People Worth Caring About
This documentary explores the profound impact of compassionate caregiving within the long-term care (LTC) industry, as captured in Peter Murphy Lewis’s documentary on senior living communities across Nebraska.
The documentary presents stories of caregivers like Tracy, Chris, and Gabriela, who view their roles not just as jobs but as extensions of family and community. Their experiences demonstrate the dual rewards of caregiving: while providing essential care, staff members often find their own lives enriched through the bonds they form with residents.
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Compassion, Connection & the Caregivers of Long-Term Care (LTC)
Long-term care is a world shaped by patience, empathy, and resilience. It’s a space where deep, meaningful connections are forged between caregivers and residents—a unique blend of professional care and personal bonds.
This world is too often veiled by misconceptions and stigmas that fail to honor the humanity and value these caregivers bring to the lives of residents every day. So, with my camera and open mind, I set out on a new journey to highlight the heart and soul of LTC through real stories from real people.
To capture the full essence of long-term care (LTC) and the relationships at its core, I approached this documentary with a hands-on, ethnographic methodology. My goal was to immerse myself in the everyday life of each community, stepping into the routines and roles that define LTC and experiencing the work from the perspective of both residents and caregivers. By shadowing staff, interviewing residents, and actively participating in their day-to-day activities, I sought to create an authentic portrayal of the caregiving experience.
This journey took me across seven Nebraska LTC communities, each with its own unique culture, mission, and team dynamics. In each setting, I began with open-ended conversations, allowing caregivers, administrators, and residents to guide the story in their own words. Rather than following a scripted path, I allowed the scenes to unfold naturally, adapting to the unique rhythms of each community. I engaged in activities ranging from morning routines and meals to recreational events and physical therapy sessions. By doing so, I hoped to bring viewers into the often-unseen moments where genuine connection and care shine through.
Throughout this documentary, I relied heavily on observational field notes and direct interviews, documenting real conversations and personal anecdotes. I focused on drawing out the caregivers’ motivations, challenges, and personal journeys—key elements that reveal the humanity behind the roles they play. By integrating my own reflections with those of the caregivers and residents, this documentary aims to provide a comprehensive and intimate look at the compassionate world of LTC.
Each of the seven communities I visited across Nebraska brought something distinct to the table—unique settings, approaches, and personalities. But a shared commitment underpins all of them: providing dignified, compassionate care to seniors in a setting that feels like home. Here’s a closer look at the heart of each community, shaped by the extraordinary individuals I had the privilege to meet.
1. Wakefield Healthcare Center
In the quaint town of Wakefield, I met Tracy, an administrator who transitioned from hospital work to LTC, finding it to be her true calling. Wakefield Healthcare Center, a 50-year-old, 40-bed skilled nursing facility, has a homey warmth that’s hard to miss. Here, I connected with Mary Jo, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who brings a deeply personal touch to her work, influenced by her experience caring for her own family. The dedication of the staff is palpable, and it’s clear that every resident is embraced like family.
2. Brookstone View, Broken Bow
Brookstone View embodies the energy and rhythm of a busy LTC facility. In the early hours of the morning, caregivers like Chris—the medication aide—jump into action. Chris is not only attentive to each resident’s medical needs but also to their personalities, quirks, and preferences. I saw how he connects with each resident on a personal level, using humor to create a comfortable atmosphere that brightens everyone’s day. This community runs like a well-oiled machine, blending precision with genuine care.
3. Stone Hearth Estates, Gothenburg
Gothenburg’s Stone Hearth Estates takes family inclusion to new heights, integrating the community’s younger generation and hosting family-friendly events like the “pre-prom party,” where residents relive fond memories alongside local students. Barb, the administrator, has fostered an inclusive culture that values every smile and small moment of joy. The community even developed the “Grandma on a Stick” initiative, allowing residents who lack family support to experience events through the staff who act as family stand-ins. Here, care is as much about happiness as it is about health.
