Caregiver nominations taken online at www.twilightwish.org until October 15
DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation and Parentgiving are pleased to announce the "Caring for the Caregiver" award. According to a recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, over 39 million Americans provide hours of unpaid care to someone over the age of 65. Caregivers often struggle with their own physical, financial and mental needs. This program was created to recognize and reward these deserving senior caregivers who often put their own needs last by providing a respite from caregiving duties.
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"Often, caregivers are seen as hidden patients themselves," said Cass Forkin, founder of Twilight Wish. "Although caregiving is a labor of love to many, the stress and strain of providing around-the- clock care often takes a toll on the caregivers, both mentally and physically."
According to David Spain, CEO of Parentgiving, many caregivers are often not able to get the break from their responsibilities that they need. "This program offers caregivers the chance to relax and rejuvenate, away from their daily duties," said Spain. "We want them to know that their selfless contributions and dedication are appreciated."
Twilight Wish and Parentgiving chose August 21 to launch "Caring for the Caregiver" because it's National Senior Citizens Day, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. "Older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a Nation," said the late president.
Anyone can nominate a deserving caregiver by filling out an application at www.twilightwish.org. Caregivers can nominate themselves. Entries will be accepted through October 15, 2013. The winner will be notified in early November 2013. The "Caring for the Caregiver" award may be a two-night hotel stay, restaurant meal(s), spa treatment(s), or tickets to an event or any combination of these as chosen by the award winner. The winner will also receive free in-home caregiving services from a local senior homecare organization, ensuring a worry-free getaway.
Twilight Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations. Since its founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted over 1,931 individual wishes to deserving, low-income seniors, thanks to volunteers, corporate and community involvement, and donations. Recent wishes granted include a visit from a string band for a nursing home resident's 89th birthday, transporting a nursing home resident to Christmas Eve dinner with family, and hearing aids for an Army veteran who wished to be able to hear his grandchildren's voices. For more, visit www.twilightwish.org.
Parentgiving.com is a leading online destination for seniors and their caregivers, offering a wealth of information on eldercare, news, Q&As with experts, and healthy aging resources as well as a store with thousands of homecare products and medical supplies, delivered right to the home. Bestsellers include walkers, bed rails, bath safety bars, incontinence supplies, and daily living aids. For more, visit www.Parentgiving.com. For more about Parentgiving's mission, contact Julie Davis at 203-984-4424.
For more about the "Caring for the Caregiver Award," contact Mary Farrell, Twilight Wish Director of Community Relations, 215-230-8777 ext. 103