New York & Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative

Kanu “KC” Mehta quit his consulting job to care for his wife, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. KC is a growing number of male caregivers. As Sumi’s full-time caregiver, Mehta participated in several support groups. Then, he started his own. https://lnkd.in/dgH_e9t8

Musician Sean Blackman is among the growing number of male caregivers of older adults in the United States. “The whole thing is quite exhausting,” he said of caring for his 91-year-old mother, who lives in the house next door. ‘I’m doing the very, very best that I can,' he tells reporter Erica Hobbs.

Experts estimate it could cost as much as $500,000 a year for long-term care in 40 years. Here’s what to do now to plan, Stephanie Steinberg reports.

The Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee has recently approved Senate Bills 332 and 333, initiating the Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC) program. This program would offer up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave for caregiving, illness, or bereavement, addressing gaps in the current Family and Medical Leave Act. The FLOC program aims to make paid leave more accessible to a broader range of Michigan workers, including those in small businesses and lower-income jobs, who are less likely to qualify under existing federal policies. The proposed program has been supported by research from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which estimates that the cost to workers and employers would be modest. Advocates for the legislation emphasize its potential to improve health and economic stability for families. Danielle Atkinson, Founding Executive Director of Mothering Justice, highlighted the struggles faced by families balancing work and caregiving. Health experts also point to the public health benefits of paid leave. According to Amanda Klein, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association-Michigan, paid leave is linked to improved maternal and infant health outcomes, reduced stress, and better chronic disease management. The proposed program has the potential to strengthen Michigan's workforce and economy while providing critical support to families during significant life events. What are your thoughts on the proposed FLOC program and its potential impact on Michigan's workforce and families?

Planet Detroit is seeking an editor to lead daily editorial operations, balancing short-term production with long-term projects. They’ll help manage a team of reporters and freelancers, focusing on improving the quality of its journalism and growing its audience. https://lnkd.in/gWWvZTUH

Pregnant Detroiters can now get free rides to prenatal and postpartum medical appointments and to pediatric appointments for their babies up to one year after giving birth.The Rides to Care program has given more than 50 rides since launching two weeks ago. The program is the result of a partnership between the Detroit Health Department and Uber Health. Infant mortality is high in Detroit, where 14 babies for every 1,000 live births die before their first birthday. The rate is double the national average. Read more about the program and learn how to get a ride in The Detroit News: https://lnkd.in/gCihwWeb

We're hiring a Digital Platforms Generalist! The Digital Platforms Generalist is responsible for the oversight and implementation of content across the organization’s websites, video apps, platforms. This role supports Detroit PBS and its initiatives with a focus on PBS Books and its sub-brands. Learn more about the position & how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gvkH3sKm

Sometimes, a long-term care ombudsman is the only visitor a nursing home resident may get. They help residents of long-term care facilities navigate problems stemming from loneliness, social isolation and staff shortages. They also investigate complaints of involuntary discharges, inadequate food, a lack of care and other quality-of-life concerns. "When an individual goes into long-term care, their world changes. Their world’s turned upside down,“ says Michelle Danou, who has been a long-term care ombudsman for five years. “That’s the beauty of our job. We can help support them.”

Representatives from Corewell Health, the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health as well as universities in Michigan gathered on Monday to celebrate a partnership with SOS Maternity Network. SOS refers to “synergy of scholars." The program, which is funded by the state of Michigan, pairs women with someone who can help them navigate life and medical issues. It also gives moms rides to medical appointments.

Family caregiving is receiving an increasing amount of political attention as the Trump and Harris presidential campaigns are looking to gain support with older adults in the final weeks before the election. “We want all candidates to be talking about the ways they are going to address the lack of support that’s in place for family caregivers," Jason Resendez told USA Today.