Partnership between Arizona St., Desert SW and Northern Nev. Alzheimer's Assoc. earns Carter Caregiving Award

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Representatives from Johnson & Johnson and the Rosalynn Carter Institute stand with Rosalynn Carter as she presents the Leadership in Caregiving Award to members of the CarePRO partnership.

AMERICUS, GA (10/29/2013)(readMedia)-- In its 26th year of service, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving concluded its annual national summit Oct. 25 by formally recognizing leaders in the caregiving field during the RCI Awards Gala. The 2013 Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award – the highest award given in the caregiving field – was presented to the CarePRO Partnership by former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

The CarePRO Partnership is between David Coon, Ph.D., at Arizona State University and the Desert Southwest and Northern Nevada Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association. It is an evidence-based program that supports psycho-educational skill building, which is group based intervention for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. As of September 2013, well over 800 caregivers have participated in CarePRO from urban, suburban and rural settings across Arizona and Nevada.

Findings on the CarePRO project have yielded statistically significant improvements in depression reduction; a decrease in distress associated with care recipient memory and behavior problems; and increased use of positive coping strategies. Over 95 percent of CarePRO participants said they received benefit from their CarePRO participation. Specifically, they understand memory loss and its effects on people better, are more confident in dealing with their loved one's problems, and have enhanced ability to provide care.

Johnson & Johnson generously sponsors this award each year with a $20,000 stipend and a statuette designed by renowned sculptor Frank Eliscu, designer of the Heisman Trophy.

Carter also presented awards for Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year, Volunteer Caregiver of the Year, and Family Caregiver of the Year. During the caregiver summit earlier in the day, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole gave the keynote address discussing the need to support military caregivers.

For additional information, contact the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at (229) 928-1234 or visit www.rosalynncarter.org.

- GSW -

ABOUT THE RCI: Located in Americus, Ga., the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is a division of Georgia Southwestern State University. The RCI was established in 1987 in honor of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a GSW alumna who serves as president of the Institute's Board of Directors, to enhance her longstanding commitments to family caregiving and mental health.