Backing Out Of Time

Upcoming Screenings

Palmer
March 21, 1-3:30 PM
Equinox Film Festival
Glenn Massay Theater
Q&A

Phoenix
March 26, 6 PM
Beatitudes Campus
Q&A

Homer
April 30-TBD
Homer Theatre
Q&A

Soldotna
May 2, 3 PM
Public Library
Q&A

Girdwood
May 13- TBD
Public Library
Q&A

Background

“Backing Out of Time” is a compassionate documentary film telling the stories of five diverse family caregivers over a three year time period who are navigating the labyrinthine and often heartbreaking terrain of caring for their aging and increasingly dependent parents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD). ADRD is one of the most rapidly increasing health concerns of our rapidly growing population of older Americans. The website (www.backingoutoftime.org) includes cross-cultural perspectives and forward-thinking leaders in the aging field and is designed to complement the story-driven film. The goal of the documentary and dedicated website is to produce resources that provide education, awareness, comfort, information and support for the family caregivers who directly impact the lives of those with ADRD. Because one thing we do know- the cost-savings of keeping a parent at home for as long as possible are astronomical.

“Backing Out of Time” balances the serious and heartfelt journeys of the individuals and their families with an upbeat, solutions-oriented, and positive perspective for the film. In each of the five stories, the adult children are trying to do the best for their parents, but stumble repeatedly as they navigate their way through understanding the illness itself, personal expectations, and systemic obstacles for which they were unprepared and lack enough support. This shock, frustration and exhaustion which these families face are felt by the viewers and can assure those who may be facing similar situations that they are not alone. The significant emotions facing these families no matter what or when the choices are made, is universal. Conflict within a family can be caused by the lack of understanding about the disease progression as it is happening, and before it has progressed when plans could have been made. Bottom line: Have your affairs in order and in writing well before ADRD takes over.

Valuable information for Alaskan Caregivers

The number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in Alaska is expected to rise 127 percent by 2025. This will place a significant burden on Alaska families due to duration of life after diagnosis, increased expenses, and the emotional toll of watching the progression of the disease and the affect it has on loved ones.

Learn what to do next

Become Educated

Prepare for the Future Now

Construction in Alaska

Learning from Other Cultures- Chickaloon Tribal Council

Beatitudes Campus- a national modern model based in Arizona

Importance of Routine

Focusing on the Family

Alzheimer’s Resource of AK: www.alzalaska.org
Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org

Gallery

Experts in Film

Lisa Wawronzek, Education Director, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaaska

Tena Alonzo, Education Director, Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, AZ

Theresa Brisky, Executive Administrator, Marlow Manor Assisted Living, Anchorage, Alaska

Families in Film

Marietta "Ed" and her mom Eileen share a nice moment during art class at Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska.

Janet and Pat at the Apple Valley Assisted Living Facility in Washington state.

Janet lived in Palmer before moving to Okanogan Washington and eventually moved her mother down to be closer.

Mona is the caretaker of her father, Harold who is Alaska Native and a veteran and Teamster.

Violet of Kodiak, Alaska, a remote island, cares for her mother while raising two teenage sons at home and working with the school district.

Electronic Press Kit

Synopsis

“Backing Out of Time” is a compassionate documentary film telling the stories of five diverse family caregivers over a three year time period who are navigating the labyrinthine and often heartbreaking terrain of caring for their aging and increasingly dependent parents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD). ADRD is one of the most rapidly increasing health concerns of our rapidly growing population of older Americans. This website includes cross-cultural perspectives and forward-thinking leaders in the aging field and is designed to complement the story-driven film. The goal of the documentary and dedicated website is to produce resources that provide education, awareness, comfort, information and support for the family caregivers who directly impact the lives of those with ADRD. Because one thing we do know: the cost-savings of keeping a parent at home for as long as possible are astronomical.

“Backing Out of Time” balances the serious and heartfelt journeys of the individuals and their families with an upbeat, solutions-oriented, and positive perspective for the film. In each of the five stories, the adult children are trying to do the best for their parents, but stumble repeatedly as they navigate their way through understanding the illness itself, personal expectations, and systemic obstacles for which they were unprepared and lack enough support. This shock, frustration and exhaustion which these families face with such grace are felt by the viewers and can assure those who may be facing similar situations that they are not alone. The significant emotions facing these families no matter what or when the choices are made, is universal. Conflict within a family can be caused by the lack of understanding about the disease progression as it is happening, and before it has progressed when plans could have been made. Bottom line: Have your affairs in order and in writing well before ADRD takes over.