[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 44 (Monday, November 7, 2005)]
[Pages 1646-1647]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7957--National Family Caregivers Month, 2005

 November 2, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Each November, as Americans reflect on our many blessings, we 
observe National Family Caregivers Month and give thanks for the 
selfless service of family caregivers on behalf of their loved ones in 
need. The tireless devotion of these Americans brings comfort and peace 
of mind to our Nation's elderly and to those who are chronically ill or 
disabled.
    Family caregivers play an important role in communities across the 
United States. They provide most of the homecare services in our country 
and work hard to meet the emotional and physical needs of the family 
members and friends for whom they care. Through the National Family 
Caregiver Support Program, my Administration continues to encourage 
States and local agencies on aging to partner with faith-based, 
community, and tribal organizations. These partnerships can offer family 
caregivers the important information, counseling, training, respite 
care, and support services they need.
    This November, enrollment begins under the new Medicare prescription 
drug benefit, which offers more affordable access to prescription drugs, 
better health care choices, and extra help to low-income seniors and 
beneficiaries with disabilities. This new coverage will help family 
caregivers, who often inform or make medical decisions for those they 
care for, by ensuring that their loved ones receive the best health care 
available.

[[Page 1647]]

    Every day, family caregivers sacrifice their own needs to offer 
their loved ones the opportunity to live with dignity and independence 
in familiar surroundings. Their love, selflessness, and devotion inspire 
us all and demonstrate the compassionate spirit of America.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 2005 as National 
Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to honor and support 
those who serve as caregivers to their family members, friends, and 
neighbors in need.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:20 a.m., November 4, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 7.