Caring Strategies

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.

12/30/2025

Sage advice from elders - As we near the end of the year, it's a natural time to reflect on the big picture. Older adults have a lot to teach us about life. If you're searching for some perspective, check out The Legacy Project, which spent many years compiling practical tips from wise elders.

As we near the end of the year, it's a natural time to reflect on the big picture. Older adults have a lot to teach us about life. If you're searching for some perspective, check out The Legacy Project, which spent many years compiling practical tips from wise elders.

12/23/2025

Caring for feet - Our feet and toes change as we age, and those small changes can lead to big issues with balance, comfort, and mobility. Keep an eye on your aging loved one's feet and don't ignore signs such as pain, swelling, or thickened nails.

Our feet and toes change as we age, and those small changes can lead to big issues with balance, comfort, and mobility. Keep an eye on your aging loved one's feet and don't ignore signs such as pain, swelling, or thickened nails.

12/22/2025

Here’s some reminders for this upcoming Holiday season! This season can be stressful, be sure to sit back & enjoy the little things! We hope everyone has the best holidays!

12/16/2025

Balancing caregiving and work - Of the millions of Americans caring for aging loved ones, 61% also have jobs. If you are one of them, you know just how hard it is to stay on top of everything, not to mention find time for yourself, too.

Of the millions of Americans caring for aging loved ones, 61% also have jobs. If you are one of them, you know just how hard it is to stay on top of everything, not to mention find time for yourself, too.

12/09/2025

Whose idea was this, anyway? - Many family caregivers feel they had no choice about taking on primary responsibilities for a parent's care. Learn tips for reducing family conflict … and your own resentments!

Many family caregivers feel they had no choice about taking on primary responsibilities for a parent's care. Learn tips for reducing family conflict … and your own resentments!