[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E889-E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize National Nursing 
Home Week, which began nationwide on May 8, and concludes on May 14th. 
This year's theme, ``Fulfilling the Promise,'' was selected to honor 
those who are serving others, thus adding value to life. National 
Nursing Home Week is a time to reach out to older Americans in these 
facilities who have given so much to our communities and country. They 
are our loved ones, our veterans, our teachers, nurses, friends, and 
much more.
  It's also a time to better understand the valuable work of nursing 
home staff. They provide quality care day in and day out, focusing on 
person-centered care so that elderly and disabled residents can live 
life in a meaningful

[[Page E890]]

way. All across America, nursing homes provide fulfilling places to 
work, employing millions of Americans even in these tough economic 
times. In West Virginia alone, nursing homes and other long term care 
facilities make up one of the state's largest industries and employers. 
These jobs make nursing homes a critical component of local and state 
economies. In West Virginia, they support an estimated $1.7 billion of 
the state's economic activity and $38.6 million in tax revenue.
  As this year marks the first year that baby boomers will reach the 
age of 65, the critical role that long term care facilities play will 
only become more important. These facilities will be even more critical 
in states like West Virginia where we have the second highest 
percentage of citizens who are over the age of 65.
  Let us all celebrate the critical work of nursing homes in caring for 
our nation's seniors, employing Americans and strengthening the 
economy. I ask all Americans to join me in celebrating National Nursing 
Home Week by taking part in local activities and ceremonies around the 
country.

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