[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 110 (Thursday, July 21, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 235--DESIGNATING 2011 AS ``THE YEAR OF THE FAMILY 
                              CAREGIVER''

  Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself, Mr. Sanders, and Ms. Snowe) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 235

       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
       Resolved, 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''.

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