Caring for Caregivers event to be held at Botanical Gardens

In Alabama, an estimated 39 percent of the population serves as caregivers for ailing, aged or disabled loved ones. Statewide, almost 1.8 million Alabamians are serving as caregivers. An estimated 330,000 of them are in Jefferson and Shelby counties alone.

To help serve and support these people, a free event will be held Sept. 9 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The sixth annual Caring for Caregivers event is sponsored by Sharing the Care of Jefferson and Shelby Counties. It will take place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ auditorium on Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Brunch will be provided.

State Rep. April Weaver is scheduled to speak at the event, along with “The Caregiving Doctor” Clarissa Smith and Rev. Timothy Tremble of the Aaron’s Staff respite program.

Sponsors and vendors include PhRMA, AARP of Alabama, VITAS Innovative Hospice, Autism Society, Shelby Medical Center, Jefferson County Office on Senior Citizen Services, Children’s Rehabilitation Services, Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging, Hospice Services of Alabama, Positive Maturity, ACES, Comfort Care Hospice, Alacare, Department of Human Resources, Disability Rights and Resources, New Beacon and Comfort Keepers.

For caregivers attending this year’s event, respite will be available, on a limited basis, to those who ask for the service. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Melissa Terry at mterry@ucphuntsville.org or at 256-859-4900.

For more information, visit alabamarespite.org.