[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 129 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H9453-H9455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1445
          SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF SENIOR CAREGIVING

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 59) supporting the goals and ideals 
of senior caregiving and affordability, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 59

       Whereas 8,000 people in the United States turn 60 years old 
     every day;
       Whereas an estimated 35,900,000 people, 12.4 percent of the 
     population, are 65 years of age and older;
       Whereas the United States population age 65 and older is 
     expected to more than double in the next 50 years to 
     86,700,000 in 2050;
       Whereas the 85 and older population is projected to reach 
     9,600,000 in 2030 and double again to 20,900,000 in 2050;
       Whereas it is estimated that 4,500,000 people in the United 
     States have Alzheimer's disease today;
       Whereas it is estimated that number will increase to 
     between 11,300,000 and 16,000,000 by 2050;
       Whereas 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease and 
     other dementias live at home, and these individuals are 
     examples of individuals who need assistance in their homes 
     with their ``activities of daily living'';
       Whereas currently over 25 percent of all seniors need some 
     level of assistance with their ``activities of daily 
     living'';
       Whereas in order to address the surging population of 
     seniors who have significant needs for in-home care, the 
     field of senior caregiving will continue to grow;
       Whereas there are an estimated 44,000,000 adults in the 
     United States providing care to adult relatives or friends 
     and an estimated 725,000 nonfamily private paid senior 
     caregivers;
       Whereas both unpaid family caregivers and paid caregivers 
     work together to serve the daily living needs of seniors who 
     live in their own homes;
       Whereas the Department of Labor estimated that paid 
     caregivers for the year 2006 worked a total of 835,000,000 
     hours, and the projected hours of paid senior caregivers are 
     estimated to increase to 4,350,000,000 hours by 2025; and
       Whereas the longer a senior is able to provide for his or 
     her own care, the less burden is placed on public payment 
     systems in State and Federal governments: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes caregiving as a profession;
       (2) supports the private home care industry and the efforts 
     of family caregivers nationwide by encouraging individuals to 
     provide care to family, friends, and neighbors;
       (3) encourages accessible and affordable care for seniors;
       (4) reviews Federal policies and supports current Federal 
     programs which address the needs of seniors and their family 
     caregivers; and
       (5) encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     to continue working to educate people in the United States on 
     the impact of aging and the importance of knowing the options 
     available to seniors when they need care to meet their 
     personal needs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from the 
Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) and the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Concurrent Resolution 59 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 
59, which is a bill that supports the ideals of senior caregiving and 
addresses the important issue of affordability.
  Research professionals tell us that our seniors are living longer 
than any previous generation. The number of people over the age of 65 
will double in the next 50 years, and the demand for senior care will 
rise to unprecedented levels. Currently, 25 percent of all seniors need 
some level of assistance with their daily living activities. Families, 
neighbors, and private care serve this role for many seniors. As demand 
increases, so does the need for affordable and quality care.
  There are between 30 and 38 million adult caregivers age 18 and 
older. They are our friends, family members, partners, and neighbors. 
On average, they work 21 hours per week. Not only do these unpaid 
caregivers provide long-term services to persons of all ages, but they 
contribute to the economy. In 2006, the AARP estimated that caregiving 
services have an annual economic value of $350 billion.

[[Page H9454]]

