[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8593--OCT. 29, 2010

Proclamation 8593 of October 29, 2010
National Family Caregivers Month, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every day, family members, friends, neighbors, and concerned individuals
across America provide essential attention and assistance to their loved
ones. Many individuals in need of care--including children, elders, and
persons with disabilities--would have difficulty remaining safely in
their homes and community without the support of their relatives and
caregivers.
Caregivers often look after multiple generations of family members.
Their efforts are vital to the quality of life of countless American
seniors, bringing comfort and friendship to these treasured citizens.
However, this labor of love can result in physical, psychological, and
finan-

[[Page 4728]]

cial hardship for caregivers, and research suggests they often put their
own health and well-being at risk while assisting loved ones. Through
the National Family Caregiver Support Program, individuals can help
their loved ones remain comfortably in the home and receive assistance
with their caregiving responsibilities. This program provides
information, assistance, counseling, training, support groups, and
respite care for caregivers across our country.
My Administration's Middle Class Task Force, led by Vice President Joe
Biden, has made supporting family caregivers a priority, and we are
working to assist caregivers as they juggle work, filial, and financial
responsibilities. We made important progress with this year's Affordable
Care Act, and because of this landmark legislation, Americans will be
able to take advantage of the Community Living Assistance Services and
Supports (CLASS) Program. This voluntary insurance program will help
individuals with long-term care needs to maintain independent living, as
well as compensate family caregivers for their devoted work.
Our businesses and companies can also contribute to families' ability to
care for their loved ones in need. By offering flexible work
arrangements and paid leave when caregiving duties require employees to
miss work, employers can enable workers with caregiver responsibilities
to balance work and family obligations more easily. Such efforts impact
countless lives across our Nation, easing concerns and contributing to
the well-being of individuals and families as they go about their daily
lives.
During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the millions of
Americans who give endlessly of themselves to provide for the health and
well-being of a beloved family member. Through their countless hours of
service to their families and communities, they are a shining example of
our Nation's great capacity to care for each other.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as
National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay
tribute to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and
neighbors in need.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA