Family caregivers play a vital role in caring for an older individual, child, or a relative with severe disabilities. Alabama CARES provides support services to help families sustain efforts in caring for their loved one. Family caregivers have unique needs and preferences for the types of services they wish to receive.

The CARES program provides these core services:

• INFORMATION for caregivers and the public on resources and services available within their communities.
• SUPPORT GROUPS establishing a mutual support system for caregivers to discuss their experiences and concerns.
• ASSISTANCE to family caregivers through short-term case management in gaining access to services and resources available to them within their communities.
• RESPITE SERVICES that offer temporary, substitute support to relieve family caregivers from their daily caregiving responsibilities. Due to limited funding, this service is available for family caregivers who have the greatest burden and highest need of relief.
• COUNSELING family caregiver education, and guidance that assist family caregivers in making decisions and solving problems related to their roles as caregivers.
• TRAINING family caregivers with instruction to improve their knowledge and skills related to caregiving.
• SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES, available on a limited basis, are intended to complement the care family caregivers provide for their loved one.

Who has access to these services?

• Primary family caregivers of frail, older adults age 60 or older
• Older relative caregivers (not parents), including grandparents age 55 or older, caring for children ages 18 and younger with or without disabilities
• Older relative caregivers and parents, including grandparents age 55 and older, caring for adults age 19-59 with disabilities

Are services based on income?

A person’s income will not prevent them from receiving services. However, family caregivers with the greatest social and economic needs are considered when prioritizing appropriateness for direct services.

Caregiver Education and Support

There are a variety of online education and support opportunities available to caregivers. The Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network is a statewide program that provides educational opportunities for caregivers that includes free respite provider training that can be accessed here:

The Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network also maintains an ongoing calendar of events they offer for caregivers around the state that can provide valuable education and resources:

The WellMed Charitable Foundation was founded with a mission to support seniors and their caregivers with a special emphasis on wellness and prevention. Part of that mission is providing excellent educational opportunities for caregivers. A calendar listing upcoming remote caregiver support programming can be found here:

For additional information and assistance, call ATRC Aging at (334) 682-5206 or 888-617-0500.