Supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and affordability.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for conducting this debate on H. Con. Res. 59. This important concurrent resolution supports the goals and ideals of senior caregiving. I would like to thank the distinguished Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Education and Labor Committee as well as the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities for their role in bringing this concurrent resolution to the House Floor. Furthermore, I would like to particularly thank the 42 cosponsors of this important resolution.

Seniors are one of our most precious resources. In order to take care of our seniors, we need a nation of caregivers.

On March 30, 2009, I introduced H. Con. Res. 59 in order to help promote the goals and ideals of senior caregiving. The idea for this concurrent resolution was brought to me by the world's large senior care provider, Home Instead Senior Care, which is located in my congressional district in Omaha, Nebraska. Home Instead understands first hand the importance of senior caregiving. Its over 800 franchises worldwide provide care to over 60,000 seniors. Home Instead is just one of hundreds of companies who provide care to seniors. In addition to these paid caregivers, you have millions of individuals who provide care to their elderly parents, siblings, friends etc.

To illustrate the need for senior caregivers, today in the United States, there are more than 38 million people who are 65 years of age or older and this number is expected to more than double by 2050. For this reason, it is critical that we as a nation are prepared to meet and manage the needs of our aging population. We must work to educate people in the United States on the impact of aging and the importance of knowing the options available to seniors when they need assistance to meet their personal needs.

In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 767,000 paid personal and home care aides providing more than 835 million hours of care to a senior population of 38 million. These statistics speak to the point that seniors prefer to remain in their homes if their needs are met with affordable and safe homecare. I firmly believe the longer a senior is able to provide for his or her own care, the less burden is placed on public payment systems in state and federal governments.

This important concurrent resolution pledges to study the needs of an aging population and seeks alternatives which can make caregiving more affordable. Moreover, this resolution importantly recognizes the caregivers who provide these homecare services. This resolution will draw attention to our everyday heroes who enhance the lives of our senior population. This resolution also focuses on those caregivers who are excited to have an employment opportunity to work with our seniors.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the three national associations who are supportive of this legislation: National Family Caregivers Association; the National Association for Home Care and Hospice; and the National Private Duty Association. These three groups illustrate the widespread support for this resolution amongst the caregiver community.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 59 is an important step in recognizing the important work of caregivers. I encourage my colleagues to support this important concurrent resolution.

National Private Duty Association,

Indianapolis, IN, July 1, 2008.

The National Private Duty Association formally endorses the

Concurrent Resolution which Home Instead Senior Care has

circulated. This Resolution does an excellent job of

promoting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and

affordability.

The National Private Duty Association is supportive of the

intent of this Resolution which is to increase the visibility

of senior caregivers in a positive manner. Moreover, the

National Private Duty Association believes the six

recommendations listed in the Resolution are important steps

forward in our effort to educate the public on senior

caregiving.

We encourage other associations to support this Resolution

effort and we look forward to becoming a part of the

coalition in support of this. I would be happy to discuss the

merits of this Resolution at any time.

Sincerely,

Sheila McMackin,

President,

National Private Duty Association.

Mr. President, the importance of the senior caregiving community cannot be overstated. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the United States, 35.9 million people are 65 years of age or older, which is 12.4 percent of the population. The U.S. Census Bureau also states that with over 8,000 Americans turning 60 years old every day, the number of people over the age of 65 is expected to more than double in the next 50 years to 86.7 million. Furthermore, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the 85 and older population is projected to reach 9.6 million in 2030 and double again to 20.9 million in 2050.

A report by Evercare, entitled Study of Caregivers in Decline: A Close-up Look at the Health Risk of Caring for a Loved One, explains that in order to address the surging population of seniors who have significant needs for in-home care, the field of senior caregiving will continue to grow. Thus, while senior caregivers are playing an important role now, this profession will be even more important in the future.

The Dilenschneider Group, Inc., estimates that 25 percent of all seniors need some level of assistance to complete their daily activities. Senior companions provide a wide range of services, such as medication reminders, housekeeping, meal preparation, travel assistance, and general companionship. If we can keep seniors in their homes, we accomplish a number of goals. We preserve the independence and dignity of our seniors. That alone is significant. But, it also saves money in a health care system facing skyrocketing costs and soon- to-be insolvent programs. The longer a senior is able to provide for his or her own care at home, the better.

Adequate in-home care has become even more vital with the increase of dementia in our elderly population. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 4.5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's today and that this number will increase to between 11.3 and 16 million by 2050. The Alzheimer's Association further explains that 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias live at home. These individuals can utilize in-home care provided by senior caregivers for assistance with their daily activities.

Senior caregiver services are a much preferred alternative for seniors who desire to maintain their independence.

They also offer families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is being taken care of in a safe and affordable manner.

