[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 172 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 65 million 
Americans who spend on average 20 hours per week selflessly caring for 
family members or friends who, through age, disability, or illness, 
have lost the ability to care for themselves.
  For most of us, the act of caring for those in need is a basic aspect 
of what it means to be human. Compassion, either through charitable 
giving or community service, is inseparable from American ideals of 
human rights for every member of our society. Whenever we treat those 
around us as we want to be treated, we contribute to a culture of 
responsibility and respect for life that leads us to do great things in 
the name of humanity.
  Last week, President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2011 as 
National Family Caregivers Month. Anyone who spends time caring for a 
loved one in need is considered a family caregiver. Let us use this 
occasion to honor these everyday heroes and raise awareness of the 
profound contributions they make to society.
  Family caregivers save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each 
year through their efforts.
  According to studies compiled by the National Family Caregivers 
Association, the value of the unpaid services provided each year is 
estimated to be $375 billion, which is almost twice as much as the $158 
billion spent in 2009 on homecare and nursing home services combined.
  In my home state of California alone there were 3,419,481 family 
caregivers in 2004 providing over $36 billion worth of care. Though 
they are mostly untrained, family caregivers now provide about 80% of 
all long-term care in the United States.
  Imagine if taxpayers had to foot the full bill. Now, more than ever, 
family caregivers are essential to providing the best services and 
deserve the support of government and the medical community.
  As you know, Mr. Speaker, the US Census projects a massive growth in 
the number of Americans 65 and older as the baby-boomer generation 
ages. Populations in this age bracket will double in 23 states by 2030.
  As medical progress means longer lives, families struggle to provide 
long-term family care than they did in past decades. Families are 
smaller and more spread out, and many family caregivers must juggle 
work and raising children in addition to their caregiving 
responsibilities. Family caregivers may need to operate complex medical 
equipment or practice delicate procedures without any formal training.
  The ``graying of America'' will have a tremendous impact on families 
providing care for their older members.
  Many public health officials are concerned that we may not be ready 
to assume the roles of family caregivers. Studies suggest that many 
Americans have not spent much time thinking about or preparing for 
long-term care. People who have no experience as a family caregiver may 
have extreme difficulty in approaching such a responsibility.
  Mr. Speaker, the fact is that most of us will find ourselves in a 
similar situation, either giving or requiring long term care at various 
points in our lives.
  Family caregivers often put themselves second as they balance 
competing commitments to their jobs, families, and communities. 
Tragically, more than 1 in 10 family caregivers report that their 
physical health has deteriorated as a result of extreme stress.
  Family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age 
prematurely. This level of stress can take as much as 10 years off a 
family caregiver's life.
  Mr. Speaker, 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers have clinically 
significant symptoms of depression with approximately a quarter to half 
of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression.
  We must also remember that many disabled veterans are supported by 
family caregivers. Having given so much for their country, I believe 
that they and their family members should not have to struggle to live 
out a full, dignified life.
  Therefore, we should do everything possible to support family 
caregivers and lighten their burdens.
  It begins with encouraging people to take adequate steps to prepare 
for their future care. This means setting aside funds to cover 
unforeseen medical expenses, signing a living will, and making 
preparations with family and friends. Health professionals must be 
sensitive to the needs of family caregivers and enlist them in 
formulating a patient's long-term care plan.
  We also need to make sure that family caregivers have access to 
information and resources that can help them meet their 
responsibilities with minimal strain and unnecessary cost.
  Finally, we must ensure that the concerns of family caregivers are 
reflected in all major healthcare legislation.
  We are all family caregivers, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to 
work together to support human dignity and the American family.