Homewatch CareGivers Announces Local Winner of Family Caregiver Award

DENVER--(Business Wire)--
Homewatch CareGivers of Southwest Denver, part of the largest, most experienced
international provider of full-service home care, announced today the local
winner of the company`s "Family Caregiver of the Year" award. Jill and Larry
Ellis of Denver were selected for providing care to all four parents: Harry
Ellis, 87; Freddy Sue Ellis, 83; Jeanette Senning, 85; and John Senning, 81.

As the Denver-area award recipients, Jill and Larry Ellis will receive free
respite care services, a scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University and will
be among the finalists for the National Caregiver of the Year Award and a $5,000
grand prize.

"With more than 25 years of experience in home care, we know firsthand that
caring for a family member is a huge responsibility that comes with joy,
frustration, and sacrifices," said Roger Rhodes, president of Homewatch
CareGivers of Southwest Denver. "As a company dedicated to providing the highest
quality home care and helping families who need support in providing in-home
care to a loved one, we see the devoted love and kindness family caregivers
provide to their mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and spouses. Jill and
Larry`s commitment to their aging parents` care for all these years is a
heart-warming story. This award is designed for people like them, and they are
most deserving."

Larry Ellis, 62, is CEO and co-founder of SoftWright LLC, a radio frequency
engineering software company and has served on a number of church staffs as
minister of worship and music. Jill Ellis, 56, is the owner of Colorado Kitchen
Designs. Owning and operating their own separate businesses has always been
demanding, but taking responsibility for four eighty-year olds has been
life-changing.

According to Larry Ellis, "We were only marginally prepared for all the
decisions we faced, but made them as needed every day over many months and they
continue to be made."

In caring for two parents with dementia, and two others facing depression based
on their spouse`s dementia, there were no easy solutions. Each parent is
different and had different needs. "It has been difficult, but I cannot imagine
caring for our parents any differently," said Jill Ellis. "We love having our
family close to us and in our lives every day, which is one of the reasons we
moved them to Denver from Texas and Florida when things started breaking down
for John and Harry, in terms of their dementia."

The Ellises agreed to share their story with the media because they want to
encourage others to take part in the lives of their aging family members, and
want to help other baby boomers gain the vision that they, too, can make a
tremendous difference in the quality of life for their family members.

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 $375 billion a
year. With the scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University, The Ellis` will
have access to courses specific to their parents` needs - gaining an educational
foundation, skill set, and confidence to continue their caregiving.

The National Family Caregiver of the Year winner will be announced in late
October. To arrange for an interview with the award-winning couple, Jill and
Larry Ellis, please contact Reid Wegley at (303) 859-2432 or reid@sjiltd.com.
For more information on this program or Homewatch CareGivers, please 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.

Homewatch CareGivers
Reid Wegley, 303-859-2432
reid@sjiltd.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009