[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7296]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize National Nursing 
Home Week, which began nationwide on May 8, and concludes on May 14th. 
This year's theme, ``Fulfilling the Promise,'' was selected to honor 
those who are serving others, thus adding value to life. National 
Nursing Home Week is a time to reach out to older Americans in these 
facilities who have given so much to our communities and country. They 
are our loved ones, our veterans, our teachers, nurses, friends, and 
much more.
  It's also a time to better understand the valuable work of nursing 
home staff. They provide quality care day in and day out, focusing on 
person-centered care so that elderly and disabled residents can live 
life in a meaningful way. All across America, nursing homes provide 
fulfilling places to work, employing millions of Americans even in 
these tough economic times. In West Virginia alone, nursing homes and 
other long term care facilities make up one of the state's largest 
industries and employers. These jobs make nursing homes a critical 
component of local and state economies. In West Virginia, they support 
an estimated $1.7 billion of the state's economic activity and $38.6 
million in tax revenue.
  As this year marks the first year that baby boomers will reach the 
age of 65, the critical role that long term care facilities play will 
only become more important. These facilities will be even more critical 
in states like West Virginia where we have the second highest 
percentage of citizens who are over the age of 65.
  Let us all celebrate the critical work of nursing homes in caring for 
our nation's seniors, employing Americans and strengthening the 
economy. I ask all Americans to join me in celebrating National Nursing 
Home Week by taking part in local activities and ceremonies around the 
country.

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