National Family Caregivers Month, 2016

Proclamation 9536 of October 31, 2016

National Family Caregivers Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation was founded on the fundamental ideal that we
all do better when we look out for one another, and
every day, millions of Americans from every walk of
life balance their own needs with those of their loved
ones as caregivers. During National Family Caregivers
Month, we reaffirm our support for those who give of
themselves to be there for their family, friends, and
neighbors in challenging times, and we pledge to carry
forward the progress we have made in our health care
system and workplaces to give caregivers the resources
and flexibility they need.

Each of us may find ourselves in need of or providing
care at some point in our lives. That is why it is
imperative that we maintain and expand the Affordable
Care Act (ACA). At the time Medicare was created, only
a little more than half of all seniors had some form of
health insurance. Today, the ACA has given older
Americans better care and more access to discounted
prescriptions and certain preventive services at no
cost. The ACA has also expanded options for home- and
community-based services, so that, with the help of
devoted, loving caregivers, more Americans are now able
to live independently and with dignity. And because
looking after an aging family member or a friend with a
disability can be challenging, States and local
agencies connect individuals with caregiver support
groups and respite care. The women and men who put
their loved ones before themselves show incredible
generosity every day, and we must continue to support
them in every task they selflessly carry out.

Many devoted caregivers across our country also attend
to members of our Armed Forces when they return home,
and my Administration is committed to improving the
care and support our veterans and their families
receive. For over 5 years, First Lady Michelle Obama
and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has
worked to ensure those who look after our service
members who come home with the wounds of war--whether
they are visible or not--have the community and
Government support they need to help their siblings and
spouses, parents and children, neighbors and friends
through one of the greatest battles they may face: the
fight to recover and heal.

This month, and every month, let us lift up all those
who work to tirelessly advance the health and wellness
of those they love. Let us encourage those who choose
to be caregivers and look toward a future where our
politics and our policies reflect the selflessness and
open-hearted empathy they show their loved ones every
day.

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 2016 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
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.