Whereas, In 2000 there were an estimated 34.9 million people over the age of 65 years in the United States, comprising 1 in every 8 Americans, and by 2030 there will be about 70 million persons, comprising 1 in every 5 Americans; and,

Whereas, According to the 2000 census, Michigan has nearly 1.6 million people over the age of 60 years, representing 16.1 percent of the total population; and,

Whereas, It is estimated that over 60 percent of today’s adult population either is or expects to be a family caregiver; and,

Whereas, Family caregivers provide the overwhelming majority of homecare services in the U.S., approximately 80 percent; and,

Whereas, Family caregivers provide support daily or occasionally, and they assist with services such as bathing, banking, shopping, food preparation, and medical care; and,

Whereas, Tthrough their service, they are a beacon of light, providing care and assistance to help persons maintain independence in their daily lives; and,

Whereas, It is estimated that one million Michiganians provide 1,027 million hours of unpaid care annually to ill and disabled adults in the state with an approximate economic value of over $9 million per year; and,

Whereas, In Michigan there are 70,044 grandparents living in households where they are responsible for their grandchildren; and,

Whereas, Family Caregivers Month is a time to thank and support the valuable work and contributions of the millions of family caregivers nationwide and throughout Michigan; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2005, as Michigan Family Caregivers Month and I encourage all citizens of Michigan to recognize and acknowledge the invaluable efforts of caregivers this month and throughout the year.