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Read on for recent happenings, announcements, and notable headlines from TARCOG and its communities throughout the region.

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Caregiver College set for Nov. 21

TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program is getting ready to hold its Caregiver College in November, said Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey. The event is being held in conjunction with National Family Caregivers Month, an annual observance that recognizes and honors the millions of unpaid family caregivers who care for their loved ones. 

“We’re excited to bring this free, one-day conference which is designed to educate, empower, and elevate family and professional caregivers,” Sheila said.

Caregiver College will be Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Huntsville Marriott — Space & Rocket Center, 5 Tranquility Base. Admission is free but pre-registration is required.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Herb Caldwell, Ed.D., founder of The Mama Joe Project which focuses on support for caregivers, promotion of brain health, and improvement of outcomes for elders living with dementia and their families.

TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Coordinator Lydia Weeks invites caregivers to plan to attend this event so they can join peers, experts, and community partners for practical workshops, hands-on caregiver labs, and a robust resource expo.

“You will leave with tools you can use the very next day,” Lydia said. There will also be CEU’s available for those in social work, nursing, and nursing home administrators.

TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program supports caregivers in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Services include respite, access assistance, supplemental support, and education. This year’s conference will focus on the caregiver’s real-world needs by aligning with the 4Ms Framework of Age-Friendly Care including:

  • What Matters:Goal setting, care planning, advocacy, navigating appointments, home setup for safe discharges
  • Medication:Safe medication use, questions to ask providers, organizing medications and records
  • Mentation:Dementia care strategies, communication tips, brain health supports
  • Mobility:Fall prevention, home modifications, movement and daily function

For those interested in CEUs, the first important step happens during registration. Lydia said for those seeking CEUs they need to enter their license number and state during registration to expedite certificate processing.

She said 4.5 contact hours will be available from the Alabama A&M University School of Social Work, which will provide Social Work and Nursing CEUs and the TARCOG Ombudsman Program will provide Nursing Home Administrator CEUs.

Registration will close Friday, Nov. 14.

Click here to register online.

If you need assistance with registration or have questions, please call TARCOG at 256-830-0818, or email alabamacares1@tarcog.us