While watching the clips from, América, encourage the audience to think about the different ways that América’s family members contend with their roles as caregivers. Ask them to note how América’s experience compares with experiences in their own families.

Clip 1 (4:37) Caring for América
Diego and Rodrigo take on the responsibility of caring for their grandmother, América.
This clip starts at 08:26 mins with Diego saying, “What happened is that América fell from her bed,” and ends at 13:03 mins with América saying, “Of course, whatever you say.”

Clip 2 (4:13) Diego and Rodrigo
Diego and Rodrigo argue about América’s care and quality of life.
This clip starts at 17:25 mins with Diego saying, “This picture was taken 20 years ago,” and ends at 21:38 mins with Diego saying, “Of course!”

Clip 3 (3:55) Institutional and Legal Hurdles of Elder Care
The brothers contend with the institutional and legal hurdles of elder care.
This clip starts at 38:32 mins with Rodrigo saying, “Good afternoon,” and ends at 42:27 mins with Diego saying, “You’re making demands on me, we’re fighting.”

Clip 4 (6:03) América's Family
América and her family face new challenges after Luis is released from prison.
This clip starts at 45:47 mins with América saying, “There are people who end up with nothing, right?” and ends at 51:50 mins with Diego and Bruno in a taxi with América’s ashes.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What surprised you most about América’s story? How did her experience compare with the experiences of seniors in your family and community?
2. What circumstances led to América’s injury?
3. What do you think about the way the police and elder-care agencies reacted to América’s son, Luis? What impact did their decision have on América and her family? If you were América’s elder-care caseworker, what solution(s) would you have suggested?
4. How might the government and/or elder-care agencies have otherwise supported the family and América’s needs?
5. What are the biggest challenges that América’s family confronts when trying to provide her with appropriate care? What are the similarities and differences in their attitudes and responses to América?
6. In Clip 2, Diego and Rodrigo argue about América’s state of mind and quality of life. What does that argument reveal about their views on aging, caregiving and what it means to be “alive”? How do you think América feels about living with and being taken care of by her grandsons?

When Luis was released from jail, he no longer wanted to be responsible for América’s care and preferred to send her to a nursing home. What do you think of his decision? What would you do in his situation?

1. Who should be empowered to make decisions about a person’s care when they aren’t able to decide for themselves—their partner, their children, their other relatives, the state?
2. Rodrigo and his girlfriend wanted to move América into a nursing home after almost a year of providing her care. As a young couple, they wanted to pursue their own ambitions. Do you think their decision is fair? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think Diego and Bruno decide to continue to care for América for the next two years? What do you think you would have done in their situation? Do you think Diego and Bruno should have been compensated for caring for América? By whom?