It’s one of life’s toughest decisions: Is it better for elderly loved ones to age in place or be cared for in a nursing home? 

What would you do?

A panel of experts – from industry insiders and state regulators to elder-care attorneys and aging advocates – examines the emotionally fraught issue in a special town hall session co-presented by Kansas City PBS. The program also previews clips from the station’s new 30-minute documentary How Should We Care?.

Kansas City PBS’ Nick Haines moderates the discussion and directs additional questions about the making of the documentary to journalist and filmmaker Michael Price. Panelists will take and answer audience questions on navigating the complex maze of nursing home care and offer tips on what to look for and red flags to avoid. 

COVID-19 has compounded the issue. The pandemic, at its height, devastated nursing home residents and their families as well as staffs. Workers today are quitting in record numbers, and the American Health Care Association reports that nearly 60% of nursing homes are operating at a financial loss. Nearly three of every four facilities are concerned about closure due to staffing shortages.

Concerns extend to oversight. Are federal and state guidelines adequately enforced? As we live longer, in Kansas City and across America, have we put systems in place that will allow us to age gracefully?

Kansas City PBS will broadcast the town hall discussion and premiere How Should We Care? in its entirety on Thursday, September 14.