Homewatch CareGivers launched its “Family Caregiver of the Year” award program today. Nominations will be accepted through July 31 at www.homewatchcaregivers.com, or by submitting a nomination form to one of the company’s 170+ offices nationwide. In addition to local awards, nominees have the opportunity to win scholarships to Homewatch CareGivers University and a $5,000 grand prize.
The Family Caregiver of the Year award program works on two levels: locally and nationally. Local winners in each of Homewatch CareGivers’ local markets receive a variety of awards, a scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University, and become finalists for the national award. Local market winners of the Family Caregiver of the Year award will be announced in September and the national winner in October.
The 2009 Family Caregiver of the Year award winner, Laura Dover of Charlotte, N.C., has cared for her daughter Ashley full time since 2001, when Ashley suffered a severe brain injury from a tragic car accident. The Dover’s story, while heartbreaking, is inspirational for others facing similar struggles. According to a recent AARP report, more than 65 million Americans are, like Dover, serving as caregivers to family members in need of long-term care.
“You learn what is important in life,” said Dover, after receiving the 2009 award. “What is important is family. My family has become very close due to Ashley’s situation. I have also learned to be a much more patient person and a more spiritual person through this experience. The money that came with the award allowed me to buy things that will help keep Ashley healthy. The award meant the world to me.”
The winner of the $5,000 grand prize for the national Family Caregiver of the Year award is chosen by a select panel of caregiving industry experts, which in 2009 included representatives from AARP, National Private Duty Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Association of Long Term Care Insurance, Case Management Society of America, and Genworth Financial.
To nominate a family caregiver for the Family Caregiver of the Year award, please contact your local Homewatch CareGivers office, call 800-777-9770, or visit the company’s website. For more information on the Family Caregiver of the Year program, visit www.HomewatchCareGivers.com.
