Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte Announces Winner of Family Caregiver of the Year Award
CHARLOTTE, N.C.-(Business Wire)-September 16, 2009 - Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte, a part of the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service in-home care, announced today the local winner of the company’s Family Caregiver of the Year award. Laura Dover, age 52, of Charlotte was selected for her exceptional, loving care of 29-year-old daughter, Ashley Dover, who was severely injured in a car accident almost nine years ago and who, to this day, requires constant care.
As the local winner of the Caregiver of the Year award, Laura Dover will receive a cash prize and a scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University and will be among the finalists for the National Caregiver of the Year and a $5,000 grand prize.
“As a company dedicated to providing the highest quality home care and helping families who need support, we see first-hand the devoted love and kindness family caregivers provide to their mothers, fathers, siblings, children and spouses,” said Dr. Phillip Cooley, president and owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte. “Laura’s commitment to her daughter’s care for the last nine years is a heart-warming story. She is a remarkable woman. This award is designed for people like her.”
For Dover, 52, life changed dramatically the night Ashley was involved in the automobile accident, in late October of 2000. Her daughter had just turned 21 a few weeks earlier, and they had spent the day together getting ready for Halloween. She was not prepared to have her life, “turned upside down.”
The accident had left Ashley with a traumatic brain injury, and totally unable to care for herself. She spent a year in rehabilitation. Not wanting to place her daughter in a facility, Dover brought her home, in the process giving up her career and replacing it with a full-time job caring for Ashley.
Six years ago they moved into an apartment in Dover’s mother’s home, an environment where Dover felt she could finally provide total care for her daughter. Of her experience caring for Ashley since the accident, Dover says, “we have survived. I have learned from experience how to navigate the hospital system; and how to care for a tracheotomy and a feeding tube.” She hopes that her story can be encouragement for others facing difficult situations.
“You learn what is important in life,” says Dover. “What is important is family and learning to respect yourself and others. My family has become very close due to Ashley’s situation. I have also learned to be a much more patient person and a more spiritual person through this experience.”
Many family members are caregivers to a loved-one. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, service provided by family caregivers represents 80% of all home care services, which is conservatively valued at more than $375 billion a year. With her scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University, Dover will have access to courses specific to her daughter’s needs, gaining an educational foundation to continue caring for Ashley.
The National Family Caregiver of the Year winner will be announced in October. For more information on this program or Homewatch CareGivers, 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. 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 or visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com for more information.
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