PELHAM – Residents and staff members at Gardens on Pelham are celebrating National Assisted Living Week from Sunday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 16. Gardens of Pelham administrator Mary Neff said the theme of this year’s Assisted Living Week is “family is forever.”

“What we’re emphasizing is that you have more than one family,” Neff said. “We’re recognizing staff as well as residents, because it takes a very special heart to care for the elderly.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters presented Gardens of Pelham with a proclamation recognizing senior adults and assisted living communities for their contributions to the community.

“The city of Pelham and all of our emergency responders have a family-type relationship with this facility,” Waters said.

Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer, who was also in attendance, said senior adults are an important part of the community and he and other Pelham first responders are dedicated to keeping senior adults safe in the city.

On Thursday, Sept. 14, residents are playing Bingo and visiting with senior adults from the Alabaster Senior Center and celebrating family night with a car show.

Carolyn Hayes, who is nearing the end of her first year at the facility, said she enjoys the activities, games and crafts she’s participating in during Assisted Living Week.

“They’re keeping us busy,” Hayes said. “Everyone is good to us and I’ve made a lot of new friends.”

Resident Kathleen Bullard, who has been living at Gardens of Pelham since last June, said she’s enjoyed her time at the facility so far.

“They have good food and they’re kind to us,” Bullard said.

Longtime resident Margaret Johnson said moving to Gardens of Pelham was an adjustment at first, but she also enjoys living there.

“It’s been a type of adventure. You live in one place all your life until your children take over,” Johnson said. “I’ve made friends and another family here. We all care for each other and pray for each other. We also love our caregivers. They care for us like we’re their mothers or fathers.”

Neff said Gardens of Pelham is a smaller facility that currently manages 16 apartments for senior adults. In the future, Neff said she hopes to add 16 more in the near future.