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Homewatch CareGivers Launches New Program to Recognize "Family Caregiver of the Year"

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Homewatch CareGivers, the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service in-home care, launched a new program today designed to recognize the care, compassion, and sacrifice of family caregivers. Nominees for the "Family Caregiver of the Year" program will be accepted beginning June 22, 2009 through July 27, 2009 via the Homewatch CareGivers website (www.HomewatchCareGivers.com) and by submitting a nomination form to one of the company's 100+ offices. Nominees have the opportunity to win scholarships to Homewatch CareGivers University and a $5,000 grand prize.

"With more than 25-years of experience in home care, we know firsthand that caring for a family member is a huge responsibility that comes with joy, frustration and sacrifices," said Leann Reynolds, president of Homewatch CareGivers, "and we want to give back to family caregivers who have given so much - and given up so much - to support their family."

Many families and individuals are caregivers to a loved-one who is afflicted with an illness, injury - or most commonly - an elder. These caregivers can be the daughters, sons, parents, spouse, siblings, other relatives, or even a friend of the person in need of assistance. According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), the service provided by family caregivers represents 80% of all home care services, which is conservatively valued at $375 billion a year.

Nominations for "Family Caregiver of the Year" will be collected through Homewatch CareGivers offices and website. Local winners will be awarded scholarships to Homewatch CareGivers University, where they will be able to take courses specific to their loved-ones' needs - gaining an educational foundation, skill set, and confidence to continue their caregiving. All winners will be selected by a panel of care experts. Local winners will be announced September 1, 2009 and the national winner will be announced October 26, 2009. The selection of the "National Family Caregiver of the Year" grand prize winner will be based on the magnitude of care and support provided, personal challenges that have been overcome to provide care, healthcare industry obstacles that the patient faced, and the impact the care has had on the individual. Applications will be available June 22, 2009 through Homewatch CareGivers website and offices; nomination will be accepted through July 27, 2009. For more information on the program, visit www.HomewatchCareGivers.com.

About Homewatch CareGivers

Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service in-home care for people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures. Caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised by healthcare professionals to provide reliable, compassionate and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. In-home care services are personalized for each client and customized care plans are administered through an international network of 108 franchise owners with 175 territories which includes 10 international owners with 19 international territories. Each office is locally owned and dedicated to ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved-ones. Call 1-800-777-9770, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com for franchise, company and caregiver information, or learn more from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSRiMuM2DA.

SJI, Ltd. for Homewatch CareGivers
Lara Urano, 303-748-4760
lara@sjiltd.com