Three Ways to Help your Favorite Charity and Yourself

Nice Things to Know About Saraland The Gateway to Progress Saraland formed its own city school system in 2006. It is now ranked among the best school systems in the State of Alabama.  Students receive outstanding education in fields such as nursing, engineering and welding in state-of-the-art facilities. Since its inception, the Saraland City School system has more than doubled in size, from 1500 students in 2009 to over 3000 students now. This is but one example of the tremendous growth that the City of Saraland is experiencing. The City of Saraland was recently designated as an Alabama Community of Excellence. Saraland was the first and, to date, the only municipality in Mobile County to receive this honor. Saraland enjoys a very low crime rate which can be attributed, in part, to our police department. With their professional approach to community policing, the police team with our residents to provide a safe environment.  Our citizens also benefit from outstanding fire and paramedic services with expedient response from three well-equipped stations throughout the City including 24/7 paramedic coverage.  Additional city employees provide a wide variety of top notch services to ensure our residents and guests have safe roads, parks and facilities. The Infirmary Medical Campus has opened a multi-specialty clinic facility as well as a diagnostic center offering MRI/CT capability. Mobile Infirmary has opened a new freestanding emergency department in Saraland. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, emergency care is provided. Future phases of expansion will outpatient surgery center and ultimately a hospital. Many new businesses are locating to Saraland. Publix, Cracker Barrel, Whataburger and several other new restaurants and retail businesses are planned.  Saraland is home to over a dozen hotels including new hotel properties such as Fairfield Inn, Towne Place Suites, and Hampton Inn. Youth sports activities are very popular in Saraland. Saraland has, at present, 11 city parks for recreational activities of every kind. Plans are presently being considered for a state-of-the-art sports complex which may include facilities for baseball, softball, tennis, and soccer. The City recently opened the McAuthor-McKinney Recreation Center which offers an outstanding venue for young people to play basketball, volleyball and other activities. Saraland is a very family-friendly community. The City Splash Pad is now open. Also contemplated are an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and a Summer Movie Night series and an aquatics center. The Saraland Senior Center offers many activities for active seniors. Arts and crafts, painting, card games, pool, exercise equipment and computer lab are available with many classes provided.  A nutritious lunch is available weekdays at the center with Meals-On-Wheels delivering food to homebound seniors. Located adjacent to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, scenic boating, canoeing, fishing and other watersports opportunities abound. Saraland is part of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, home to some of the most biologically diverse habitat in Alabama.  This preserved scenic area is also popular for camping, hiking with multiple trails available, and bird watching. Saralands mayor, Dr. Howard Rubenstein, currently serves as the President of the Alabama League of Municipalities. He is the only Mobile County elected official to be chosen for this statewide honor since 1979.  HistoryThe area that was to become the present day Saraland was included in a Spanish land grant to Don Diago Alvarez. Hence, descendants of Alvarez were the ones to give the community its first name Alvarez Station. Later land squatters moved into the area and were able, legally, in 1800 to begin purchasing property. In 1807 a land office was opened in St. Stephens to handle all land transactions. Some of the pioneer families who seized the opportunity to buy up sections were named Alvarez, Rice, Hartley, Moore, LaCoste, Williams, Tool and Cleveland. Ultimately, Alvarez Station was called Cleveland Station. The present name of the city is reported to have been given by C.J. DeWitt, a retired minister editor who moved south in 1890 for health reasons. He opened the first post office on the Southern Railroad in 1895. The Community is purported to be the namesake of his beloved wife, Sara. Saraland was sparsely populated during the first part of the 20th century, until an industrial and population boom occurred in neighboring Mobile. Northward expansion of Mobile in the 1940s and 1950s brought about the incorporation of Saraland in 1957. At the time of incorporation, the city reported only 125 residents. By the 1960 U.S. Census, annexations had swelled the population to 4,595. In 1980, census figures cited 9,844 Saraland residents. Current records report that as of 2020, Saralands population has grown to 16,319.Interested in Senior Activities in Saraland?  Contact the Saraland Senior Center at 251-679-5511

How To Know Its Time for Senior LivingNov 21, 2022 | Life at Park PlaceWhether your loved ones are living independently or require more advanced support, a Life Plan Community offering Life Care will meet their every need. Life Plan Communities are a type of senior living option that combines an independent lifestyle, amenities and services with access to a full continuum of care on one campus.Read on to learn more about how to know its the right time for the move to a Life Plan Community like Park Place of Elmhurst.If Your Loved One Is Living IndependentlyYour loved one may live in their own home or apartment. They still want to continue living every day to the fullest, but theyre tired of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the house, and theyre not as close to their friends as they once were.In this case, independent living might be the right choice for them.In independent living, seniors enjoy all the benefits of socialization, maintenance-free living, on-site culture, dining and amenities, and access to a full continuum of care should they ever need it. At Park Place of Elmhurst, community life offers residents opportunities to full enjoy our services and amenities, including:Interior and exterior maintenanceWasher and dryer in every residencePersonalization and moving coordinationWeekly housekeeping servicesAll utilities included, except phone24-hour securityScheduled transportationUnderground parkingWireless internet access throughout communityIf Your Loved One Needs Help with Activities of Daily LivingIf activities of daily living, also known as ADLs, present a problem for your loved one, assisted living could be the solution. Assisted living services provide daily support for things like medication management, personal care, bathing, dressing and toileting. Signs that your parent or loved one could benefit from assisted living also include:Trouble paying bills on timeDifficulty managing household tasksPoor eating habitsMobility problemsPark Place provides assisted living support for seniors at the Park Place Health and Wellness Center, with personalized care plans for each resident. Residents in assisted living can rely on services like licensed care seven days a week, nutritious meals, assistance with personal care and 24-hour emergency call systems. All of this and more are provided in the comfort of their own private apartment!If Your Loved One Lives with Memory LossMaybe your parent or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or has suffered an injury leaving their acuity compromised. In this case, memory support also called memory care is likely the right choice for them.Indications that your loved one might benefit from memory support include:A medical diagnosis of Alzheimers or other type of dementiaChanges in behavior or emotional stateA living environment unsuited to their unique requirementsDisorientation or confusionIncontinenceFamily caregiver is overwhelmed and exhaustedAlso part of the Park Place Health and Wellness Center, our memory support teams provide a safe and dignified setting promoting independence. With a wander management system, specialized Alzheimers and dementia training, and personalized care plans, you can rest assured your loved one is receiving just the care they need.The Right Choice for Life Care in Elmhurst, ILWhether your loved ones in independent living or requires assisted living, memory support, or something more specialized, Park Place of Elmhurst provides a safe and welcoming setting for their next chapter.

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare and aging, the emergence of a network of senior organizations stands as a beacon for fostering connectivity and well-being among the elderly. This network acknowledges the vital role of social bonds in the health of seniors, recognizing that isolation and loneliness can have severe repercussions on both mental and physical health. By actively promoting health education, facilitating social interaction, providing advocacy and support services, and creating a sense of community, these organizations offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique needs of seniors. Through workshops, social events, and support services, they empower seniors to make informed decisions about their health, combat loneliness, and navigate the challenges that come with aging.Successful initiatives within this network further amplify its impact. Digital literacy programs bridge the technological gap, enabling seniors to stay connected with loved ones and access essential resources. Transportation services address mobility challenges, ensuring that seniors can participate in community activities and access vital services. As we look ahead, the continued growth and support of this network promise to enhance the quality of life for seniors, creating an environment where they can age gracefully with dignity, purpose, and a strong sense of community.