4. Good Samaritan Society, Auburn
In Auburn, Good Samaritan Society brings the whole community into LTC with a unique intergenerational approach. Through partnerships with local schools, students from programs like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and FBLA volunteer in the center, connecting with residents and learning the values of empathy and compassion. Watching these young volunteers work side-by-side with seasoned caregivers, I saw a powerful bridge forming between generations, reminding everyone of the importance of support and connection.
5. Grace Space Hospice
Grace Space Hospice is dedicated to the last stage of life, with a focus on creating warmth, acceptance, and, surprisingly, joy. Caregivers like Bailey and Jace treat residents as beloved family members, and the environment defies every stereotype of hospice care. It’s a place filled with smiles and gratitude, where the small gestures of kindness and care make a significant impact. My time at Grace Space revealed how even in a setting dedicated to end-of-life care, love, and laughter remain central.
6. Nine Legacy, Fremont
At Nine Legacy, autonomy is at the heart of everything. This facility prioritizes residents’ independence, creating a space where individuals are encouraged to maintain their routines and make their own choices. I met Joy, a culinary associate, who serves personalized breakfasts to residents with a true sense of pride. And then there was Leann, the physical therapist who helps residents regain strength and confidence. Nine Legacy is a place where dignity and choice are honored daily.
7. Newcastle, Omaha
Newcastle, located in Omaha, is home to a tight-knit, long-serving staff, many of whom have been there over a decade. The residents are like family, especially to caregivers like Gabriela, who started as a dietary aide and worked her way up to a leadership role. I watched her connect seamlessly with Jimmy, a resident who looks forward to her daily visits. Gabriela’s close bond with Guadalupe, a resident who only speaks Spanish, shows how language and culture are woven into the community, making Newcastle feel like home for everyone.
Each of these communities has a unique character, shaped by the dedicated people who make LTC their life’s work. Together, they form a tapestry of care, compassion, and connection that challenges the usual perceptions of LTC and redefines what it means to grow older with dignity and joy.
As I traveled through these long-term care (LTC) communities, a few powerful themes kept emerging, highlighting what makes LTC both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. These key insights reveal the heartbeat of caregiving and the values that drive the people who make this industry so unique.
The Importance of Empathy and Connection in LTC
A shared thread across every community was the remarkable depth of empathy and connection between caregivers and residents. For many of these caregivers, this is more than just a job—it’s a calling. From Chris, who knows each resident’s morning routine down to the smallest preference, to Gabriela, who receives a cheerful wave every time Jimmy sees her car pull up, these relationships are filled with genuine affection and care.
I realized that these bonds don’t just benefit residents; they enrich the lives of the caregivers themselves, adding a layer of fulfillment and purpose that goes far beyond traditional work. In many ways, these connections form the emotional backbone of LTC, turning what could feel institutional into something profoundly personal.
Community Integration and Intergenerational Impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of these communities was their engagement with local schools and youth organizations, such as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and FBLA. In Auburn, high school students regularly volunteer with the residents, bridging generational divides and bringing fresh energy into the community.
These interactions are transformative for both groups: students gain empathy and understanding, while residents benefit from the joy and vitality that younger people bring. It struck me that LTC facilities that prioritize intergenerational relationships are setting a powerful example of how to reshape perceptions around aging and caregiving, breaking down stigmas and creating a sense of community beyond their walls.
Challenges and Fulfillment in Caregiving
Long-term care isn’t without its hurdles. Physical, emotional, and mental challenges abound, but I learned that the commitment these caregivers have to their work is unwavering. I met staff who work long shifts, constantly on their feet, and still manage to bring warmth and patience to every resident interaction. For many, the reward is the emotional connection and sense of purpose that comes from being there for someone at their most vulnerable moments. As Jace, a hospice caregiver, explained, “Nothing pays better than helping somebody out.”
This theme of mutual fulfillment was clear: while the caregivers provide essential support to residents, they also receive emotional rewards that are hard to find in other professions.
