The Film

The foundational piece of this project is a 20-minute film, No Roadmap: Caregiver Journeys, designed to generate discussion on core issues related to home-based eldercare. The film is a tribute to all the families who travel the caregiving road with no map, but with conviction and love to guide them.

Produced by Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Summa Health System and Joshua Tree Productions, the film was inspired by a NEOMED medicine student, Erin Scott, whose family caregiving experience enriched her life and influenced her to choose a career in geriatrics and palliative care.

The story is told by four families who open their hearts to share their experiences.

Josh Gippin and Shane Wynn were a young married couple when Josh’s beloved “Bubba”, Rose Brudno, came to live with them.  Over the course of seven years they laughed, cried, and shared their lives together.  Although at times a challenge, Bubba’s larger-than-life personality taught them life lessons about family and tenacity.

Childhood sweethearts, Richard and Barbara Haskins were devoted to each other and their family. Although Barbara never expected to become his caregiver, she embraced the role, cherishing their time together.  Barbara was able to manage Richard’s high level of care with support from her brother-in-law and his wife.

Bill and Doris Lile were married 60 years. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to their five children. His Alzheimer’s disease presented challenges that required 24-hour care. The children assumed major roles in assisting Doris with caregiving. Laughter and acknowledging moments of joy, helped them cope with Bill’s devastating disease.

Margaret Scott cared for her mother, Mary Alda Musick, for nine years with the help of her husband and their three daughters.  Margaret talks about the richness of their experiences and a renewal of faith at her mother’s end of life.