[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 65513-65514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31751]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 1998 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 65513]]


                Proclamation 7151 of November 20, 1998

                
National Family Caregivers Week, 1998

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As American families enjoy Thanksgiving this year, 
                millions of aging parents and grandparents or relatives 
                with disabilities will be able to join these 
                celebrations because of the loving support of family 
                caregivers. Each day these generous women and men 
                devote their time and energies to care for family 
                members who can no longer live independently or who 
                need assistance to remain in the familiar surroundings 
                of their own homes.

                The need for such caregivers in our Nation is growing. 
                We are blessed to live in a time when medicine and 
                technology have helped us live longer; as a result, 
                people 85 years of age and older constitute America's 
                fastest-growing age group. For these older Americans, 
                however, the blessing of longevity also brings with it 
                an increased likelihood of disability and chronic 
                disease, reduced physical and mental agility, and 
                higher risk of injury or illness--all of which create a 
                greater need for care.

                Families across our country have quickly responded to 
                this need, but often at great financial, physical, and 
                emotional sacrifice. Family members, working without 
                pay, are the major providers of long-term care in the 
                United States, and half of all caregivers today are 
                over the age of 65 and are often themselves in 
                declining health. Women, who tend to be the primary 
                family caregivers in our society, often must juggle 
                full-time work and family schedules with their 
                caregiving responsibilities.

                The contributions that family caregivers make to our 
                society are best gauged by the impact they have in 
                improving the quality of life of the family members for 
                whom they care. Thanks to family caregivers, those they 
                serve retain a measure of independence, remain with 
                friends and relatives, and continue making 
                contributions to our Nation.

                This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect 
                with gratitude on our many blessings, let us remember 
                to give thanks for the family caregivers among us whose 
                love and care make life brighter for so many and whose 
                dedication and generosity contribute so much to the 
                strength and well-being of our Nation.

                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 22 through November 
                28, 1998, as National Family Caregivers Week. I call 
                upon Government officials, businesses, communities, 
                educators, volunteers, and the people of the United 
                States to pay tribute to and acknowledge the heroic 
                efforts of caregivers this special week and throughout 
                the year.

[[Page 65514]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 98-31751
Filed 11-24-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P