WASHINGTON- Congressman Lee Terry issued the following statement after his resolution honoring senior caregiving overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives tonight 387-0:

“I have seen first hand the significant contributions that home healthcare makes in my community and across the country,” said Congressman Terry.  "Today in the United States, there are more than 38 million people who are 65 years of age or older and this number is expected to more than double by 2050.  For this reason, it is critical that we as a nation are prepared to meet and manage the needs of our aging population.”

H.Con. Res. 59, Supporting the goals and ideals of senior care giving and affordability was introduced in February.  The legislation urges Congress to:

• Focus on learning more about senior care and being prepared to manage the needs of the aging population.
• Recognize caregiving as a profession
• Support the efforts of family care givers nationwide by encouraging individuals to provide care to family, friends and neighbors.
• Foster a private home health care industry environment that supports enterprise to provide accessible and affordable caregiving services to seniors while providing standardized training to paid care givers.
• Studies alternatives to make care giving even more accessible and affordable.
• Examines and continues to fund current federal programs which address the accessibility and affordability needs of seniors and their caregivers
• Encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue to educate people on the impact of aging and the importance of knowing the options available to meet the needs of seniors.

-30-