Give a caregiver a break - $2,000 prize on offer

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June 19, 2009

Give a caregiver a break - $2,000 prize on offer

New Zealand caregivers are invited to enter the “Give a Caregiver a Break” essay contest which honours family caregivers for their tireless service and dedication to older relatives or friends.

The contest, which is sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, will award $2,000 in free caregiving services to the winning essay writer.

In 300 words or less, non-professional family caregivers can relate their caregiving experiences, including the challenges they’ve faced, how they’ve embraced their role as a caregiver for a senior loved one and inspired others. Entries can be submitted until August 3, 2009. Since the contest’s inception, hundreds of family caregivers have shared their personal stories.

Grand Prize is $2,000 of free care from Home Instead Senior Care, the world’s largest provider of non-medical companionship and home care for seniors. The winning essay will be published in the Spring issue of Family Care magazine and will appear on www.carers.net.nz
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Last year’s grand prize winner was Diana Lawrence, a devoted wife from Tauranga, who gave up her dream retirement to serve as a full-time caregiver for her husband, Gary, who suddenly had a severe stroke.

“The idea of putting your partner into a resthome for day care feels like a very selfish act, but my working part-time was an absolute life saver,” Diana wrote in her essay.

“The suggestion that I should take some time out to have a break for myself, or a holiday, was another story. It took me some time to try it. Amazingly, when I suggested my need for respite, my husband Gary had very little reaction.”

“I am extremely grateful for every bit of help that has been and is still being offered as our needs change,” says Diana.
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