by Susan McKenzie, Staff Writer

Caregivers are the unsung heroes to those for whom they provide care. Day after day in the life of older adults, there are people who work and sacrifice to make sure that each senior has an opportunity to have a better quality of life.

Amy Natt, founder of the Moore County Caregiver Awards and CEO of Aging Outreach Services, requests the community submit nominations to recognize the work of a caregiver.

“Share with us how your caregiver has enhanced your life or the life of a family member or friend”, requests Natt.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. The Moore County Caregiver Awards winners will be featured in OutreachNC. Deadline for caregiver nominations is September 9, 2011.

Gold level sponsors for the 2nd annual Moore County Caregiver Awards are Sandhills Community College, Penick Village, and OutreachNC. Angel sponsors include Moore Registry, Elmcroft of Southern Pines, Garner Law Firm and First Health Home Care. Mollie Tobias Photography, Davis Video Productions, Prime Time Limousines, Uniquely Chic, Better Health Massage, AOS Hospitality House, Health Innovations Pharmacy, Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services, Four Oaks Bank, and Community Home Care and Hospice have added their support as helping hands sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested companies and individuals are encouraged to contact Rhonda Priest, Moore Registry, at 910-692-2434.

Nominations for the 2011 Moore County Caregivers Awards are now being accepted. Caregiver nominations are open to the public. Click here for the   2011 OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM. Completed forms should be returned before Friday, September 9, 2011. Caregiver need only work, volunteer or live in Moore County to be nominated.

“More than 30 caregivers were nominated for the 2010 Caregiver Awards and we hope to recognize and honor even more special caregivers this year”, states Natt. “President Barack Obama sums up our goal to celebrate the work of caregivers when he declared November 2010 as National Family Caregivers Month. President Obama stated that ‘during National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the millions of Americans who give endlessly of themselves to provide for the health and well being of a beloved family member. Through their countless hours of service to their families and communities, they are a shining example of our Nation’s great capacity to care for each other.’ ”

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

October 29, 2010

Presidential Proclamation–National Family Caregivers Month

——-

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every day, family members, friends, neighbors, and concerned individuals across America provide essential attention and assistance to their loved ones. Many individuals in need of care — including children, elders, and persons with disabilities — would have difficulty remaining safely in their homes and community without the support of their relatives and caregivers.

Caregivers often look after multiple generations of family members. Their efforts are vital to the quality of life of countless American seniors, bringing comfort and friendship to these treasured citizens. However, this labor of love can result in physical, psychological, and financial hardship for caregivers, and research suggests they often put their own health and well being at risk while assisting loved ones. Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, individuals can help their loved ones remain comfortably in the home and receive assistance with their care giving responsibilities. This program provides information, assistance, counseling, training, support groups, and respite care for caregivers across our country.

My Administration’s Middle Class Task Force, led by Vice President Joe Biden, has made supporting family caregivers a priority, and we are working to assist caregivers as they juggle work, filial, and financial responsibilities. We made important progress with this year’s Affordable Care Act, and because of this landmark legislation, Americans will be able to take advantage of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program. This voluntary insurance program will help individuals with long-term care needs to maintain independent living, as well as compensate family caregivers for their devoted work.

Our businesses and companies can also contribute to families’ ability to care for their loved ones in need. By offering flexible work arrangements and paid leave when caregiving duties require employees to miss work, employers can enable workers with caregiver responsibilities to balance work and family obligations more easily. Such efforts impact countless lives across our Nation, easing concerns and contributing to the well being of individuals and families as they go about their daily lives.

During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the millions of Americans who give endlessly of themselves to provide for the health and well being of a beloved family member. Through their countless hours of service to their families and communities, they are a shining example of our Nation’s great capacity to care for each other.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay tribute to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA