National Hospice and Palliative Care Association · CaringInfo.org · Advanced Planning Care · Palliative Care · Hospice Care · Caregiving Options ·Visiting Nurse Assn. of NJ · GetPalliativeCare.org
Source: CaregiverAction.org
I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America…do hereby proclaim November 2022 as National Family Caregivers Month…(when) we recognize the love and sacrifice of more than 50 million Americans providing crucial care and medical assistance to parents, children, siblings, and other loved ones, ensuring their health and dignity.
Far too many Americans find themselves sandwiched between the enormous tasks of supporting aging parents, raising young children, and earning a living. Others bear the responsibility of caring for loved ones with a disability or looking after wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans who have sacrificed so much for us all…No one should have to choose between a paycheck and looking after a loved one.
Our American Rescue Plan provided $145 million to help the National Family Caregiver Support Program deliver counseling, training, and short-term relief to family and other informal care providers. We have expanded the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers so more veteran caregivers have the financial and mental health support they deserve, and we helped launch the “Hidden Helpers” initiative to serve the 2.3 million children now living with a disabled veteran. Meanwhile, we have pushed the Congress to lower child and elder care costs across the country and provide paid family and medical leave. We have more to do to win that fight, and I will not give up.
Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system, doing essential work with devotion, often at great emotional and financial cost. We owe them. It is time to bring their service out of the shadows and celebrate and support them in living their own happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.