These everyday heroes, living quietly among us in families and communities across the country, are the major source of long-term care in America. By providing billions of dollars' worth of caregiving services each year, they dramatically reduce the demands on our Nation's health care system and make an extraordinary contribution to the quality of life of their loved ones.
Caregivers often pay an emotional and physical price as well as a financial one.
Few enjoy any free time because they must juggle the demands of home and work while meeting the special needs of the individuals in their care. Many do not have the support of other family members or friends and consequently experience depression, a sense of isolation, and the stress of knowing they must carry out their important duties alone. Studies have indicated that such caregiver stress can have a physical consequence, contributing to a higher mortality rate among elderly caregivers who themselves have a history of chronic illness. But caregivers should not have to face their challenges alone, and my Administration has worked hard to ensure that they will not have to do so. I am pleased that the Congress has finally passed the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000, which will strengthen and improve the services available to senior citizens in every State, from home-delivered meals to transportation services to legal assistance.