     The CAREgivers film examines how vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue, may affect any individual who provides care to traumatized or suffering people. The impact of secondary traumatic stress is shown through a series of dramatic first person stories that depict both the professionals’ struggles and their resilience.

     The film's website offers a list of upcoming screenings, ways to purchase the film on DVD or via video-on-demand, self-care tips, and resources for secondary trauma research.

     The clip above shows social workers and others talking about their own secondary traumatic stress. The film features their stories.