Browse By
Watch
Similar Films by Category
Genres
Description
"Who in the world would want to see a bunch of pictures of me? Junk," says Connie Chapman, 93, who has a heart condition and lives alone. She is devoted to her cat Oscar, who she calls "my boyfriend." At 86, Joe is tough, lively and profane, but since his legs gave out, his horizon doesn't stretch much past his front porch. Ria, 90, calls herself a "stubborn mule" and doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for her. Her cobweb-filled home is a testament to the simpler past she longs for.
All three are patients of Mark Nowaczynski, a physician and photographer who, as part of his practice, started documenting the lives of many of his elderly clients. Determined to improve the quality of life for a generation that's already endured the Great Depression and World War II, "Dr. Mark" has been photographing his patients to raise awareness about the lack of home care services for this growing segment of the population.
The evocative black and white pictures that punctuate House Calls give a face to these hidden seniors, many of whom are not sick enough to be hospitalized or willing to move into nursing homes. Connie, a pianist, was active in the church most of her life while Ria, who still remembers her dance moves, reminisces about her life on stage in Europe as an operetta performer. Joe fought at Normandy in WWII then joined the Navy in Halifax before starting up his own successful transport business. Their stories remind us that they were once young, had dreams and made sacrifices. Their faces in Nowaczynski's photographs reflect a fragility and vulnerability but also quiet strength and courage as they struggle to live the rest of their lives with dignity.
2004, 55 min 34 s
Awards
Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary Program
Gemini Awards
November 4 2006, Toronto - Canada
Bronze Plaque - Category: Physical Health
International Film and Video Festival
November 9 to 13 2005, Columbus - USA
Freddie Award - Category: Caregiving
International Health and Medical Media Awards ( Freddie )
November 4 2005, New York - USA
