ALR Respite Reimbursement Application: Step-by-Step Tutorial

ALR Respite Reimbursement Timesheet: Step-by-Step Tutorial

ALR Alabama Cares Respite Reimbursement Timesheet: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program 

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 11/14/24 with featured speaker Cecilia Ballinger of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP). Learn how ADAP provides legal services to Alabamians with disabilities to protect, promote and expand their rights.

The Child Within (11/4/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn how inner child work can strengthen your resilience while caregiving and deepen the capacity for wonder, awe, joy, and playfulness.

Chair Yoga (10/22/24)

Join special guest Kristin Bumper for chair yoga! This exciting opportunity can be adapted for all skill levels.

Barton Chair Demonstration (10/17/24)

Are you looking for a safer option to help your non-ambulatory loved one in and out of bed? Join special guest Scott Pearson to learn about the 1-person assist Barton Chair with a live demonstration, financing discussion, and Q&A.

Caregiver Martyr Syndrome (10/11/24)

Are you a caregiving martyr? Do you struggle with giving others control? Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we explore martyr syndrome, the symptoms, and tips for letting go.

Anxiety & Unhealthy Thinking Patterns (10/4/24)

Did you know that anxiety is the number one mental health diagnosis for adults in the US? ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses how caregiving can lead to more anxiety and unhealthy thinking patterns. Learn how to notice these patterns and use some strategies to reduce their effects on our lives.

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: Autism Support of Alabama

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 9/27/24 with featured speaker Chenique Jeffress with Autism Support of Alabama. Learn how Autism Support of Alabama works to “Improve Services For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Their Families Through Education And Advocacy.”

Delusions, Paranoia, & Hallucinations (9/20/24)

Why do people with dementia experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia? This training will cover the symptoms of these behaviors and provide tips for handling them, as well as guidance for caregivers.

Perfectionism & Procrastination (9/12/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we uncover the link between perfectionism and procrastination, as well as tips to get unstuck.

Exploring Comorbidities: ADHD (7/30/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we explore some of the comorbidities of ADHD and practical recommendations for management.

Suicide Prevention for Caregivers (7/26/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn the warning signs of suicide and resources for help.

Loss of Life Preparation as a Caregiver (7/12/24)

The final stages of a loved one’s life can be a highly challenging, emotional time. ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang offers a framework for loss of life preparation as you plan for the end of your caregiving journey.

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: VA 

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 6/27/24 with featured speaker Theresa Vollor, Veterans Administration (VA Birmingham) Caregiver Support Program Manager. Learn about the VA Caregiver Support Program and its efforts to promote the health and wellbeing of veterans’ caregivers.

The Empowered Caregiver: The Value of Vulnerability (6/20/24)

There is power in our vulnerability. Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we uncover how to harness this power, make connections, and live more authentically.

Crash Course Series: Strokes (06/13/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for a crash course in stroke, including five types of strokes, common symptoms/treatments, prevention, caregiver tips, and more.

The Seven Dimensions of Wellness (6/7/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn about wellness in seven dimensions & the holistic approach to overall wellbeing.

Mindfulness Practice for Caregivers (5/3/24)

What is mindfulness and why does it help? ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses the neurological benefits of mindfulness and what it means to develop this practice for yourself as a caregiver.

ALR Caregiver Wellness Initiative (4/30/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn about the Caregiver Wellness Initiative and the benefits of licensed mental health care.

The Benefits of Spiritual Practice (4/18/24)

Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, secular, or anything in between there are health benefits associated with developing a practice. Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we delve into the benefits of having a spiritual practice as a caregiver.

The Pursuit of Happiness (04/12/24)

Happiness doesn’t just happen–sometimes we have to chase it down. Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for an enlightening conversation about the science of happiness and ways to give yourself permission to choose it despite the suffering that may surround us.

Avoiding Caregiver Resentment (04/05/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for “Avoiding Caregiver Resentment” and explore how to deal with caregiver resentment compassionately and some ways to handle, express, and redirect that energy so you can move forward.

Hiring a Respite Provider 101 (03/29/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for a basic 101 overview of finding, hiring, and maintaining quality respite care.

Grocery Savings Strategies for Caregivers (03/22/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn tips and tricks to make your grocery dollars stretch.

Anxiety & Unhealthy Thinking Patterns (03/15/24)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to help recognize anxiety and unhealthy thinking patterns and strategies to reduce both.

Somatic Experiencing for Caregivers (03/08/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn how somatic experiencing can help you tackle stress & reconnect with yourself.

Crash Course Series: ADHD (02/27/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to broaden your understanding of ADHD in children and gain caregiver tips.

The Empowered Caregiver: Setting Boundaries (02/23/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn tips on how to set boundaries as a caregiver and why they are important.

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: Children’s Rehabilitation Services 

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 2/16/24 with featured speaker June Wilson with the Madison County Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS) office. Learn about CRS, a statewide system of services through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services for children with special health care needs and their families.

Crash Course Series: Down syndrome (02/05/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for this crash course series on Down syndrome. Broaden your understanding of the diagnosis and learn tips to help you in your caregiving journey.

