For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 2, 2005
National Family Caregivers Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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.
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
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