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By Nurse and
Caregiver Diane
The ability of taking care of an elderly or sick family
member at home is very rewarding, and so under-appreciated. When my husband's uncle passed away, his 90
year old wife was faced with the possibility of moving into a nursing
home. She was a very healthy, young
ninety year old, but had the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. When her children did not want to bring her
to live with them, her granddaughter stepped up and took her in. Things were great, she was able to spend time
with her granddaughter and great grandson, she even got a puppy to keep her
company while they were at school and work.
Time spent with her family was better than in a facility with strangers.
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This month is National Family Caregiver's Month. Below is the Presidential Proclamation:
Our
Nation's health care professionals provide essential medical services to
millions of Americans, yet they do not shoulder their responsibilities alone.
Family members, friends, and neighbors devote countless hours to providing care
to their relatives or loved ones. During National Family Caregivers Month, we
recognize and thank the humble heroes who do so much to keep our families and
communities strong.
Across
America, daughters and sons balance the work of caring for aging parents with
the demands of their careers and raising their own children. Spouses and partners
become caregivers to the ones they love even as they navigate their own health
challenges. Mothers and fathers resume care for children returning home as
wounded warriors. Friends and relatives form networks to support loved ones
with disabilities. All of them give selflessly to bring comfort, social
engagement, and stability to those they love.
Family
caregivers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they assist, but
their hours are long and their work is hard. Many put their own lives on hold
to lift up someone close to them. That is why my Administration continues to
support these committed individuals through programs like the National Family
Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Program, and through
new initiatives like the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. These
efforts help caregivers access services, provide quality support, and reinforce
their support through respite care options. Additionally, my Administration has
pursued workplace flexibility initiatives that help caregivers balance their
responsibilities to their employers with their responsibilities to their loved
ones. I was also proud to sign the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act, which has helped our most seriously injured post-9/11 veterans
and their family caregivers through financial support; access to health
insurance, mental health services, and counseling; and comprehensive caregiver
training and respite care.
National
Family Caregivers Month is a time to reflect on the compassion and dedication
that family caregivers embody every day. As we offer our appreciation and
admiration for their difficult work, let us also extend our own offers of
support to them and their loved ones.
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 2012 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 first day of November, in the
year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK
OBAMA
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Show your
support to those you know who provide care to their family members.
