New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

Press Releases | Speeches | Executive Orders | Proclamations

Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers are well known for their compassion for persons with special needs - the elderly, infirmed, chronically ill, and disabled - as they require assistance in carrying out everyday tasks for themselves, and today there are an estimated 2.2 million New Yorkers serving as "caregivers" who provide approximately 80% of the long term care for family members and other loved ones; and

Whereas, family caregivers are not only formal family members but often are friends, neighbors or others who tend to individuals in need of assistance, providing help with such tasks as bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as shopping, cooking and cleaning; and

Whereas, the need for family caregivers is growing and will continue to grow as the life expectancy increases and New York's population of aging citizens lives longer; and

Whereas, family caregivers provide a truly valuable service that allows many New Yorkers to remain in their homes and communities of choice rather than seek care in an institutional setting; and

Whereas, individuals engaged in family care giving should have our support and assistance as they face challenges affecting their own health, finances, and job security; and

Whereas, family caregivers deserve gratitude and respect for their efforts as they must often balance their time carrying out responsibilities to their immediate families and their jobs - and while there are demands in caring for others, they remain selfless in sharing themselves and their time with those in their care; and

Whereas, November is National Family Caregivers' Month, providing an opportunity for New Yorkers to join with all Americans in recognizing those whose compassionate care benefits many in our society, and we are grateful for their efforts on behalf of family, friends and loved ones who themselves appreciate the kindness and respect of others that enables them to live with the dignity we all deserve;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as Caregivers' Month in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-ninth day of October in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor