senate resolution no.110

Senators Irwin, Stamas, Santana, McBroom, Polehanki, Johnson, Schmidt, Brinks and Chang offered the following resolution:

A resolution to recognize February 18, 2022, as National Caregivers Day.

Whereas, February 18, 2022, marks National Caregivers Day, initially created in 2015 to recognize in-home caregivers who provide personal care and support to enable millions of Americans who are aging or who have a disability to remain safe and healthy in their own homes; and

Whereas, Home care has emerged as a valuable solution to fill gaps created by traditional care models, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health; and

Whereas, Professional caregivers work for licensed home care agencies and receive training to enable them to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Most importantly, these caregivers provide vital companionship and mental stimulation by engaging their clients in conversation and other activities; and

Whereas, Professional caregivers, who amount to nearly 4.6 million in the United States, and family caregivers who amount to an estimated 44 million, are lifelines to Americans while keeping them safe, healthy, and engaged; and

Whereas, Important benefits of home care include helping seniors lead more independent lives, preventing falls and other common injuries, promoting medication adherence, and reducing social isolation; and

Whereas, The home care industry is among the fastest growing healthcare industries in the United States and the Home Care Association, Michigan Chapter continuously advocates on behalf of providers and professional caregivers who have been essential in the fight against COVID-19; and

Whereas, Caregivers have truly stepped up to the challenge of COVID-19, not only caring for their clients, but also risking their own personal health and safety while doing so; and

Whereas, Home care workers enable families to stay together at home safely and with dignity as they age; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 18, 2022, as National Caregivers Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we express our gratitude to caregivers for their unwavering commitment to their clients and families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.