LAS VEGAS, October 4, 2021 – Caregivers are taken for granted, underpaid or not paid at all. They are rarely recognized for the important work they do and their dedication to serving those in need and improving the lives of others. To honor them, the Nevada Caregivers Coalition will host a free online event in November to pay tribute to extraordinary caregivers, both paid and unpaid, from across Nevada. 

Why it matters: Caregiving issues affect everyone at some point in their lives. Even business owners and managers can benefit from learning more about the challenges of caregiving since they may have employees who work full-time but also care for a loved one at home.

By the numbers: Caregivers include people from various backgrounds, cultures and age groups who provide help and service to another person of any age. They may be family caregivers, friends, neighbors or professionals. 

What’s next: Go to the Nevada Caregivers Coalition Nomination webpage and nominate a caregiver in one of the following categories:

• Family Caregiver – Provides care for an adult in their own family who is at least 23 years old or older, providing support for a spouse/partner, parent, child, sibling or other extended family members.
• Family Caregiver for Child or Youth with Special Needs – Provides care in their own family for a person 22 years old or younger.
• Volunteer Caregiver – Provides voluntary care tasks for a person of any age who is NOT a family member - friends, neighbors or others who voluntarily support hospice patients, serve as companions, provide transportation or any other caregiving duties.
• In-Home Professional Caregiver – Employed by a company or self-employed to provide in-home care for a person of any age. This includes home health workers such as nurses, aides, therapists, personal care attendants, hospice staff, and others.
• In-Facility Professional Caregiver – Employed by an adult day care facility, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or rehabilitation facility.
• Dual Life Caregiver – Provides care for a person of any age in addition to being employed elsewhere full time.
• Caregiver for a Veteran – Provides care for a person of any age who is a veteran. Care for the veteran does not need to be service-related.

Go deeper: Founded in 2003, the Nevada Caregivers Coalition is a statewide group of organizations, agencies, businesses and individuals dedicated to supporting and recognizing the efforts of caregivers throughout Nevada. The organization works collaboratively to:

• Create community awareness of the extraordinary service family and professional caregivers provide.
• Advocate for caregivers by supporting important public policy issues faced by those providing care for individuals and loved ones.
• Provide information regarding services and other resources available to caregivers.
• Recognize and celebrate caregivers throughout the state during National Family Caregivers Month.

For additional information on the Nevada Caregivers Coalition, contact Marta Malone, Caregiver Recognition Chair at [email protected] or (775) 848-1260.

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