IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 473 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 18, 2011 Ms. Richardson (for herself, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, and Ms. Norton) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Family Caregivers Month.

Whereas there are more than 65 million Americans providing care for chronically ill, disabled, or aged family members or friends with no expectation of compensation; Whereas according to studies compiled by the National Family Caregivers Association, the value of these services is estimated to be $375 billion every year, nearly double the $158 billion spent in 2009 on homecare and nursing home services combined; Whereas in California alone there were 3,419,481 family caregivers in 2004, the value of whose time spent in the care of family and friends was over $36 billion; Whereas 1.4 million children ages 8 to 18 provide care for an adult relative, 72 percent are caring for a parent or grandparent, and 64 percent live with the person for whom they are caring; Whereas 20 hours per week is the average number of hours family caregivers spend caring for their loved ones while 13 percent of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more; Whereas 51 percent of care recipients live in their own home, 29 percent live with their family caregiver, and 4 percent live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; Whereas 14 percent of family caregivers care for a special needs child with an estimated 16.8 million caring for special needs children under 18 years old; Whereas 78 percent of adults living in the community and in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help; Whereas 47 percent of working caregivers indicate an increase in caregiving expenses has caused them to use up all or most of their life savings; Whereas during the 2009 economic downturn, 1 in 5 family caregivers had to move into the same home with their loved ones to cut expenses; Whereas 73 percent of family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work or have worked while providing care, 66 percent have had to make some adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work to giving up work entirely, and 1 in 5 family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence; Whereas the majority of Americans will find themselves playing the role of a family caregiver as the population ages, and likewise expect to be cared for in their old age; and Whereas the quiet sacrifices made every day by family caregivers can be alleviated through better integration with the American healthcare system and enlightened, long-term public policy that prepares family caregivers for the challenges they will face: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)honors the work of America’s family caregivers; (2)acknowledges the enormous savings to the American taxpayer resulting from their labors; (3)encourages all Americans to pay tribute to those who provide for the health and well-being of their family members, friends, and neighbors; and (4)supports the goals and ideals of National Family Caregivers Month.