Essay Contest Will Reward Caregivers With Respite

Caring Today magazine and Home Instead Senior Care have teamed up to offer the 2008 "Give a Caregiver a Break" Essay Contest. If you like to write, this could be a great opportunity for you to share your story. In 500 words or less, describe your day-to-day experiences of caregiving, including how you've embraced your role as a caregiver, how it's affected you, how you've inspired others, and how respite (short-term breaks from caregiving) would make a difference in your life.

Entries must be submitted by July 16, 2008 (instructions are provided here). The Grand Prize winner will receive $5000 in respite care (in-home companionship, supervision, and related services), two First Prize winners will receive $2500 in respite care, and 12 Extraordinary Caregiver Award winners will receive $500 in respite care from a local Home Instead Senior Care agency.

If you're caring for your loved one with Alzheimer's or a related dementia, it's important for you to take a break from caregiving at least a few hours a week. It's essential for your physical and emotional health, and it helps prevent caregiver burnout. I applaud Caring Today and Home Instead Senior Care for offering this essay contest with very valuable prizes.

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