ALR Volunteer Overview of Epilepsy, Down Syndrome, and ASD (02/03/24)

Alabama Lifespan Respite Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang presents an overview of Epilepsy, Down syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help community respite program volunteers understand these diagnoses, recognize behaviors, and be better prepared to assist individuals with these diagnoses.

Crash Course Series: ASD (1/30/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for this crash course series on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Broaden your understanding of the diagnosis and learn tips to help you in your caregiving journey.

Crash Course Series: Epilepsy (01/26/24)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang for this crash course series on Epilepsy. Broaden your understanding of the diagnosis and learn tips to help you in your caregiving journey.

Delusions, Paranoia & Hallucinations Associated with Dementia (01/23/24)

Why does Dementia sometimes cause hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia? This training will describe the symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and why dementia patients may experience these symptoms. Learn tips on how to best handle these behaviors as a caregiver.

PART 2 Unlocking the Connection: Exploring the Interplay of Nutrition and Mental Health (01/12/24)

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health has never been more crucial. Join ALR guest presenter Dr. Angela Seay for an enlightening presentation that delves into the fascinating connection between what you eat and how you feel. Discover how the food you choose can have a profound impact on your cognitive well-being, mood, and overall mental wellness.

Long Term Financial Planning for Family Caregivers (12/14/23)

Guest speaker and Bridgeworth Financial Advisor Stephen Gunter, MS, CFP, provides an overview of long term financial planning for caregivers of individuals with special healthcare needs.

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: Elder Justice Center of Alabama

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 12/11/23 with featured speaker Robyn James, Director of the Elder Justice Center of Alabama with the Middle of Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) presenting Building Elder Justice Strong Communities with the Help of Family Caregivers. Participants will learn about a highly innovative and cutting-edge elder justice movement in Alabama, as well as local and state programs available to caregivers across the state.

The Child Within (12/5/23)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to learn how inner child work can strengthen our resilience while caregiving & deepen our capacity for wonder, awe, joy and playfulness.

The Journey to Joy (11/30/23)

One of the biggest steps you can take to improve the quality of your life as a caregiver, as well as the life of your loved one, is to find the joys inherent in caregiving. Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we discover ways to embrace the journey and rediscover our joy.

Affirmations: Why They Work and How to Use Them (11/20/23)

Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang to discover the power of positive affirmations and how they can help caregivers break the pattern of negative self-talk.

Expect Care with Guest Lance Lee (11/13/23)

Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang & special guest Lance Lee, Area Manager and Community Educator for Expect Care, to learn about the power of palliative care to transform your caregiving journey & finding support when you need it most.

The Emotional Side of Caregiving (11/9/23)

All of your emotions about caregiving are not only allowed, but also valid and important. Join ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we dive into some of the often felt but rarely talked about emotions that surface while care giving.

Overcoming Caregiver Fears (10/24/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses caregiver fears and provides tips on how to overcome them.

The Body Keeps Count (10/20/23)

Children’s Rehabilitation Services Parent Consultant June Wilson shares tips and advice to combat the physical effects of caregiver stress.

The Other Dementias (10/13/23)

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia but there are others. Join Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang as we discuss other common types of dementia.

Recognizing & Coping with Anticipatory Grief (10/6/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses anticipatory grief–feelings of grief that can begin well before a loved one passes away. Learn strategies to recognize and cope with these feelings.

ALR Respite Clinic for Spanish Speaking Caregivers (09/25/23)

Descripción general del programa de reembolso de relevo ALR para cuidadores de habla hispana ¡Únase a la traductora de ALR, Karla Greene, mientras comparte una descripción general del programa de reembolso de relevo en español!

Coping Strategies for Lifelong Care (9/22/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses coping strategies for stress reduction while caregiving for children with special needs.

A Clearer View to Geriatric Psychology Assessments (09/12/23)

ALR guest presenter Mary Talley with The Sanctuary at The Woodlands shares information about geriatric psychology, inpatient stays, different types of diagnosis related episodes, and when to seek professional help.

Unlocking the Connection: Exploring the Interplay of Nutrition and Mental Health (09/08/23)

(Part 1) In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health has never been more crucial. Join ALR guest presenter Dr. Angela Seay for an enlightening presentation that delves into the fascinating connection between what you eat and how you feel. Discover how the food you choose can have a profound impact on your cognitive well-being, mood, and overall mental wellness.

Caregiving with Chronic Pain (8/25/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang presents “Caregiving with Chronic Pain,” a discussion of the difficulties caregivers with chronic pain face and tips for chronic pain reduction and management.

Suicide Prevention for Caregivers (08/18/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses the signs of caregiver depression and suicide.

Alabama ABLE Savings Plan (08/15/23)

More independence, greater financial security, and quality of life -that’s the future of the Alabama ABLE Savings Plan wants to help build. Alabama ABLE accounts are a new way to help individuals with disabilities save money & pay for qualified disability related expenses without jeopardizing state or federal means – tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid. ALR guest Anita Kelley presents important information for caregivers about the Alabama ABLE Savings Program.

