Homewatch CareGivers announces winner of Family Caregiver of the Year Award | Events

Homewatch CareGivers of Columbia, SC, a part of the largest and most experienced international provider of home care services, announced the local winner and semifinalist for the company’s National Family Caregiver of the Year award today.

Karen Hoffman of Lancaster, SC was selected for her loving care of her life partner Mark Hinman. As the local winner, Hoffman will receive eight hours of respite care from Homewatch CareGivers of Columbia SC, plus a scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University and a $150 shopping spree—and will be among the semi-finalists for the title of National Family Caregiver of the Year and its $10,000 grand prize.

“This award, now in its third year, is designed for people like Hoffman,” said Ken Summers owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Columbia, SC. “As a company dedicated to providing the highest quality home care and helping families who need support providing home care to a loved one, we see the devotion, love and kindness family caregivers provide to their mothers, fathers, siblings, children and spouses. Karen’s commitment and resilience in providing her partner’s care is a heart-warming and inspirational story.”

Mark Hinman, life partner of Karen Hoffman, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.   And now he is in stage 4 lung cancer.  Through the years she has stood on suicide watch, had to carefully monitor his medication, manage the finances, take him to doctor appointments and advocate for him when his treatment providers wouldn't follow through on his care.  Caring for him daily, she isn't able to work as much as needed. Rather than worry about her own losses, she stays warm and dedicated Mark as he faces the end of his life.  The VA has made an absolute mess of the bills and has sent my dad and Karen bills totaling over $40,000.  He stopped getting treatment so they would stop piling up.  She is always so gracious and warm, and she really has given Mark the best years of his life. 

“I sincerely believe she is not only a caregiver of the year - but in my book caregiver of the past 18 years!,” said the nominator “Danielle Waagmeester ”.

The scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University will allow Hoffman to develop caregiving skills and training specific to her life partner’s needs as well as her job as an occupational therapist, while the eight hours of respite care provided by Homewatch CareGivers of Columbia, SC will give her some needed assistance and the comfort of knowing someone is there to provide exceptional care for Mark in her absence.

The National Family Caregiver of the Year winner will be announced October 24. To arrange for an interview with Hoffman, please contact Debra or Ken Summers at Homewatch CareGivers of Columbia, SC, 803-736-5959. For more information on this program or Homewatch CareGivers, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com/columbia-sc.