123STA T . 3 7 31 PROCL A M AT I O N84 48 — OCT. 3 0, 200 9Proclam a ti o n84 48o fO cto be r 30,2 00 9Nation a lF a m il yC a reg i v er sM ont h,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Thetru e s tre ng th of the Am er ica n fami ly fin d sitsrootsinanun w a v er - ing commitment to care for one another .I n difficult times , Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comforta b le and safe. W hether caring for a p arent, relative, or child, our N ation ’ s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they loo k after. D uring National F amily C aregivers M onth, we honor the in- dividuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves. Caregiver support is at the heart of my Administration’s commitment to assisting our Nation’s families. Currently, a variety of programs and services offer help and encouragement to family caregivers. The Na- tional Family Caregiver S upport P rogram and the L ifespan R espite Care Act include important resources for caregivers of children and adults, with opportunities to receive much-needed assistance and take part in support programs with other families. These programs allow individ- uals to remain with their families for as long as possible while helping to ensure the wellness of participating care providers. My Administration’s dedication to caregivers is also embodied in our efforts to develop policies to support workers trying to manage their responsibilities on the j ob and at home. Families are best able to care for their loved ones when they can take time away from work without fear of losing their job or their income. We all have roles to play, in- cluding employers, by providing paid leave, fle x ible work arrange- ments, and other programs when feasible, to help ensure that care- givers are able to successfully meet their work and household respon- sibilities. E very day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and financial assist- ance. As the foundation of America’s long-term care system, these indi- viduals give millions of Americans the peace of mind and security that only family can provide. N O W,T H EREFORE, I, B ARAC K OBAMA, President of the U nited States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Novem- ber 20 0 9 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Ameri- cans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA
