VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 28, 2011 – Shield HealthCare, a leading provider of medical supplies for care at home, is pleased to announce its 11th annual story contest on “What Makes Caregiving Rewarding” designed to recognize and hear the voice of caregivers and home healthcare professionals, featuring celebrity contest judge, Sandra Mitchell of KCAL 9/CBS 2 News. Shield HealthCare understands that caregiving is a demanding job. A significant number of our customers are family caregivers at home, tending to a loved one with a chronic medical condition.  They unselfishly take on the challenge and responsibility of meeting the daily health and emotional needs of the person in their care. This story contest is a positive way to recognize and reward this important role. The contest runs through November 30, 2011 in celebration of National Family Caregiver’s Month.

Last year’s grand prize winners included 3 family caregivers, 1 for her husband, 1 for her son and 1 for her mother. Winner Julie F. wrote…”Ryan has taught me the importance of slowing down, breathing and appreciating the one dish dinners and the laughter in the pool and even the disaster in our kitchen. It’s a gift in this caffeinated world to be able to slow down and actually enjoy ‘Ryan time’ while truly not concerning myself with the many untouched and less important activities spinning wildly around me.”

The top three story winners will receive $1,000 in American Express Gift Checks and a 1-year subscription to Today’s Caregiver Magazine.  The five runners-up will also be awarded the magazine subscription and $250 in American Express Gift Checks.  All contest entries must be one-page, typed or hand-written and postmarked by November 30, 2011. Entries should be mailed to Shield HealthCare, Attn: Caring Solutions, 27911 Franklin Parkway, Valencia, CA  91355, e-mailed to caring@shieldhealthcare.com, faxed to 661.294.4269 or submitted online http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/caring. Full contest details and official rules are available on Shield’s website at http://www.shieldhealthcare.com.

Since 1957, Shield HealthCare has been an industry leader focused on meeting the medical supply needs of families and caregivers at home. Shield HealthCare provides high quality disposable medical products including Incontinence, Enteral Nutrition, Ostomy, Urological, Wound and Diabetes supplies. In 2007, Shield HealthCare was granted formal accreditation status by the Community Health Accreditation Program’s (CHAP) Board of Review signifying its commitment as a leader in providing superior products and service to the home healthcare market. Shield HealthCare operates ten sales locations, serving California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and Washington.