[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 221 (Thursday, November 14, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58313-58314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29392]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 221 / Thursday, November 14, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 58313]]


                Proclamation 6953 of November 11, 1996

                
National Family Caregivers Week, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                At this special time each year, we give thanks for our 
                many blessings. Among those blessings are the quiet but 
                heartfelt contributions made on a daily basis by our 
                Nation's caregivers, particularly on behalf of the 
                elderly in our society.

                The true value of the role that caregivers play in the 
                lives of America's families is immeasurable. Providing 
                physical comfort and emotional reassurance, these 
                strong and selfless people care for loved ones who can 
                no longer care for themselves. The vast majority of 
                caregivers are family members--often older relatives--
                and women provide most of the informal care that their 
                families receive. Of the millions of people who provide 
                informal care to older adults, over half are spouses or 
                children. While many caregivers experience stress and 
                frustration in fulfilling their caregiving 
                responsibilities, and many sacrifice personal 
                opportunities to care for a loved one, most regard the 
                challenges of caregiving as a rewarding and satisfying 
                experience.

                 By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be at 
                least 65 years old, compared to one in eight today. In 
                addition, the number of older Americans will double, 
                from the present 34 million to about 69 million. At the 
                same time that our population is aging, more older 
                persons are suffering from chronic illnesses and face 
                potentially disabling conditions. Moreover, individuals 
                with lifelong disabilities are living longer and may 
                require assistance in caring for themselves as they 
                age. The overwhelming majority of older Americans would 
                prefer to remain in their homes while growing older--
                even when no coordinated system of home- and community-
                based care is available. As a result, more Americans 
                are becoming involved in caring for family members who 
                want to age with dignity and respect.

                This week, as we celebrate the contributions of 
                caregivers to their families and communities, let us 
                recognize the challenges these generous individuals 
                must confront on a daily basis--challenges that include 
                fulfilling multiple and often conflicting roles of 
                caregiving for their aging relatives, caring for young 
                children, and working outside their homes. Let us 
                promote community programs and encourage workplace 
                policies that help to lighten or share the burden of 
                their caregiving responsibilities. And let us, as a 
                Nation, recognize and commend the vital role they play 
                in ensuring that older Americans age with grace, 
                dignity, and a precious measure of independence.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim November 24 through November 
                30, 1996, as National Family Caregivers Week. I call 
                upon Government officials, businesses, communities, 
                volunteers, educators, and all the people of the United 
                States to acknowledge the contributions made by 
                caregivers this week and throughout the year.

[[Page 58314]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-first.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-29392
Filed 11-13-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P