  Many caregivers put their own health at risk while caring for others. 
Caregivers are more likely to report chronic illnesses at twice the 
rate as noncaregivers. Though they save the country billions of 
dollars, caregivers report having higher medical bill expenses than 
noncaregivers.
  Providing better support for caregivers is essential to the well-
being of our health care system, our long-term care system, and our 
economy.
  I want to express my support for this resolution and thank 
Congressman Terry for bringing this resolution forward. I urge my 
colleagues to support me on this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today and am proud to do so in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 59, supporting the goals and ideals of senior 
caregiving. I also want to take the opportunity to thank my colleague 
from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) for introducing this resolution.
  According to the Administration on Aging, the number of people age 65 
and older was 37.9 million in 2007, an increase of 3.8 million since 
1997. The population of those 65 and older is projected to increase 
from 40 million in 2010 to 55 million in 2020. The number of those 85 
and older is projected to increase from 4.2 million in the year 2000 to 
6.6 million in the year 2020.
  In the United States today, it's estimated that 4.5 million people 
have Alzheimer's disease, and this number is expected to increase to 
between 11.3 million and 16 million by 2050. Seventy percent of people 
with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias live at home and need 
assistance to perform normal daily activities.
  Today, a quarter of all seniors need some level of assistance with 
their daily activities, and according to the Administration on Aging, 
persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an 
additional 19 years.
  Caregiving for these individuals takes many forms. Caregivers may be 
full- or part time, live with their loved one, or provide care from a 
distance. Caregiving ranges from simple help such as shopping to 
conducting medical procedures.
  There are an estimated 44 million adults in the United States 
providing care to adult relatives or friends. The longer a senior is 
able to provide for his or her own care, the less burden is placed on 
our public systems. Caregivers keep individuals out of institutions and 
help them live out their lives in familiar surroundings and with 
dignity. It is appropriate that we take a few minutes today to honor 
these individuals who give so much of themselves to provide care for 
our aging population.
  I stand in support of this resolution recognizing the profession of 
senior caregiving and supporting the private home care industry, and I 
ask for my colleagues' support.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of H. Con. Res. 59--
supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and affordability. 
Our national population of seniors is growing at unprecedented rates. 
National statistics reveal that 8,000 people turn 60 each day. 
Moreover, an estimated 44 million adults in the United States currently 
provide care to their senior relatives and friends. In light of these 
trends, it is our responsibility to ensure that senior citizens, 
especially those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of 
dementia, have access to the quality and professional care they need to 
live their lives to the fullest. I commend Rep. Lee Terry for bringing 
this measure before the floor.
  This resolution demonstrates that Congress is concerned about our 
senior citizens and we are actively engaging and learning more about 
the senior caregiving industry. Today, 35.9 million people, roughly 
12.4 percent of the U.S. population, are aged 65 years and older. 
Moreover, 25 percent of all seniors require some level of assistance 
with their daily life activities. At this rate, the population of 
seniors is expected to increase each year and is in danger of exceeding 
the availability of qualified professionals and trained caregivers. 
Therefore, it is important that we now begin to take the necessary 
steps to effectively manage the needs of our aging population.
  We can accomplish this objective by providing some much needed 
support to family caregivers across the country. Family caregivers 
expend a lot of time, energy, and resources caring for their senior 
relatives. And many families that do not provide care within their 
homes rely on non-family private caregivers. In this regard, Congress 
must help to foster a private home care industry environment that 
supports enterprises that provide accessible and affordable caregiving 
services to seniors. This must also include standardized training to 
paid caregivers with the opportunity for their ongoing professional 
development. Additionally, Congress must examine and continue to fund 
current federal programs that address the affordability and 
accessibility challenges our seniors and their family caregivers face.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice of support for H. Con. Res. 
59--supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and 
affordability. And I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
ensure we continue to provide the necessary resources toward senior 
caregiving and improve affordability so that all our senior citizens 
will have access to quality caregiving when they need it.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, thank you for conducting this debate on H. 
Con. Res. 59. This important concurrent resolution supports the goals 
and ideals of senior caregiving. I would like to thank the 
distinguished Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Education and 
Labor Committee as well as the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the 
Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities for their role in 
bringing this concurrent resolution to the House Floor. Furthermore, I 
would like to particularly thank the 42 cosponsors of this important 
resolution.
  Seniors are one of our most precious resources. In order to take care 
of our seniors, we need a nation of caregivers.
  On March 30, 2009, I introduced H. Con. Res. 59 in order to help 
promote the goals and ideals of senior caregiving. The idea for this 
concurrent resolution was brought to me by the world's large senior 
care provider, Home Instead Senior Care, which is located in my 
congressional district in Omaha, Nebraska. Home Instead understands 
first hand the importance of senior caregiving. Its over 800 franchises 
worldwide provide care to over 60,000 seniors. Home Instead is just one 
of hundreds of companies who provide care to seniors. In addition to 
these paid caregivers, you have millions of individuals who provide 
care to their elderly parents, siblings, friends etc.
  To illustrate the need for senior caregivers, today in the United 
States, there are more than 38 million people who are 65 years of age 
or older and this number is expected to more than double by 2050. For 
this reason, it is critical that we as a nation are prepared to meet 
and manage the needs of our aging population. We must work to educate 
people in the United States on the impact of aging and the importance 
of knowing the options available to seniors when they need assistance 
to meet their personal needs.
  In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 
767,000 paid personal and home care aides providing more than 835 
million hours of care to a senior population of 38 million. These 
statistics speak to the point that seniors prefer to remain in their 
homes if their needs are met with affordable and safe homecare. I 
firmly believe the longer a senior is able to provide for his or her 
own care, the less burden is placed on public payment systems in state 
and federal governments.
  This important concurrent resolution pledges to study the needs of an 
aging population and seeks alternatives which can make caregiving more 
affordable. Moreover, this resolution importantly recognizes the 
caregivers who provide these homecare services. This resolution will 
draw attention to our everyday heroes who enhance the lives of our 
senior population. This resolution also focuses on those caregivers who 
are excited to have an employment opportunity to work with our seniors.
  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the three national 
associations who are supportive of this legislation: National Family 
Caregivers Association; the National Association for Home Care and 
Hospice; and the National Private Duty Association. These three groups 
illustrate the widespread support for this resolution amongst the 
caregiver community.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 59 is an important step in 
recognizing the important work of caregivers. I encourage my colleagues 
to support this important concurrent resolution.


