[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 152 (Friday, November 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2012

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of family 
caregivers and in recognition of November as National Family Caregivers 
Month. This month honors those caregivers who serve on the front lines 
of patient care. Every day, over 65 million family caregivers in this 
country play a vital role in helping their loved ones with daily 
activities such as bathing and eating. They help them follow their 
medical and treatment regimens as well as assist with their daily 
activities. Family caregivers help seniors to age in their own homes 
and delay or avoid the need for nursing home placement. Family 
caregivers also provide care for children and adults who suffer from 
serious illnesses or disabilities.
  Family caregivers often make enormous personal and financial 
sacrifices to be there for their loved ones. Caregivers juggle the care 
of their loved ones with caring for their children, taking care of 
their own health, and managing their responsibilities at work. Some 
even leave the workforce to provide the level of care needed by their 
loved ones.
  As we recognize and honor the contribution of family caregivers to 
their loved ones and to our health care delivery system, we also must 
recognize the need to provide these caregivers with all the supports 
that they need. Supports including information and training on how to 
care for their loved ones, respite care that allows family caregivers 
to take needed breaks from their caregiving responsibilities, adequate 
workforce protections for those with work and caregiving 
responsibilities, and adequate financial and retirement security.
  I want to applaud all of our family caregivers and urge my colleagues 
to commit to working to provide needed supports to family caregivers.

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