Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 2, 2009

Department Seeks Nominations for Elder Caregiver Awards
Annual Honor Pays Tribute to Personal Dedication, Love and Sacrifice

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging today issued a call for nominations for its Elder Caregiver Award. The honor recognizes outstanding individuals of any age who sacrifice their time and independence to provide much-needed care to a loved one who is aging or who has a disability.

Individuals and organizations interested in nominating a neighbor, colleague, family member or friend may submit a nomination online or download a nomination form at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/nominations/. The department will accept nominations through Oct. 15, 2009. Those chosen will receive the award in the spring.

"Ohioans who provide the care and attention their loved ones and neighbors need at home help them avoid nursing home placement and reduce their dependence on formal home health care," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "The care they give saves the state an estimated $10.4 billion each year, but it is invaluable to the care recipient in terms of the independence and choice it gives them."

Caregiving has many faces in Ohio. A caregiver could be a husband helping his wife through a bad spell, a daughter helping her father deal with the ravages of dementia, a good Samaritan who dutifully helps a neighbor with errands and chores, aging parents caring for a son or daughter with a disability - there are many more examples.

To be eligible for the Elder Caregiver Award, either the caregiver or care recipient must be age 60 or older. One must also be a current resident of Ohio and caregiving for which they are nominated must not be job-related. The department will select honorees from all over the state to symbolically represent all Ohioans who give their time, their resources and themselves to improve the quality of life of those around them.

Nominations will be evaluated on the severity of the care recipient's condition, the degree of difficulty of care provided, any unique or innovative approaches to caregiving used by the nominee, any special circumstances or barriers the caregiver faces, how the nominee utilizes the resources and assistance available to him or her and the impact of care provided on the caregiver, the recipient and their respective families.

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.