Reps. Shaffer, Accavitti, Ball, Bieda, Booher, Brown, Caul, Condino, Cushingberry, Ebli, Elsenheimer, Garfield, Gonzales, Green, Hansen, Hopgood, Rick Jones, Kolb, Kooiman, Lemmons, Jr., Lipsey, Marleau, Mayes, Meyer, Murphy, Nitz, Pastor, Pearce, Polidori, Proos, Sak, Alma Smith, Stahl, Taub, Tobocman, Vander Veen, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 317.

A resolution recognizing the month of November as National Family Caregiver Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, It is with great pride that we honor and celebrate family caregivers across Michigan during National Family Caregiver Month.  Approximately 50 million family caregivers nationwide have sacrificed their time and energy and offered their talents to care for the ones they love in their home rather than in a nursing home or care facility.  We commend those caregivers for their tremendous acts of service and their charitable attitude toward those who don’t have the strength or health to maintain a wholesome lifestyle on their own; and

            Whereas, These brave men and women want to ensure their family members or close friends are receiving the best care possible. Through their efforts they can help these long-term care individuals sustain a comfortable way of life.  Many family caregivers may feel the physical, mental and emotional burdens of providing care for long-term care individuals.  For this reason, family caregivers can reach out for help to the National Private Duty Association for additional resources and assistance; and

Whereas, We encourage all Michigan family caregivers to continue believing in themselves and the work they do.  These caregivers have touched many lives by their service and those touched will be forever grateful.  Caregiver’s families have also selflessly allowed them to give of their time to serve people in this capacity, and we thank them for their sacrifice.  Their efforts will always be remembered and will mend the hearts and lives you save; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the month of November as National Family Caregiver Month and commend all statewide family caregivers; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to family caregivers as a reflection of their dedication and service.