The new PBS documentary, Caregiving, executive produced by Bradley Cooper, is the story of paid and unpaid caregivers navigating the challenges and joys of this deeply meaningful work.

Now streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app, the two-hour film captures the evolving reality of caregiving in the United States. The documentary explores the state and high stakes of care in America today through the stories of a diverse group of caregivers, including Bradley Cooper's own experience caring for his father. From a multitude of perspectives, Caregiving examines the creation and evolution of the care system, the social dynamics that shape our current approach, as well as the interpersonal and economic pressures faced by caregivers.

The film is supported by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., the lead and founding sponsor, as part of its corporate commitment to raise awareness about the growing urgency to support family caregivers and ensure they receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

"This documentary highlights the monumental contribution of family caregivers, who are often the backbone of providing care in communities nationwide," said Debra Barrett, vice president of corporate affairs at Otsuka. "It is essential that policymakers and employers understand the difficult choices families are facing and commit to providing the support needed to meet the rising demand for care — and to help prevent additional strain on local healthcare systems."

Jessica Guthrie, one of the caregivers in the project, knows the stakes firsthand. At 26, she began caring for her mother after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Eventually, Jessica had to leave her career and move back home to provide full-time care for her mother as her disease progressed. Today, she advocates for other family caregivers facing similar challenges.

"We need to start seeing care for our aging loved ones as a critical component of the country's well-being. It's just as important as the other aspects of healthcare. Making these changes will be challenging, but essential," she said. "I hope by sharing our stories, we can inspire more investment in caregiving to ease the burden on family caregivers across the country."

A recent study sponsored by Otsuka and conducted by researchers from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health showed that nearly half of the states in America are categorized as 'critical' or at 'high risk' of a caregiving crisis that needs to be addressed urgently. The shrinking healthcare workforce and a rising prevalence of dementia is putting more pressure on the 44.58 million family caregivers in America today.

Caregivers do not have to shoulder the journey of long-term care alone. To explore resources and learn more, visit otsuka-us.com/caregiver.