The Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter is pleased to announce Karen Osier as this year's winner of the George and Pat Sugerman Excellence in Caregiving Award presented at the 19th Annual Education Symposium in Denver.

Each year since 1991, the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado has recognized one outstanding professional caregiver with the George and Pat Sugerman Excellence in Caregiving Award. Caregivers throughout Colorado are nominated by family members and one is chosen as the "Excellence in Caregiving" award winner.

Karen Osier was selected from over 150 nominations as the 2008 Excellence in Caregiving Award recipient after being recommended by nine different people who have witnessed the extra effort she puts forth in her work at Millbrook Homes.

"After a stay in the hospital, Karen was the only one Mom would relate to. Karen took her under her wing and was so loving and kind to Mom. Because of Karen's love and understanding she started coming back to us. She started eating and talking again. Mom lights up when Karen walks in the room and wants Karen to sit by her. Our family feels because of Karen, Mom has improved so much. We can't thank her enough," stated one nomination form.

The George and Pat Sugerman Award was created in 1991 by Alzheimer's Association Board Member, George Sugerman. Sugerman was so grateful for the outstanding caregivers his wife, Pat had in day care and later in a skilled nursing facility, he felt their work needed to be honored.

"This is such an important award because hands-on professional care providers are not in the work for the glamour, pay or ease of the job. The people who excel in this work are in it because they truly care," said Amelia Schafer, MS, education director for the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter.