HJ754: Virginia Caregivers Week; designating as November 2009, and each succeeding year thereafter.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 754
Designating the third week in November, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Caregivers Week in the Commonwealth.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 30, 2009
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2009

 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s caregivers are recognized for the outstanding service they provide and the significant role they play in their families and in their communities; and

WHEREAS, one in every five adults is responsible for managing the care, finances, or well-being of an adult family member or a child with special needs; and

WHEREAS, out-of-pocket expenditures, not counting lost income, may range from $6,000 to $12,000, which amounts to 10 percent of annual income for the average caregiver; and

WHEREAS, eight percent of home care services are provided by volunteer family members and friends, who also may be in jeopardy of having an accident or illness, which would result in their giving up the role of caregiver to seek medical care themselves; and

WHEREAS, in the last decade, the National Quality Care Network has helped establish and promote evidence-based best practices for caregiving, including developing a support network for caregivers; and

WHEREAS, studies have revealed that one third of caregivers have been providing care for more than five years; and

WHEREAS, 50 percent of caregivers have reduced or eliminated their leisure activities and vacations, and they spend an average of 35 hours a week providing direct care; and

WHEREAS, a 2006 AARP Policy Foundation research project estimated that nationally over $350 billion dollars of care was administered annually if the work of volunteer caregivers was valued at $9.36 per hour; and

WHEREAS, caregivers, through their love, strength, and hard work, provide a vital service to their families and to their community and they deserve the help and support of all the citizens of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate  the third week in November, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Caregivers Week in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly’s website.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 754
Offered January 19, 2009
Designating the third week in November, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Caregivers Week in the Commonwealth.
Patron-- Sherwood

Committee Referral Pending

WHEREAS, Virginias caregivers are recognized for the outstanding service they provide and the significant role they play in their families and in their communities; and

WHEREAS, one in every five adults is responsible for managing the care, finances, or well-being of an adult family member or a child with special needs; and

WHEREAS, out-of-pocket expenditures, not counting lost income, may range from $6,000 to $12,000, which amounts to 10 percent of annual income for the average caregiver; and

WHEREAS, eight percent of home care services are provided by volunteer family members and friends, who also may be in jeopardy of having an accident or illness, which would result in their giving up the role of caregiver to seek medical care themselves; and

WHEREAS, in the last decade, the National Quality Care Network has helped establish and promote evidence-based best practices for caregiving, including developing a support network for caregivers; and

WHEREAS, studies have revealed that one third of caregivers have been providing care for more than five years; and

WHEREAS, 50 percent of caregivers have reduced or eliminated their leisure activities and vacations, and they spend an average of 35 hours a week providing direct care; and

WHEREAS, a 2006 AARP Policy Foundation research project estimated that nationally over $350 billion dollars of care was administered annually if the work of volunteer caregivers was valued at $9.36 per hour; and

WHEREAS, caregivers, through their love, strength, and hard work, provide a vital service to their families and to their community and they deserve the help and support of all the citizens of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the third week in November, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Caregivers Week in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assemblys website.