Family Caregiver of the Year

Award to Recognize Kent County Family Members Making Personal Sacrifices

Annual Program Awards $500 Local Prize and $5,000 National Grand Prize to Nominated CareGivers Deserving Recognition

Grand Rapids, MI July 7, 2010 -To recognize the millions of family members caring for loved ones across America, Homewatch International has launched its "Family Caregiver of the Year" award program for 2010. Any individual can nominate a caregiver they know who has poignantly provided unpaid caregiving assistance to a friend or loved one. An objective panel of experts will judge all nominations and award cash prizes based on: 1) the magnitude of care and support provided, 2) personal and external obstacles overcome to provide the care, and 3) the impact their care ultimately had on the individual.

Nominations will be accepted through July 30 online at www.homewatchcaregivers.com/grand-rapids or by submitting a nomination form to the Homewatch office in Grand Rapids. In addition to the $500 Kent County award, the local winner will be a finalist for the national award, a $5,000 national grand prize. The winner will also receive a scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University.

Local winners of the Family CareGiver of the Year award will be announced in September and the national winner in October.

"We know firsthand that caring for a family member is a huge responsibility, often with large burdens," said Margaret Dugan R.N., of the Homewatch CareGivers office in Kent county. "We recognize that our nation's family caregivers are often unappreciated and are truly deserving of any and all support they might get. This award allows Homewatch to give back to family caregivers who have given so much-and given up so much-to support their loved ones."

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. "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 more patient and spiritual person through this experience. The award meant the world to me."

The winner of the local prize and national prize will be chosen by a select panel of objective caregiving industry experts. In 2009, this selection panel included representatives from AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, American Association of Long Term Care Insurance, and Genworth Financial.

To nominate a familhy caregiver, please call the Homewatch CareGivers in Grand Rapids at (616) 975-1980 for an official nomination form. For more information on the Family Cargiver of the Year program and the on-line nomination form, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com/grand-rapids

About Homewatch International
Founded in 1980 and located in Denver, Homewatch is an experienced international provider of full-service home care for people of all ages. Home care services are personalized for each client, and customized care plans are administered through an international network of 111 franchise owners with 181 territories.