DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 13, 2006 DHSS-93-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Sharon Roat Phone: (302) 235-5591 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR CONTEST SEEKS NOMINATIONS
WILMINGTON, DE - The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) is seeking nominations for its 2006 Caregiver of the Year Awards, to be presented on November 2 at the Delaware Caregiver Expo at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
In Delaware, more than 130,000 people - nearly 1 in 4 residents - are serving as caregivers for elderly or disabled relatives. Another 7,200 are caring for their grandchildren. More than half spend an average of 20 hours each week tending to medical needs, nutrition and activities of daily life while also serving as an advocate for their loved ones in communicating with doctors, insurance companies and Medicare.
"Through the Caregiver of the Year Award, we will honor three special caregivers who care for a friend or loved one while also taking care of themselves," said Mona Grier, administrator for CARE Delaware, a DSAAPD program.
Last year's award recipients were:
- Richard Massey of Seaford, in recognition of the care he gave his wife of 45 years, after her successful heart transplant surgery.
- Susan Gaynor of Elsmere, who has cared for her 77-year-old mother at home through dementia, glaucoma, reliance on a pacemaker and two aneurisms.
- Jennie Henry of Wilmington, who cares for her visually-impaired, 11-year-old grandson.
To nominate someone, submit a brief description in writing of how the caregiver balances caregiving responsibilities with his/her own needs and interests. Include your name and daytime phone number, and email the nomination to dsaapdinfo@state.de.us, or by mail to: DSAAPD, Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Campus, Main Administration Building, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720. Nominations for the 2006 Caregiver of the Year Awards will be accepted through October 24.
For more information, please call (302) 255-9390 or visit at www.dsaapd.com
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
