[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1667-E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of November as 
National Family Caregivers Month, and to honor family caregivers in the 
Ninth Congressional District of Massachusetts and across the country.
   Every day, millions of Americans dedicate their time, energy, and 
resources to care for their loved ones. In the last year, it is 
estimated that over 43 million adults--parents, children, siblings, 
spouses, friends, and neighbors--have provided unpaid care to an adult 
or child in need.
   The tireless and selfless devotion of caregivers allows millions of 
Americans to live a full--and fulfilling--life. Many caregivers balance 
full-time careers and the many daily demands of modern life. Family 
caregivers provide an estimated $450 billion in care and immeasurable 
support every year. Studies show that this not only provides health 
benefits and increases the life expectancy of those cared for, but can 
also increase the life expectancy for the caregivers by an average of 
nine months. As the number of older Americans rises, so too, will the 
number of caregivers. It is critical that legislators, regulators, and 
the general public unite to provide them with the resources--and 
respect--they deserve.

[[Page E1668]]

   As we take time this month to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of 
caregivers, I would like to make special note of the many organizations 
that advocate, develop best practice programs, and provide resources 
for millions of caregivers around the nation, including many in 
Massachusetts. The ARC of Greater Plymouth County, Friends Or Relatives 
With Autism and Related Disabilities (FORWARD), Alzheimer's Family 
Support Center of Cape Cod, Coastline Elderly, and Old Colony Elder 
Services are but a few of the instrumental organizations assisting 
caregivers in the Commonwealth.
   Mr. Speaker, during National Family Caregivers Month, I urge my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication of caregivers and 
to pledge our continued support for their selfless efforts.

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