III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 235 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 21, 2011 Ms. Mikulski (for herself, Mr. Sanders, and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating 2011 as “The Year of the Family Caregiver”.

Whereas there are more than 65,000,000 people in the United States serving as family caregivers for a family member or friend with a disability, chronic illness, or the frailties associated with old age; Whereas family caregivers in the United States are family, friends, partners, and neighbors who choose to provide care out of feelings of love or a sense of duty; Whereas family caregivers deal with significant medical and psycho-social issues that require complex care management and coordination with numerous medical providers; Whereas family caregivers provide 80 percent of all long-term care services in the United States; Whereas despite the physical, psychological, and financial hardship that caregivers endure, these individuals provide high-quality services that bring countless benefits to their care recipients and to society; and Whereas the people of the United States should acknowledge the vital role of family caregivers, enable such caregivers to live healthier, less stressful lives, and enhance the ability of family caregivers to improve the health and well-being of those that they care for: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes the year 2011 as the 11-year anniversary of the National Family Caregiver Support Program; (2)applauds the Administration on Aging and national and community based organizations that support family caregivers; (3)applauds the family, friends, partners, and neighbors who provide long-term care services; and (4)designates 2011 as “The Year of the Family Caregiver”.