Mobile Infirmary’s E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center is managed by Laura Harrington.  She is a Board Certified Gerontolgical Nurse.  Aside from her very capable credentials, she is one of the nicest people I know.  She has a knack for making people feel valued and cared for.  I always feel better just being in her presence.  I have seen her show such care and concern for the weary caregiver.  If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, you may want to visit the E.A.Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, see the facility and learn about their Adult Day Care program.  Who knows, you may get to meet Laura.  You and your loved one will be glad you did.

You are a purple angel, Laura, for all the years and care you’ve given to helping those with Alzheimer’s Disease and their loved ones.

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, located at 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, offers DayBreak, a ministry providing support and service for caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease. DayBreak is held on Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is nominal and lunch is provided. For more information, contact Dolly Crewes at 251-968-3634 or Terry Fowinkle at 251-968-2377.  For more information, visit their website at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia may be one of the greatest challenges many face in life.  At the E.A. Roberts Center, their program is designed to help caregivers meet that challenge.  The primary goal of the program is to maximize levels of functioning for those with dementia while offering support and relief to caregivers.  The staff consists of qualified professionals  who offer the following services:

Personal care, daily health monitoring, nutritional counseling, therapeutic activities, social interaction, meals and snacks, family/caregiver education, and support groups.

The center is open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers flexible one – to- five day per week attendance schedule. They  have added a Saturday a month to their schedule.

To be eligible for the program, an individual must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, and must be ambulatory or able to use a wheelchair.

For more information regarding the program, please call 251-435-6950.

Via has an enduring reputation for providing vital support services to residents in the Mobile Area. GrandFriends, an adult day services program, is one of the most valuable benefits offered.

GrandFriends combines structured, supervised activities with a safe, affordable and comfortable environment for elderly adults with dementia or special physical needs. The program is available 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Program members can participate one day a week or up to five days. Program members routinely participate in socialization, recreation and exercise activities that are focused on maintaining independence, dignity and life enjoyment within the scope of their individual abilities. Breakfast, a hot lunch and an afternoon snack are provided daily.

The GrandFriends staff consists of Certified Nursing Assistants, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, fitness trainers, and trained companions and volunteers. They are all dedicated to helping families who are confronted with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related issues. The program is dedicated to providing care-givers with much needed respite. Family members and friends are able to continue their daily routines knowing that their loved one is in a caring environment that fosters safety and activity.

All individuals must complete a screening and assessment to ensure eligibility.  Contact Via at 251-478-3311 or go to www.viamobile.org for more information.

To be eligible for Mercy LIFE Pace Program, a person must be age 55 or older, certified by the state to need nursing home care, and live in the Mercy LIFE area.

This program is able to offer care and services to seniors with chronic needs while maintaining their independence in their homes for as along as possible.

The Mobile location is in the old Mobile Rug and Shade building on Springhill Avenue.  Transportation, meals, medications and recreational activities are some of the services provided for program participants.  Look into this one-stop care opportunity by calling Gemma Campbell at 251-287-8420.