[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 48 (Monday, November 30, 1998)]
[Pages 2356-2357]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7151--National Family Caregivers Week, 1998

November 20, 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.
    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.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 24, 
1998]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on November 21 and was published in the Federal Register on 
November 25.

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