National Family Caregivers Week, 1996

Proclamation 6953 of November 11, 1996

National Family Caregivers Week, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

At this special time each year, we give thanks for our
many blessings. Among those blessings are the quiet but
heartfelt contributions made on a daily basis by our
Nation's caregivers, particularly on behalf of the
elderly in our society.

The true value of the role that caregivers play in the
lives of America's families is immeasurable. Providing
physical comfort and emotional reassurance, these
strong and selfless people care for loved ones who can
no longer care for themselves. The vast majority of
caregivers are family members--often older relatives--
and women provide most of the informal care that their
families receive. Of the millions of people who provide
informal care to older adults, over half are spouses or
children. While many caregivers experience stress and
frustration in fulfilling their caregiving
responsibilities, and many sacrifice personal
opportunities to care for a loved one, most regard the
challenges of caregiving as a rewarding and satisfying
experience.

By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be at
least 65 years old, compared to one in eight today. In
addition, the number of older Americans will double,
from the present 34 million to about 69 million. At the
same time that our population is aging, more older
persons are suffering from chronic illnesses and face
potentially disabling conditions. Moreover, individuals
with lifelong disabilities are living longer and may
require assistance in caring for themselves as they
age. The overwhelming majority of older Americans would
prefer to remain in their homes while growing older--
even when no coordinated system of home- and community-
based care is available. As a result, more Americans
are becoming involved in caring for family members who
want to age with dignity and respect.

This week, as we celebrate the contributions of
caregivers to their families and communities, let us
recognize the challenges these generous individuals
must confront on a daily basis--challenges that include
fulfilling multiple and often conflicting roles of
caregiving for their aging relatives, caring for young
children, and working outside their homes. Let us
promote community programs and encourage workplace
policies that help to lighten or share the burden of
their caregiving responsibilities. And let us, as a
Nation, recognize and commend the vital role they play
in ensuring that older Americans age with grace,
dignity, and a precious measure of independence.

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 24 through November
30, 1996, as National Family Caregivers Week. I call
upon Government officials, businesses, communities,
volunteers, educators, and all the people of the United
States to acknowledge the contributions made by
caregivers this week and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-first.