Cultural Inclusivity and Personalization of Care
Personalized, culturally inclusive care was another key aspect of successful LTC communities. At Newcastle, caregivers like Gabriela connect with residents like Guadalupe in Spanish, bridging cultural divides and helping residents feel more at home.
Similarly, Joy at Nine Legacy ensures every resident’s breakfast is served just the way they like it, which is a small but meaningful way of honoring each person’s preferences and independence. This level of attention to personal and cultural details doesn’t just elevate the quality of care—it dignifies each resident, honoring their life history and individuality in a powerful way.
Dignity and Autonomy as Central Values
Perhaps one of the most profound themes I encountered was the emphasis on dignity and autonomy in LTC. Facilities like Nine Legacy and Newcastle prioritize resident choice, whether that’s maintaining morning routines, choosing activities, or deciding on their meals. It reminded me of the simple but essential idea that independence doesn’t have to end when you enter LTC.
These communities understand that preserving dignity means recognizing each resident as a whole person with a lifetime of choices and experiences behind them. This commitment to autonomy fosters a powerful sense of respect and care that is deeply woven into the culture of these facilities.
Celebrating Life at Every Stage
At Grace Space Hospice, I saw a radically different approach to end-of-life care than what I’d imagined. Here, hospice is not a place of finality or sadness, but of warmth, laughter, and celebration. Bailey and her team embrace their residents as family, making the end-of-life stage feel like a natural and cherished part of the journey. This philosophy of celebrating life in its entirety, even as it winds down, brings dignity and a comforting presence to each resident. It’s a reminder that joy and love are not limited by age or health, and that LTC can be a space for peace, fulfillment, and profound connection.
These themes showed me that while LTC is undoubtedly a place for professional care, it’s also a space where humanity is celebrated in all its forms. Through empathy, community, inclusivity, and a deep respect for individual dignity, LTC facilities transform into places of connection and love. I came away from this experience with a new understanding of aging, caregiving, and the essential role LTC plays in honoring the lives of our elders.
My journey through Nebraska’s long-term care (LTC) communities has been nothing short of transformative. I set out hoping to capture the work of LTC caregivers and shed light on a field that often operates behind the scenes. What I discovered was a world brimming with compassion, resilience, and commitment—a world where the bonds between caregivers and residents create a unique, unbreakable fabric of human connection.
This documentary revealed that the real magic in LTC happens in the small, everyday moments. It’s in the personal jokes that make mornings brighter, the small favors and gentle reminders that help residents feel known and valued, and the mutual joy that comes from shared laughter, games, and memories. These are the seemingly ordinary, but deeply significant, gestures that make LTC communities feel like home.
What stood out most was the way caregivers see their roles as extensions of family. Many of them aren’t simply performing tasks; they’re offering companionship, emotional support, and sometimes even filling a familial gap for residents who don’t have loved ones nearby. It’s work that goes beyond routine care and enters the realm of profound human kindness. This is a quality that no training program alone can provide—it’s fueled by empathy, respect, and the desire to make a difference.
Long-term care is not an easy profession, and it comes with its own set of challenges. But it is also incredibly fulfilling, offering caregivers a sense of purpose that few other fields can match. Caregivers like Tracy, Gabriela, Chris, and Jace aren’t just workers; they are anchors in the lives of the residents they serve, transforming the often-intimidating landscape of eldercare into a place of comfort, trust, and belonging.
LTC communities that embrace inclusivity, family involvement, and respect for autonomy demonstrate what it truly means to care for someone. They show us that aging with dignity is possible when individuals are supported by those who see them not as patients but as people with unique histories, preferences, and value. These communities inspire a new vision for LTC, one that values human connection above all else.
I leave this experience with a renewed appreciation for the caregivers who dedicate themselves to this work and for the residents who open their lives and hearts to them. It is my hope that this documentary will challenge others to view LTC with fresh eyes, recognizing the essential role it plays in preserving our collective humanity. To the unsung heroes of long-term care, I offer my deepest gratitude—you are changing lives, one compassionate act at a time.
People Worth Caring About is a Strategic Pete LLC and Golden Gen Movement production