Honor Direct Caregivers Day

February 14, 2017, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its citizens with diligence and compassionate commitment profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to family and community life; and WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential care and support to people in the communities across New York State, serve to enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2017, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Direct caregivers are a vital lifeline to those they serve, as well as to families and friends struggling to provide quality care to their loved ones; they provide the bulk of the paid hands-on long-term care and personal assistance received by Americans who are elderly or living with disabilities or chronic conditions; and WHEREAS, Direct caregivers provide a broad range of critical tasks and services that improve the lives of those who need home or residential care; they assist individuals with activities of daily living, perform clinical tasks, help with homemaking and medication management, help consumers remain engaged in their communities, and serve as the eyes and ears for licensed professionals; and WHEREAS, Direct caregivers also constitute one of the largest and fastest-growing workforces in the country, playing a vital role in job creation and economic growth; serving in roles that include: nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides, they work in hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, community-based residential settings, non-residential day programs and private homes; and WHEREAS, Key members of the health care system, there were more than three million direct caregivers in the United States in 2008; in 2006, more than 317,000 paid direct caregivers were employed in New York State, the majority of whom provided care in the home; and WHEREAS, These essential workers carry out their life-affirming tasks despite low wages; about 45% of direct caregivers live in households earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level income, and 46% of direct caregivers use public benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps; and WHEREAS, As team members of one of the largest industries in the United States, the dedicated efforts of direct caregivers often go unheralded in the media, and unnoticed by the general public; and WHEREAS, New Yorkers benefit daily from the caring and skilled attention of these individuals and it is appropriate to recognize the innumerable contributions of direct caregivers by designating a special day in their honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2017, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.