President Obama Issues Proclamation to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month

​"Our Nation was founded on the fundamental ideal that we all do better when we look out for one another, and every day, millions of Americans from every walk of life balance their own needs with those of their loved ones as caregivers."
 
“This month, and every month, let us lift up all those who work to tirelessly advance the health and wellness of those they love. Let us encourage those who choose to be caregivers and look toward a future where our politics and our policies reflect the selflessness and open-hearted empathy they show their loved ones every day.”
 
- President Barack Obama, October 31, 2016
 
President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation in honor of National Family Caregivers Month. You can view the text of the proclamation here and see additional background, including this year’s Theme for National Family Caregivers Month.
 
Caregiver Action Network (the National Family Caregivers Association) is the organization that chooses the theme for National Family Caregivers Month annually and spearheads celebration of NFC Month nationally.
 
National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November – is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Caregiver Action Network began promoting national recognition of family caregivers in 1994. President Clinton signed the first NFC Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997 and every president since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November.
 
Day in and day out, 90 million family caregivers in this country fulfill a vital role on the care team. No one else is in a better position to ensure continuity of care. Family caregivers are the most familiar with their care recipients’ medications and treatments; and they understand best their dietary and exercise needs.
 
Caregiver Action Network coordinates National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month) as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Celebrating Family Caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to:
 
·         Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
·         Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
·         Educate family caregivers about self-identification
·         Increase support for family caregivers