I am very pleased with the passage of my resolution to honor senior caregivers and the private home care industry. According to The Dilenschneider Group, Inc., an estimated 44 million adults in this country provide care to adult relatives or friends, and an estimated 725,000 non-family, privately paid individuals are senior caregivers. The Department of Labor estimates that in 2006, paid caregivers worked a total of 835 million hours. I salute those who provide quality care for so many Americans. I also salute the cooperative effort of both unpaid family caregivers and paid caregivers to serve the needs of seniors living in their own homes.

We need to examine Federal policy alternatives to make caregiving for seniors more accessible and more affordable for families. This resolution encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue working to educate aging Americans about the assistance options available for seniors.

I thank the senior caregivers for their service to Americans throughout this Nation, and I am pleased my colleagues agreed to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor during the week of Monday, September 14, 2009.

Had I been present on Monday, September 14, 2009, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 696 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 6), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 697 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 459), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 698 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 59).

Had I been present on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, I would have voted ``Present'' on rollcall vote No. 699 (On agreeing to H. Res. 744), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 700 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 317), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 701 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 22), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 702 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3137)

Had I been present on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 703 (On agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 746), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 704 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 260), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 705 (On agreeing to the Hall (TX) amendment to H.R. 3246), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 706 (On agreeing to the Donnelly (IN) amendment to HR. 3246), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 707 (On agreeing to the Massa amendment to H.R. 3246), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 708 (On motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 3246), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 709 (On passage of H.R. 3246)

Had I been present on Thursday, September 17, 2009, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 710 (On agreeing to the Hoekstra amendment to HR. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 711 (On agreeing to the McMorris Rodgers amendment to HR. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 712 (On agreeing to the Foxx amendment to HR. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 713 (On agreeing to the Himes amendment to H.R. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 714 (On agreeing to the Minnick amendment to HR. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 715 (On agreeing to the Schauer amendment to H.R. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 716 (On agreeing to the Teague amendment to HR. 3221), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 717 (On agreeing to the Guthrie amendment to HR. 3221, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 718 (On motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 3221) because as an original cosponsor and a strong supporter of H.R. 3571, the Defund ACORN Act, I agree that it is absolutely necessary to prevent all Federal taxpayer dollars from going to ACORN, and ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 719 (On passage of H.R. 3221).

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of H. Con. Res. 59-- supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and affordability. Our national population of seniors is growing at unprecedented rates. National statistics reveal that 8,000 people turn 60 each day. Moreover, an estimated 44 million adults in the United States currently provide care to their senior relatives and friends. In light of these trends, it is our responsibility to ensure that senior citizens, especially those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, have access to the quality and professional care they need to live their lives to the fullest. I commend Rep. Lee Terry for bringing this measure before the floor.

This resolution demonstrates that Congress is concerned about our senior citizens and we are actively engaging and learning more about the senior caregiving industry. Today, 35.9 million people, roughly 12.4 percent of the U.S. population, are aged 65 years and older. Moreover, 25 percent of all seniors require some level of assistance with their daily life activities. At this rate, the population of seniors is expected to increase each year and is in danger of exceeding the availability of qualified professionals and trained caregivers. Therefore, it is important that we now begin to take the necessary steps to effectively manage the needs of our aging population.

We can accomplish this objective by providing some much needed support to family caregivers across the country. Family caregivers expend a lot of time, energy, and resources caring for their senior relatives. And many families that do not provide care within their homes rely on non-family private caregivers. In this regard, Congress must help to foster a private home care industry environment that supports enterprises that provide accessible and affordable caregiving services to seniors. This must also include standardized training to paid caregivers with the opportunity for their ongoing professional development. Additionally, Congress must examine and continue to fund current federal programs that address the affordability and accessibility challenges our seniors and their family caregivers face.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice of support for H. Con. Res. 59--supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and affordability. And I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we continue to provide the necessary resources toward senior caregiving and improve affordability so that all our senior citizens will have access to quality caregiving when they need it.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 59) supporting the goals and ideals of senior caregiving and affordability, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 59 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 59, which is a bill that supports the ideals of senior caregiving and addresses the important issue of affordability.

Research professionals tell us that our seniors are living longer than any previous generation. The number of people over the age of 65 will double in the next 50 years, and the demand for senior care will rise to unprecedented levels. Currently, 25 percent of all seniors need some level of assistance with their daily living activities. Families, neighbors, and private care serve this role for many seniors. As demand increases, so does the need for affordable and quality care.

There are between 30 and 38 million adult caregivers age 18 and older. They are our friends, family members, partners, and neighbors. On average, they work 21 hours per week. Not only do these unpaid caregivers provide long-term services to persons of all ages, but they contribute to the economy. In 2006, the AARP estimated that caregiving services have an annual economic value of $350 billion.

Many caregivers put their own health at risk while caring for others. Caregivers are more likely to report chronic illnesses at twice the rate as noncaregivers. Though they save the country billions of dollars, caregivers report having higher medical bill expenses than noncaregivers.

Providing better support for caregivers is essential to the well- being of our health care system, our long-term care system, and our economy.

I want to express my support for this resolution and thank Congressman Terry for bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support me on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support for this concurrent resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.