Bradley Cooper’s new documentary sheds light on the care crisis
Produced by Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper, a new documentary, “Caregiving,” explores the hidden struggles of caregivers.
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When his father got sick, Bradley Cooper said he was back with his parents.
By bathing his father and helping him use the toilet, Cooper was a caregiver unknown to the world and even unknown to himself.
“I didn’t even realize I was alone,” the actor said in a room full of caregivers who could be involved.
Cooper attended the screening event and panel on June 12 for his new documentary, “Caregiving,” (premiered on June 24th at PBS at 9pm). They united with their daughter Lee and other A-list caregivers, including actress Uzo Adva, Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Hemin Willis, television journalist Deborah Roberts and Al Roker.
Cooper said it was the “award” of the paid caregiver who helped his father when he got sick.
“It was very fulfilling when I was doing compassionate positive behavior,” Cooper said. He lived with his parents for eight months before his father passed away on January 15th, 2011.
Even 14 years later, he said he was still dealing with what he and his family had experienced on their care journey.
Bradley Cooper found humor while caring for his father
Cooper said his father died in his arms.
However, just before that, while his father was in the hospice, Cooper reveals that his mother was worried about something else.
Cooper said he had eaten a tuna sandwich that day or the day before, at the last moment his father was alive.
“What my mother was worried about was my tuna breath to my father,” he said with a laugh.
Cooper said one of the caregivers’ biggest gifts was the time he was able to spend with his father before he passed away, as he said in the film. He said he found a lot of joy in the last few days and days.
“It’s life,” he said. “It’s just real life.”
Madeline Mitchell’s women and the role of USA Today’s nursing economy covering the caregiving economy is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editor input. Please contact madeline at x at mimitchell @usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_.
