LTCNinaQT

Discussion questions by Ben Krutzik

1. When Henrietta moved in with her daughter’s family, how did this affect Henrietta? Nina? Nina’s family?
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2. Do you think Henrietta’s decision to move in with her daughter’s family was a good one? Why or why not?
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3. Henrietta’s husband passed away and this prompted her to move in with her daughter Nina. Have you personally lost a spouse or loved one? Did the death prompt any changes in your life?
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4. Nina and Henrietta have found several resources in the community to be very helpful. What services do they utilize and what were the benefits to Henrietta? Nina?
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5. Henrietta has a senior companion. Why was this important to her? What benefits does a senior companion provide? Do you have a companion or can you envision a time when you might use one? After viewing this film, would you consider using a senior companion?
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6. Henrietta frequently uses Transit Plus for transportation. What benefits does this service provide? Have you ever used Transit Plus? If you could no longer drive, what transportation options would you use?
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7. Henrietta frequently visits Washington Park Senior Center. What opportunities do senior centers provide? Have you ever visited a senior center? After viewing this film, would you consider using a local senior center? For what purposes?
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8. Henrietta is 83 years old and has several major health problems. How is she remaining active and engaged in society?
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9. Nina is part of a segment of our society that is often referred to as the “sandwich generation”. What do you think that this means? Are you or another member of your family a part of the sandwich generation? If so, describe your family’s situation.
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10. Caring for others is an endless, stressful responsibility. Relief from caregiving is often referred to as “respite care”. How does Nina get respite from her daily caregiving responsibilities? How important is this respite to Nina? Nina’s family? Henrietta?
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11. Nina states in the film that she was unexpectedly “thrust” into this situation with her mother. In hindsight, what could she have done to better plan for her mother’s long term care needs? What steps have you taken to prepare for your parents’ future needs or your own?
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12. What do you think is the moral of the story?