78R3961 JHS-D

By:  Villarreal                                                   H.R. No. 100



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Many long-term care residents, professionals, and 
volunteers are visiting the State Capitol today to celebrate the 
quality care provided to our aging population through faith-based 
and community-based organizations in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, From the plains of the Panhandle to the piney woods 
of East Texas, from the mountains of El Paso to the coastal waters 
of the Gulf of Mexico, from the rural hills of Central Texas to the 
urban streets of San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, faith-based and 
community-based organizations remain dedicated to serving aging 
citizens of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, More than 200 of these organizations have joined 
together as the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the 
Aging, and the men and women who make up this group are committed to 
ensuring quality long-term care for our aging population; the 
dedication and commitment of these family members, nurses, 
administrators, and volunteer board members provide the foundation 
for the future of long-term care in the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Some 30,000 seniors from around the state receive 
services from nonprofit organizations in their homes, in senior 
housing facilities, in retirement communities and assisted living 
facilities, in nursing homes, or in other community programs; and
	WHEREAS,  The organizations that provide long-term care have 
as their primary mission a dedication to improving care and 
sustaining the highest quality of life possible for our aging 
population; this goal becomes increasingly important as the baby 
boom generation is reaching retirement age; and
	WHEREAS, The population of Texans age 60 and older is 
projected to increase from 2.7 million in 2000 to 7.5 million by 
2030, an increase of 176 percent; this increase in the senior 
citizen demographic makes planning for long-term care a challenge 
that is not only a worthwhile endeavor but a truly necessary goal; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 3, 2003, as Texas Association 
of Homes and Services for the Aging Day at the Capitol and extend to 
the delegation present on this day sincere best wishes for an 
enjoyable and memorable visit.