NEWS

Help Us Recognize Georgia’s Outstanding Caregivers: Nominations Accepted Now

According to an AARP publication, more than 1.3 million family caregivers in Georgia provide billions of dollars of care to family members living with chronic illnesses, disabilities and limitations of aging. In fact, Georgia ranks seventh in the country in number of caregivers. These family caregivers are supported in their work by an army of dedicated volunteer and paraprofessional caregivers. The work of these individuals together makes it possible for Georgians with disabilities and chronic illnesses to live with dignity in the community.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, in cooperation with the Georgia CARE-NETS, is accepting nominations for the Georgia Caregiver of the Year Awards. The awards honor the work of caregivers and focus public attention on the contributions of caregivers throughout the state.

These awards will be presented to outstanding caregivers in three categories:

1. Family Caregiver (relative or non-relative perceived as family)

2. Para-Professional Caregivers (ex. LPN, CNA, Home Health Aide, Direct Support Caregiver, etc)

3. Volunteer Caregiver (people who volunteer their time to provide care to others through community agencies, churches, or as individuals)

Winners at both the regional and state levels will be individuals who demonstrate uncommon levels of caring, compassion, and resourcefulness in providing care for those in need and their families. These winning caregivers:

• clearly demonstrate empathy and compassion toward those receiving care,
• encourage self-determination in care recipients,
• are skilled in performing their caregiving duties,
• possess extensive and current knowledge of the caregiving field, as well as knowledge and effective use of community resources and services,
• appreciate diversity and cultural differences, and
• understand the importance of working as part of a team.

Do you know a caregiver with these characteristics? If so, please nominate him/her.

The award selection is a two step process which begins in each of the twelve CARE-NETs throughout the state of Georgia. Each CARE-NET will accept regional nominations, selecting one winner in each category. Each Regional Winner will be honored in a presentation at their CARE-NET and receive a bronze medallion. The Georgia Caregiver of the Year Award winners will be selected from among these honorees.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will introduce the Georgia winners at the RCI’s Annual Awards Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2008 in Americus, Georgia. The banquet occurs in conjunction with a National Caregiving Conference, which will be underway October 23 & 24 at Georgia Southwestern State University. Mrs. Carter will present the State Winners in each of the three categories with a cash award of $1,000 and a commemorative gilded rose.

To be eligible for the award, a caregiver must be currently providing care, or must have provided care within the past year.

To nominate a Caregiver, please complete a written application and mail it to the CARE-NET serving your region. Call your regional CARE-NET for more information and for deadline.