The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Ventura County will sponsor the third annual "Give a Caregiver a Break" essay contest to honor family caregivers for their tireless service and dedication. The contest will award $16,000 in free caregiving services to the winning essay writers.

In 500 words or less, nonprofessional family caregivers can write about their caregiving experiences, including the challenges they've faced, how they've embraced their role as a caregiver for a senior loved one and inspired others, all demonstrating how a Home Instead CAREGiver could make a difference.

The grand prize is $5,000 of free care from Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of nonmedical companionship and home care for seniors.

Two first-prize winners will each receive $2,500 of free care from Home Instead Senior Care. In addition, 12 extraordinary caregivers will each receive $500 in service as part of a new category established this year.

The top three winning essays will be published in the November/December issue of Caring Today magazine and all 15 winning essays will appear online at www.caringtoday.com.

Typed entries may be submitted online at www.caringtoday .com/hicontest or by mail to Caring Today, 34 Sherman Court, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Rules can be found in the May/ June issue of Caring Today or online at www.caringtoday.com or www.homeinstead.com. Entry deadline is July 16.

The essay contest is open to legal American residents 18 years old or over who are providing nonprofessional and nonpaid care for a person 65 years of age or older. Only one entry per person is allowed. Entrants must be located in a Home Instead Senior Care franchise service territory to receive free services. Third parties are not eligible.