A Helpful Guide for Caregivers in Birmingham, AL: 10 Local Resources to Help You Care for Aging Parents and Disabled Loved Ones at Home

The daily challenges of caring for an aging parent or loved one who is disabled can be truly exhausting. While certain local agencies and organizations certainly do everything they can to provide a helpful balance for your routine, doing the necessary research to connect with a local representative can add yet another task to your ever-increasing to-do list.

In order to assist you and your loved one, here are a list of local resources for the greater Birmingham, AL, area:

1. Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) from United Way of Central Alabama: A trusted and unbiased wealth of helpful information that serves people of all ages and incomes with a focus on making connections with programs designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. uwca.org/need-help/senior-services/aging-and-disability-resource-center/
2. Alabama Department of Senior Services: Whether you are seeking assistance for obtaining meals, prescription drugs, caregiver resources, or more, ADSS aims at assisting you. The overall goal of this agency is to preserve the independence and dignity of Alabama’s senior and disabled population. https://alabamaageline.gov/
3. Americans with Disabilities Birmingham: This city department handles ADA matters relating to local infrastructure and city facilities. https://www.birminghamal.gov/birmingham-ada/
4. Birmingham Senior Center: A community center that offers a range of programs and services for aging residents in the county. Some of the areas that they cover include recreational and leisure programs, health and wellness programs, cultural programs, and educational classes. https://www.countyoffice.org/birmingham-senior-center-birmingham-al-824/
5. Birmingham VA Medical Center: If you are caring for a senior or disabled veteran, a number of healthcare facilities are specifically set up to assist you. Available in person at an actual medical center or also possible to meet with a doctor online. https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/
6. Disability Rights and Resources: Run into a legal matter that you and your loved one need assistance with? Looking for information about modifications to your existing home? Contact this nonprofit center for help on how to be empowered to participate fully in your own community! https://www.drradvocates.org/
7. Jefferson County Senior Services: The County Department of Community Services offers a Senior Services division that provides a wealth of resources to enhance the lives of senior citizens in the area. From transportation assistance and health screenings to educational and recreational activities, the Coordinator of Senior Services is here to help! https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=355&pg=Senior+Services
8. MAX Birmingham Area Transit: The paratransit division of MAX aims to provide safe, reliable, and excellent transportation to all riders, including those with disabilities who may require additional assistance. Paratransit buses run during the regular route hours within the city and county limits: https://maxtransit.org/paratransit/
9. Senior Directory for Birmingham, AL: A helpful nationwide guide that offers resources for your city! From offering resources to connect you with medical care to providing details on housing affordability, representative Terri is happy to assist: https://seniordirectory.com/city-guide/birmingham
10. United Way Area Agency on Aging: The main Jefferson County agency that seeks to enhance the lives of all seniors and individuals with disabilities. https://www.uwaaa.org/

Additional Helpful Tips:

When at home, you expect your loved one to feel safe and secure. Here are some additional helpful tips to be thinking about to assist your favorite senior citizen or disabled loved one.

• Use a ramp or lift on stairs to help your loved one avoid tripping or falling when exiting or entering the house.
• Widen doorways and hallways to provide for better mobility.
• Improve lighting, including installing brighter lightbulbs in hard-to-see areas and putting nightlights in key areas for safe nighttime bathroom trips.
• Remove tripping hazards, such as loose rugs and electrical cords.
• Keep your whole house clean and free of clutter to prevent accidents.
• Install grab bars in key locations, such as in the bathroom.
• Don’t forget to take care of yourself! As a caregiver, your first priority is your own physical, mental, and emotional health, so make sure you get the advice and counseling that you need.

For more timely help and advice, do not hesitate to reach out to your local Harmar dealer. We are here to help you with all of your daily concerns and needs as you do your best to make your loved one’s life more independent, accessible, and enjoyable. Harmar: We lift lives!