[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E721]]



                  IN RECOGNITION OF NURSING HOME WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2000

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize National Nursing Home Week 
and pay tribute to the health care professionals who work in nursing 
homes across the country. The average life span of Americans has 
extended over 10 years in the past century due to advancements in 
health care and our increased knowledge of our own well being. With 
more Americans living longer, our society is having to meet the needs 
of caring for our older citizens.
  Thousands of hardworking men and women are looking for affordable, 
quality health care for their older friends and relatives who need 
additional medical attention. Nursing homes provide stable and caring 
environments for seniors to receive the medical attention they may 
need, while maintaining a community feel.
  The unsung heroes of this profession are the people that work in 
nursing homes. These tireless dedicated professionals and volunteers 
form a network of caring support in our Nation's vast health care 
system and deserve special recognition. There is one specific nursing 
home in my district in North Carolina, Five Oaks Nursing Home in 
Concord, whose nursing staff is exceptional in their care for Five Oaks 
residents.
  We in Congress need to fundamentally change the way health care for 
senior citizens is administered. Medicare, as it is structured now, 
will not support the millions of baby boomers who will be in need of 
nursing home services in the 21st century. I will continue who work for 
a Medicare system that will support our health care providers and will 
not compromise the quality of care for our seniors.
  I'd like to voice my appreciation for the nursing home care givers in 
North Carolina and across the nation for their continued efforts to 
improve the quality of life for all Americans.

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