                            National Private Duty Association,

                                   Indianapolis, IN, July 1, 2008.
       The National Private Duty Association formally endorses the 
     Concurrent Resolution which Home Instead Senior Care has 
     circulated. This Resolution does an excellent job of 
     promoting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and 
     affordability.
       The National Private Duty Association is supportive of the 
     intent of this Resolution which is to increase the visibility 
     of senior caregivers in a positive manner. Moreover, the 
     National Private Duty Association believes the six 
     recommendations listed in the Resolution are important steps 
     forward in our effort to educate the public on senior 
     caregiving.

[[Page H9455]]

       We encourage other associations to support this Resolution 
     effort and we look forward to becoming a part of the 
     coalition in support of this. I would be happy to discuss the 
     merits of this Resolution at any time.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Sheila McMackin,
                                                        President,
     National Private Duty Association.
                                  ____

                                                   National Family


                                       Caregivers Association,

                                Kensington, MD, September 1, 2008.
     Phyllis Hegstrom,
     Secretary of Industry Affairs, Home Instead, Omaha, NE.
       Dear Phyllis: The National Family Caregivers Association 
     supports your resolution to bring attention to the work of 
     the private pay homecare industry. Although family caregivers 
     provide 80% of all longterm care services, we can't do it 
     alone. We need a healthy homecare industry that we can turn 
     to for help on a regular or intermittent basis.
       As the country continues to age, and as the number of 
     people 85 and older increases, the ability of our nation to 
     support caregiving in the home will increase exponentially. 
     Given that services to assist people with activities of daily 
     living and instrumental activities of daily living are not 
     covered by Medicare, and long-term care insurance is not a 
     realistic solution for many Americans, it is incumbent on all 
     of us to work together to find solutions to the problems that 
     face us individually and as a nation.
       Thank you for making this effort on behalf of families, 
     homecare providers, and the caregivers who are the lifeblood 
     of your industry.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Suzanne Mintz,
     President/Co-founder.
                                  ____

                                          National Association for


                                          Home Care & Hospice,

                                 Washington, DC, December 1, 2008.
     Phyllis Hegstrom,
     Secretary of Industry Affairs, Home Instead Senior Care, 
         Omaha, NE.
       Dear Phyllis: The National Association for Home Care & 
     Hospice is the nation's largest organization that advocates 
     on behalf of providers of home care and hospice services, 
     their employees, and their clients. We congratulate you and 
     heartily endorse your efforts to secure enactment of a 
     Congressional resolution that supports family and 
     professional caregivers, calls for continued funding for 
     programs that provide vital community-based services, and 
     recommends broader education of the public and policymakers 
     on the needs of our growing senior population.
       In recent years our nation's health care needs have changed 
     considerably, and one of our greatest challenges at this time 
     is the development of more effective means of caring for 
     individuals with multiple chronic conditions. This challenge 
     can only be effectively met by greater emphasis on the 
     services and supports that allow our population to enjoy 
     maximum functioning in the least restrictive environment 
     possible. For most individuals, that environment is the home. 
     We strongly support any efforts that help to raise awareness 
     and expand access to home and community-based services, as 
     well as to ease the burden on informal caregivers.
       Many thanks for your commitment to the disabled and infirm 
     citizens of our nation. Please feel free to call upon us if 
     we can be of any assistance to you.
           Sincerely,
                                              Val J. Halamandaris,
                                                        President.

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests 
for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support for this 
concurrent resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
59, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________