Senate Resolution 543--Designating The Week Beginning May 11, 2008, As "National Nursing Home Week''

Floor Speech

SENATE RESOLUTION 543--DESIGNATING THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 11, 2008, AS "NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK'' -- (Senate - April 30, 2008)

Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Bingaman) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

S. Res. 543

Whereas more than 1,500,000 elderly and disabled individuals live in the nearly 16,000 nursing facilities in the United States;

Whereas the annual celebration of National Nursing Home Week invites people in communities nationwide to recognize nursing home residents and staff for their contributions to their communities;

Whereas the theme for National Nursing Home Week in 2008 is ``Love is Ageless'', emphasizing that each person, caregiver, and community has an abundance of love, no matter what their age;

Whereas love can be celebrated in a variety of ways, such as through the telling of personal stories, traditions, friendship, and family; and

Whereas National Nursing Home Week recognizes the people who provide care to the Nation's most vulnerable population: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates the week beginning May 11, 2008, as "National Nursing Home Week'';

(2) recognizes that a majority of people in the United States, because of social needs, disability, trauma, or illness, will require long-term care services at some point in their lives;

(3) honors nursing home residents and the people who care for them each day, including family members, volunteers, and dedicated long-term care professionals, for their contributions to their communities and the United States; and

(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nursing Home Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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