III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 518 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 7, 2010 Mr. Thune (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Feingold) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning May 9, 2010, as National Nursing Home Week.

Whereas more than 1,500,000 elderly and disabled individuals live in the nearly 16,000 nursing facilities in the United States; Whereas the annual celebration of National Nursing Home Week invites people in communities nationwide to recognize nursing home residents and staff for their contributions to their communities; Whereas the theme for National Nursing Home Week in 2010 is Enriching Every Day, honoring caregivers who are enriching every day for elderly and disabled individuals, adding value to their lives and helping them to overcome many of the infirmities of age and disability; Whereas nursing homes are intimate communities where acts of caring, kindness, and respect are the norm; Whereas, when the positive bond that naturally develops between patients and their caregivers is established, patients experience not only better physical care and healing, but also enrichment of the mind, heart, and spirit and an affirmation of their value; and Whereas National Nursing Home Week recognizes the people who provide care to the Nation’s most vulnerable population: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates the week beginning May 9, 2010, as National Nursing Home Week; (2)recognizes that a majority of people in the United States, because of social needs, disability, trauma, or illness, will require long-term care services at some point in their lives; (3)honors nursing home residents and the people who care for them each day, including family members, volunteers, and dedicated long-term care professionals, for their contributions to their communities and the United States; and (4)encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nursing Home Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.