Distressed & Dutiful: Caring for Difficult, Aging Parents (08/11/23)

Being a family caregiver for an aging parent can be challenging and emotionally taxing. ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses strategies for dealing with difficult, aging parents and taking care of yourself in the process.

The Six Stages of Caregiving (08/04/23)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses “The Six Stages of Caregiving,” a roadmap that moves through the various stages of caregiving with tips to help navigate each stage with purpose, confidence, & hope.

Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange: Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology

Alabama Lifespan Respite’s quarterly Caregiver & Agency Resource Exchange (CARE) meeting 7/31/23 with featured speaker Ashley McLeroy presenting information on Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT), Alabama’s assistive technology act program and how it can benefit caregivers.

Relieving Caregiver Stress Through Art (07/28/23)

The responsibility of caring for someone you love can be challenging. It is important that you are empowered to seek out moments to connect, refresh, and recharge. ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses how art therapy might be a strategy to include in your plan for self-care as a caregiver.

Mindfulness Practice (07/18/23)

What is mindfulness and why does it help? ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses the neurological benefits of mindfulness and what it actually means to develop this practice for yourself as a caregiver.

The Gift of Gratitude (07/13/2023)

ALR Caregiver Outreach Specialist Jenny Stang discusses some of the neurological benefits of gratitude and tips on how to incorporate this simple practice into daily living as a caregiver.

Training Matters (05/09/2023)

ALR Director Tracy Cieniewicz discusses the importance of respite provider training for the caregiver, care recipient, and provider. Information is also shared regarding free online respite provider training and stipend assistance to conduct a criminal background check prior to hiring a respite provider.

ALR Caregiver Wellness Initiative (05/23/23)

ALR Director Tracy Cieniewicz discusses ALR’s Caregiver Wellness Initiative, how mental health supports contribute to overall caregiver wellness, and how to apply for mental health counseling stipend assistance.

ALR Medication Safety in Caregiving (06/06/23)

Patrick Devereux, PharmD, and Owner/CEO of Happier at Home—Birmingham presents “Medication Safety in Caregiving.” This Alabama Lifespan Respite caregiver education opportunity focuses on the importance of proper medication management and adherence, particularly in regard to long term caregiving.

Respite 101

This recorded workshop is an interactive chat, co-hosted by Alabama Respite and the VA Caregiver Support Program, about the importance of respite and how to access local resources.

Alabama Care ALR Overview Interview (3/10/2021)

Al’s Senior Moments Podcast featuring Alabama Lifespan Respite (05/12/2022)

Let’s Get Real Part One – Depression & Suicide

Alabama Respite welcomes guest Julie Smith from Amedisys Home Health for a “real conversation” about depression and suicide as related to caregiving.

Caregiving and Mental Health

Alabama Respite Program Manager Brittany Huey, LICSW, PIP, discusses mental health as related to caregiving, including early warning signs and how to take control of your mental health.

Managing Family Feuds as the Primary Caregiver

Alabama Respite Statewide Education Specialist Carley Frensley, BSW, explores family feuds as related to caregiving for a loved one, how to manage those feuds, and how to access helpful resources.

Emerging Technologies to Support an Aging Population

Alabama Respite Statewide Education Specialist Carley Frensley, BSW, explores the benefits of learning new technologies to make caregiving and activities of daily living easier.

The IRS (Information, Respite, Support) of Caregiving

Alabama Respite Program Manager Brittany Huey, LICSW, PIP, explains the importance of the IRS (Information, Respite, Support) of Caregiving.

How to Create Healthy Boundaries as a Caregiver

Presented by Alabama Respite Program Manager Brittany Huey, LICSW, PIP.

How to Use Google Drive Tutorial

Alabama Respite Statewide Education Specialist Carley Frensley gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to use Google Drive. Organization is important for caregivers, and Google Drive is a free file, photo and video storage and sharing service that allows you to access these items from any device!

Connecting Aging Caregivers to Social Media: Facebook Tutorial

Alabama Respite Statewide Education Specialist Carley Frensley gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to setup your own Facebook account.

Using Zoom to Stay Connected to Family, Friends, and Community

Alabama Respite Statewide Education Specialist Carley Frensley gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to setup and use your own Zoom account.

PTSD and Caregiving

Vonda Reeves, Alabama Respite’s South Alabama Training Specialist, presents “PTSD and Caregiving” in this recorded training with interactive caregiver participation.

Watch as Vonda and participant caregivers discuss how caregivers can recognize and address the signs and symptoms of PTSD, including the role respite plays in stress management.

Smart Solutions Assistive Technology for Caregivers

Smart Solutions CEO Kevin Braswell presents total home assistive technologies (AT) and provides resources to access AT financial waiver assistance in Alabama in this recorded workshop (recorded 9/15/2020).

Setting Boundaries as a Family Caregiver

Alabama Lifespan Respite South Alabama Training Specialist Vonda Reeves presents “Setting Boundaries as a Caregiver” in this recorded training (recorded 9/16/2020). Learn the meaning of and necessity for healthy boundaries as a family caregiver and how to manage potential associated guilt.