National Family Caregivers Month, 2015

Proclamation 9361 of October 30, 2015

National Family Caregivers Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans
provide care and support to family members and friends
in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings,
relatives, and neighbors who uphold their unwavering
commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones
shine bright with health, safety, and dignity. During
National Family Caregivers Month, we rededicate
ourselves to making sure our selfless caregivers have
the support they need to maintain their own well-being
and that of those they love.

One of the best measures of a country is how it treats
its older citizens and people living with disabilities,
and my Administration is dedicated to lifting up their
lives and ensuring those who care for them get the
support and recognition they deserve. Earlier this
year, older Americans and caregivers, as well as their
advocates, came together at the White House Conference
on Aging, which provided an opportunity to discuss ways
to identify and advance actions to improve quality of
life for our Nation's elderly. Through the Affordable
Care Act, we are providing more options to help older
Americans remain in their homes as they age, and the
law is giving caregivers the peace of mind of having
access to quality, affordable health insurance.
Additionally, I will keep pushing to make paid family
leave available for every American, regardless of where
they work--because no one should have to sacrifice a
paycheck to care for a loved one.

When our men and women in uniform come home with wounds
of war--seen or unseen--it is our solemn responsibility
to ensure they get the benefits and attentive care they
have earned and deserve. Caregivers in every corner of
our country uphold this sacred promise with incredible
devotion to their loved ones, and my Administration is
committed to supporting them. We have extended military
caregiver leave to family members of eligible veterans
dealing with serious illness or injury for up to 5
years after their service has ended, and we remain
dedicated to providing greater flexibility for our
military families and for the members of our Armed
Forces as they return home and handle the transition to
civilian life.

For centuries, we have been driven by the belief that
we all have certain obligations to one another. Every
day, caregivers across our country answer this call and
lift up the lives of loved ones who need additional
support. During National Family Caregivers Month, let
us honor their contributions and pledge to continue
working toward a future where all caregivers know the
same support and understanding they show for those they
look after.

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 2015 as
National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all
Americans to pay tribute to those who provide for the
health and well-being of their family members, friends,
and neighbors.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.