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House: Gilliard
Attorney: Draffin
Stenographer: Moore/Charlton
Date: April 20, 2017
Doc Name: L:\Council\Bills\GM\24966SD17.DOCX
TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2017, AS "ASSISTED LIVING WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO URGE CITIZENS TO VOLUNTEER IN AN ASSISTED-LIVING COMMUNITY, TO VISIT FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES WHO RESIDE AT THESE COMMUNITIES, AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH ASSISTED-LIVING SERVICES BENEFIT THE PALMETTO STATE.
Whereas, established by the National Center for Assisted Living in 1995, National Assisted Living Week (NALW) provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities; and
Whereas, residents of assisted-living communities are active members of the larger community, offering their wisdom, life experiences, and skills. Their past contributions continue to be a vital part of South Carolina's rich history, and their future contributions will deepen the Palmetto State's identity; and
Whereas, assisted living is a critical long-term care service for the elderly and for individuals with disabilities that fosters choice, dignity, and independence, and facilities for long-term care are committed to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of person-centered care; and
Whereas, South Carolina boasts an assisted-living community of four hundred seventy-one facilities which offer over eighteen thousand beds throughout the State; and
Whereas, NALW demonstrates the nation's appreciation of the unique individuals who reside in assisted-living communities and the staff members and volunteers who deliver care to them on a daily basis; and
Whereas, the theme of NALW 2017, "Family Is Forever," was inspired by lines penned by poet Maya Angelou: "Family isn't always blood, it's the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what"; and
Whereas, the annual observance encourages assisted-living communities across the country to organize and offer a variety of activities and events during NALW that celebrate the individuals they serve and the deep connections between staff and residents, as well as to help educate members of the public about this distinctive aspect of long-term care; and
Whereas, "Family Is Forever" acknowledges the significant bonds formed between assisted-living staff and their residents that can never be broken and how the staff members come to think of their residents like family; and
Whereas, assisted-living communities are an integral part of the larger community and local economy. Staff members cultivate connections with local families, business owners, government organizations, community organizers, and others to ensure that residents remain an active part of where they call home. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare the week of September 10-16, 2017, as "Assisted Living Week" in South Carolina and urge citizens to volunteer in an assisted-living community, to visit friends and loved ones who reside at these communities, and to learn more about the way in which assisted-living services benefit the Palmetto State.
This web page was last updated on April 20, 2017 at 11:50 AM