New documentary - The Long Goodbye

To purchase a copy of The Long Goodbye please visit Ronin Films

To view The Long Goodbye please visit the ABC website.

Directed by Kaye Harrison, the documentary was filmed over three years to follow the lives of three families through the many challenges that face families when someone is diagnosed with dementia including; how it affects the person diagnosed, the impact on other family members and friends, and the great sadness and loneliness that many experience during the journey.  

Each person in the film is at a different stage of the disease. Michael was diagnosed when he was only 49 years old and still working as a criminal barrister. A father of four children aged 17 to 25, Michael is still in the early stages. He retains insight and shares his thoughts and feelings of someone living with the disease.  

Myrle is the carer of her husband of 60 years and is committed to looking after her husband until his dying day. Ken is in the mid stages of Vascular dementia and requires constant care and supervision.  

Tom is a 72 year old carer desperately struggling to look after his wife Brenda who is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. No longer able to care for Brenda at home, Tom shares his journey of looking for and moving Brenda into residential care and his struggle being separated from her.  

The Hon. John Watkins, CEO Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, thanked those who took part at yesterday's launch.  

“It is confronting and honest, heartbreakingly sad and also uplifting as it reveals the great depths of love and courage that resides in all of us,” Mr Watkins said.  

“The documentary reveals many of the issues facing families confronted with a diagnosis of dementia: how it affects the individual diagnosed; the impact on families and relationships; the great sadness and loneliness it can cause; the most difficult decision to choose residential care; and the sheer exhaustion many carers experience.”  

“But it does so with great sympathy and affection for all involved.”  

The Long Goodbye was broadcast on ABC1 on Tuesday, April 12 2011 at 8.30pm. For more information about the film visit The Long Goodbye website.