[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24247]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE HOME HEALTH AIDES WHO SERVE IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated and 
admirable work of the home health aides who serve my state of New 
Jersey and to commemorate Home Health Aide Recognition Day of 2008.
  Home health aides provide a variety of invaluable services, including 
personalized care, home support services, physical exercise programs, 
and transportation assistance. The home health aides provide these 
services in the comfort of a patient's own home, thereby preserving the 
dignity and independence of an individual. In addition, providing this 
type of specialized care allows patients to remain at home longer, 
which can help prevent costly hospitalizations or institutionalizations 
that increase the financial burden on the patients, their families, and 
our health care system.
  Over 40,000 certified aides make home health care available to every 
community in New Jersey, every hour of the day, and every day of the 
year. I am proud to acknowledge their essential and irreplaceable role 
in the health care system of New Jersey.
  I would also like to recognize the organizations who sponsored this 
day and the meaningful contributions they make to our state's health 
care system: the Home Care Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey 
Hospital Association, the New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care 
Organization, the Home Care Council of New Jersey, the Health Care 
Association of New Jersey, and New Jersey Association for Homes and 
Services for the Aging.
  Each day, compassionate home health aides in every region of my state 
deliver excellence in patient care. The services they provide enable 
New Jersey residents of all ages to remain in, or return to, their home 
and neighborhoods despite severe illness or disability. The Home Health 
Aid Recognition Day honors their extraordinary work, and their unique 
ability to enhance the quality of life for thousands of New Jerseyans.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored today to recognize these wonderful health 
professionals and the vital role they play in our communities.

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