Alabama social worker goes extra mile in her work to protect elderly, disabled adults

The Alabama Department of Human Resources has recognized one of its social workers for her initiative and innovation in helping elderly and disabled adults.

Kaylan Jacobs, who works for the Chilton County DHR, was chosen for the Alabama Spirit of Adult Protective Services Award for 2024.

Jacobs’ efforts led to the licensing of the first-ever adult foster home in Chilton County. She started a program to provide clients with gifts and cards for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. Individuals, businesses and clubs support the program every year.

“Kaylan’s commitment to safeguarding the dignities of vulnerable seniors is a reflection of love in action,” Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said in a press release. “The Spirit of APS award celebrates not only her achievements but the lives she has touched in the state of Alabama.”

DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division works with county DHR offices to protect elderly and disabled adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and prevent unnecessary institutionalization.

Jacobs earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from UAB in 2011 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in 2019.

She joined the Shelby County DHR Child Welfare Division as a case aid in 2011. She later worked at nursing homes and a hospice facility for several years, including during the 2020 pandemic.

Jacobs said seeing the isolation of residents in nursing homes and hospice care during the pandemic moved her to do more to help her clients. She built relationships with community partners such as local attorneys, the court system, the Chilton County sheriff’s office, hospitals, nursing homes and other agencies to help vulnerable adults.

“Her work is a beautiful reminder that true strength lies not in the muscles we flex, but in the hearts we heal,” Chilton County DHR Director Marilyn Colson said.

Jacobs is a nominee for the Spirit of the National Adult Protective Services Association Award, which will be presented in September.