National Family Caregivers Week, 1998

Proclamation 7151 of November 20, 1998

National Family Caregivers Week, 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.