Presidential Proclamation–National Family Caregivers Month

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every day, family members, friends, neighbors, and concerned individuals across America provide essential attention and assistance to their loved ones. Many individuals in need of care — including children, elders, and persons with disabilities — would have difficulty remaining safely in their homes and community without the support of their relatives and caregivers.

Caregivers often look after multiple generations of family members. Their efforts are vital to the quality of life of countless American seniors, bringing comfort and friendship to these treasured citizens. However, this labor of love can result in physical, psychological, and financial hardship for caregivers, and research suggests they often put their own health and well-being at risk while assisting loved ones. Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, individuals can help their loved ones remain comfortably in the home and receive assistance with their caregiving responsibilities. This program provides information, assistance, counseling, training, support groups, and respite care for caregivers across our country.

My Administration’s Middle Class Task Force, led by Vice President Joe Biden, has made supporting family caregivers a priority, and we are working to assist caregivers as they juggle work, filial, and financial responsibilities……..

SEE THE REST OF THE PROCLAMATION HERE

And on a related note:

The Caregiver’s Voice (The Independent Voice of Family and Professional Caregivers of adults with brain impairment or dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, stroke, related illnesses, or trauma) spotlights a caregiver each month.

Last month I decided that I would nominate a caregiver whom I have known for about 2 years now. I met Carol, who cares for her mother who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, on Twitter of all places. Carol has now gravitated to using Facebook more often than Twitter but we do keep in touch. I felt that she was an excellent example of a caregiver who goes above and beyond the normal caregiving methods to keep her mother not only safe, but mentally stimulated…………And she WON!

So without further adieux:

CONGRATULATIONS, Carol Wright for being named The Caregiver’s Voice Family Caregiver of the Month.

Despite the hopelessness of a terminal disease, Carol finds ways to bring her mother (who is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s) JOY each day with creative activities. (Ed.)

Sole caregiver for Mom in advance stage of dementia
Carol Wright has been the sole caregiver for her mother, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, for over eight years. Like most caregivers, she was thrust into the position suddenly and made the choice to leave her home in another state to come live with her mom.

“Carol has found innovative ways to help her mom enjoy each day despite the hopelessness of late-stage Alzheimer’s.” – Former caregiver and selection committee member.

Mother loves music, babies, and animals.
What impresses me about Carol is the creativity she uses in her caregiving role. Her mother loves music, babies, and animals; so, Carol has gone out of her way to see that her mother is entertained.

Sunflower seeds, not peanuts, are better at the squirrel-feeding table.
Because it’s difficult to bring her mom into the world of nature, Carol has brought nature to her mom by setting up a squirrel-feeding table. It is located just outside, right next to her mother’s window, so that she can sit and watch the squirrels eating. Carol suggests using sunflower seeds instead of peanuts because the squirrels will stay at the table longer eating the seeds. She explains that “They tend to take the peanuts back to their nests.”