People Worth Caring About: Ohio
A Docuseries Celebrating the Heart of Long-Term Care
People Worth Caring About: Ohio is a powerful continuation of the original docuseries created by the Nebraska Health Care Association, produced in partnership with filmmaker Peter Murphy Lewis. This second season shifts the spotlight to Ohio, capturing the passion, resilience, and dedication of those who work in long-term care.
Through authentic stories—from seasoned professionals with decades of experience to new voices shaping the future of the field—this series reveals the deep fulfillment and purpose found in caregiving.
More than just a job, long-term care is a calling. This docuseries is our way of honoring the commitment, compassion, and humanity that caregivers bring to work every single day.
It's time to redefine the narrative. It's time to show the world the people worth caring about—and the people who care for them.
Episode 1: Heart of the Manor
Manor at Perrysburg
On a snowy February morning, Peter visits Manor at Perrysburg, a family-run senior care community where compassion runs deep. He meets Jeff, the dedicated Administrator, and Dischell, an inspiring nurse who helped a resident defy the odds after coming in on a ventilator, drawing from her own journey through breast cancer. Peter also spends time with DeAnn, the upbeat activity director, who brings life to the halls through bingo, memory care games, and music. At Manor, residents find more than care. They find connection, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Episode 2: The Future of Care
Covenant Village
At Covenant Village in Cincinnati, Peter meets Kelly, the spirited Activities Director, who introduces him to a therapy room built for real-world skill-building. He then joins sisters Katie and Mary—former Subway workers turned caregiving pros—as they lead games, serve lunch, and share heartfelt one-on-one moments with residents. From painting nails to memory games with Pam and Brenda, the sisters' warmth and energy shine. Peter reflects on how their passion and presence defy long-term care stereotypes and offer a hopeful glimpse into its future.
Episode 3: A Place to Thrive
Echoing Hills
Peter travels to Echoing Hills in Oberlin, Ohio—a vibrant community for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Guided by Camilia, he meets 72-year-old Franny, a beloved resident of over three decades. He connects with passionate Direct Support Professional Carissa and paints rocks with Jared, celebrating creativity and autonomy. Later, Peter helps Christi and Justin prepare lunch, as Justin opens up about the confidence he’s gained through community living. The episode closes with moving reflections from the team on the deep fulfillment found in serving others.
Episode 4: Families Taking Care of Families
Welcome Nursing Home
At Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin, Ohio, Peter meets Jill and Heidi, two sisters carrying on their family’s legacy of compassionate care. They introduce him to June, a longtime family friend and resident who found healing—and love—after arriving in medical distress. Now married to fellow resident David, June shares how staff like Mark and Sean, who served as their wedding attendants, have become like family. In this heartwarming episode, Peter discovers that long term care can be more than a place to live—it can be a place to thrive, connect, and even fall in love.
Episode 5: Threads of Memory
Glass Peaks
At a vibrant assisted living community in Toledo, Peter meets Julie, the Executive Director with a heart for helping families through life’s toughest transitions. As he tours Glass Peaks, he’s introduced to Carol, a spirited activities assistant of 35 years, and Lavida, a memory care specialist whose passion for her residents runs deep. From group meditation to nostalgic conversations about old records and Levi’s, this heartwarming episode explores the joy, resilience, and emotional depth found in long term care—and reminds Peter of the grandparents he dearly misses.
Episode 6: Everyday Acts of Love
Ohio Valley Manor
In rural Ripley, Ohio, Peter visits a long-term care facility and meets Administrator Shari Shafer, whose decades of dedication were tested and strengthened during the pandemic. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he joins Jackie and Michelle from Environmental Services in bringing warmth and cheer to the halls. A resident opens up about finding comfort and connection, while veteran nurse Roberta, who began her journey as a CNA 35 years ago, makes homemade pickles with Peter and reflects on a lifetime of caregiving at Ohio Valley Manor.
Episode 7: Game Day at Singleton
Singleton Health Care Center
At Singleton Skilled Nursing Facility in Cleveland, Peter joins staff and residents as they gear up for a lively Super Bowl celebration. He meets Sara Cooperman, whose family has run the facility since the 1980s, and longtime team members Cassandra Bush and Detra Newton. As he helps residents get party-ready — including encouraging one to dine in the dining room for the first time — Peter experiences the heart of family-centered care. The episode wraps with touching reflections on the power of relationships in creating a true sense of home.
Episode 8: Rewriting the Narrative
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes of People Worth Caring About, Peter joins Erin Hart and the production team to reveal how stories of compassion, commitment, and career longevity were selected from real-life award nominations. From last-minute filming changes to heartfelt reflections from caregivers, owners, and advocates, this episode shines a light on the joy, purpose, and impact of working in long-term care—and challenges the misconceptions surrounding it.