Caring Strategies

02/18/2026

Our very own Carla Durham, Care Manager & Board-Certified Music Therapist, is in Montgomery today for Music Therapy Advocacy Day! We are so proud to have her on our team. ❤️ Way to go Carla!!

Pictured with her is Stephanie Bolton & the group picture features Representative Marilyn Lands, who is sponsoring the bill supporting licensure for music therapists.

02/17/2026

Protecting your relationship while caregiving - Caring for a family member is demanding, and that stress can spill over into your marriage or close relationships. But with balance, communication, and shared support, it can bring you even closer.

Caring for a family member is demanding, and that stress can spill over into your marriage or close relationships. But with balance, communication, and shared support, it can bring you even closer.

02/10/2026

The importance of sleep - When life gets busy, as it often does for family caregivers, sleep is often the first thing that is sacrificed. But that can be a mistake as serious as skipping food or water. Quality sleep fuels brain function, emotional balance, immunity, and so much more.

When life gets busy, as it often does for family caregivers, sleep is often the first thing that is sacrificed. But that can be a mistake as serious as skipping food or water. Quality sleep fuels brain function, emotional balance, immunity, and so much more.

02/06/2026

❤️ Wear Red for Red Day! ❤️

Today, our team is proudly wearing red in support of Red Day to raise awareness for heart disease. Heart disease impacts millions of individuals and families, and awareness is a powerful step toward prevention and better heart health.

Thank you to our amazing employees for showing up, standing together, and helping spread an important message. Heart health matters. ❤️

02/03/2026

Age-related macular degeneration - February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. While vision already lost cannot be restored, this common cause of legal blindness luckily can be slowed with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. Learn how you can help your loved one.

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. While vision already lost cannot be restored, this common cause of legal blindness luckily can be slowed with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. Learn how you can help your loved one.

01/27/2026

The brain-healthy plate - The MIND diet combines healthy, whole foods to support cognitive wellness. Focus on helping your aging loved one incorporate a wide range of choices such as greens, grains, and berries, while cutting back on processed foods. Small daily changes can make a lasting difference.

The MIND diet combines healthy, whole foods to support cognitive wellness. Focus on helping your aging loved one incorporate a wide range of choices such as greens, grains, and berries, while cutting back on processed foods. Small daily changes can make a lasting difference.

01/20/2026

Creating an Emergency Room “go bag” - Trips to the ER are generally stressful by nature, but they can be made less so with some preparation. Learn what to have ready for the next time your loved one needs emergency care.

Trips to the ER are generally stressful by nature, but they can be made less so with some preparation. Learn what to have ready for the next time your loved one needs emergency care.

01/19/2026

MEET THE TEAM- MAKAYLA CARR, MS, ADC, CCM- Care Manager

MaKayla is an experienced mental health and social service professional specializing in geriatric care management and social work coordination. With an extensive background in supporting older adults across psychiatric, medical, and community-based settings, she excels in navigating complex systems to ensure clients and their families receive the resources, advocacy, and guidance they need. She holds dual master’s degrees in Mental Health and Wellness and Addiction Counseling and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work. MaKayla remains committed to advocating for older adults and ensuring they have access to support and services to promote dignity and quality of life. She stays busy with the activities of her husband and two children and also enjoys crafting in her spare time. We are so excited she has joined our team!

01/13/2026

Getting support from your spiritual beliefs - Boosting your spiritual practice may be your simplest route to becoming a stronger, less stressed family caregiver.

Boosting your spiritual practice may be your simplest route to becoming a stronger, less stressed family caregiver.

01/06/2026

Considering a remodel? - Discover changes that can help your loved one "age in place," as well as tips for finding a qualified contractor.

Discover changes that can help your loved one "age in place," as well as tips for finding a qualified contractor.

01/05/2026

As we wrap up Caring Strategies 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude and pride. 💙

This year was filled with meaningful moments shared with all of our clients, including our SPARK! and Music Therapy clients—moments of connection, growth, creativity, and joy that continue to inspire our work every day.

We are also excited to celebrate our growing team. In 2025, we welcomed three new Care Managers—Ashley, MaKayla, and Lisa, with one additional team member joining us as we begin the new year. Our continued growth is possible because of the unwavering support of our families, clients, and community who believe in our mission.

✨ Honorable Mentions ✨

Care Managers Carla and Lisa for earning their licenses and becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers—an incredible professional milestone.

SPARK! Coordinator Dianne for attending Alabama Advocacy Day, advocating for individuals living with dementia and amplifying the voices of those we serve.

Care Manager & Music Therapist Carla for joining the Shoals Symphony to perform Disney’s The Lion King, showcasing the power of music to connect and inspire.

Intern Mason Harwell for his dedication, compassion, and meaningful contributions to our team and the individuals we serve.

Thank you to everyone who supported, trusted, and walked alongside us throughout 2025. We are honored to be part of your journeys and look forward to continuing this meaningful work together in the year ahead.