Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2009

Governor Strickland, General Assembly and Department of Aging Recognize Elder Caregivers for Their Selfless Contributions
Fifteen Ohioans to be Honored in Columbus at Annual Award Ceremony

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish and members of the Ohio General Assembly will honor 15 outstanding elder caregivers at the 15th annual Elder Caregiver Awards ceremony at the Capitol Theatre in Columbus from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

"These special men and women exemplify the sacrifices made each day by caregivers," Strickland said. "Their selflessness and dedication to others is truly inspiring and we are proud to recognize them for their extraordinary efforts."

"Most of our honorees expressed surprise at receiving an award. In their opinion, they were just doing what they naturally would do for their loved ones. These caregivers demonstrate the dedication, determination and love for their family members that we all try to emulate," said Riley.

Among those honored this year are daughters and sons who have cared for their parents through major illnesses, a family who has coordinated their efforts to care for their loved one and a true member of the "sandwich generation" who has cared for her parents, husband and son while home-schooling her grandson.

2009 Ohio Caregivers of the Year are:

• Camilla Bennett, Maineville
• Leroy Carbaugh, Miamisburg
• Anita Chambers, Struthers
• Donald Fasig, Wooster
• Ferkel Family, Fremont
• Joyce Henning, Wadsworth
• Norma Lusk, Delphos
• Lois Maier, Columbus
• Margaret May, Cardington
• Neisel Palmer, Groveport
• Karen Prouty, Lore City
• Patty Snyder, Gallipolis
• Donna Sullivan, Nelsonville

Biographies and photos of the 2009 Elder Caregivers of the Year are on the Department of Aging's Web site at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/eldercaregiveraward/.

Thirteen outstanding individuals also will be inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame at the event.

Statistics on Caregivers (From the Family Caregiver Alliance and AARP):

• Almost two million (1,990,000) Ohioans are caregivers, whose caregiving is valued at $9.92 per hour, making the estimated economic value of caregiving in the state $14.2 billion.
• The estimated economic value of caregiving in Ohio is about 20 percent more than the state's total Medicaid spending, and about 10 times as much as the state currently spends on home- and community-based care.
• 34 million Americans (16 percent of the population) provide care to adults age 50 and older.
• 8.9 million caregivers (20 percent of adult caregivers) care for someone age 50 and older who has dementia.
• The majority of caregivers are 35-64 years old.
• Many caregivers of older people also are elderly. Of those caring for someone over 65, the average age is 63 years; one-third are in fair to poor health.
• A significant portion of those in the workforce also are providing elder care to family members. Between 25 and 35 percent of all workers report that they are currently providing or have recently provided care to someone 65 or older.
• Among baby boomer caregivers (aged 50-64 years old), an estimated 60 percent are currently employed.
• Caregivers are often unaware of the availability of support services. As many as one in four has unmet needs, only nine percent used respite services and only 11 percent participated in support groups. (Alzheimer's Association and National Alliance for Caregiving)
• More than 90 percent of caregivers who see themselves as such proactively seek resources and skills to assist their loved ones. (National Family Caregivers Association)

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.