Kirkwood by the River is a faith-based Life Plan Community, established in 1980 as a ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church. Kirkwood’s name originated from a combination of the Scottish word “kirk” for church and “wood” which describes its setting. Kirkwood by the River provides senior adults an active, independent community with the security of the full continuum of care.
Kirkwood opened its doors in the spring of 1980. But that opening day was the culmination of nearly 30 years of planning and work that included a team of ministers, corporate leaders, architects, and whole congregations.
Kirkwood began as a nonprofit created by the Independent Presbyterian Church to offer continuing care retirement to seniors. Kirkwood is open to all faiths and our chapel features beautiful stained glass and elegant stone walls, providing an ideal setting for spiritual reflection and worship. The Kirkwood spirit of caring lives up to its early origins and ideals. Everyone on our staff has the same purpose - to make meaningful, intentional connections with our residents and their families.
In the early 1950s, a group of Presbyterian women recognized the need for an “economical facility for seniors to live out their lives in security and comfort.” One of these women, Mrs. Eugene C. Ireland, and her husband started an endowment that became known as the “Ireland Fund.” This fund would grow to become the main source of funding for the community.
In 1965, over 95% of Presbyterian congregations put housing and care for the elderly as a top priority, resulting in the creation of a Ministries for The Elderly. As they pursued more funding and searched for an appropriate site for a faith-based retirement community, they realized that their vision needed to incorporate both housings as well as care and support services. They approved a concept for a facility that provides complete lifetime care, and that concept still defines Kirkwood today.
On November 15, 1975, the Presbyterian Retirement Homes of Birmingham was incorporated, with the congregation accepting their recommendation for a continuing care community.
Committees drew up plans for apartments, a chapel, library, dining hall and beauty parlor. It was a challenge to find the right location. Land prices inside the city limits were exorbitant. Then a committee member remembered a 68-acre site that rose above the Cahaba River. Not only was this site more in their price range, the members guessed correctly that the location would only grow in value and convenience. Architect Henry Spott Long was hired to design this new community which was supposed to have a home or retreat-like feel.
In 1981, the Assisted Living wing now known as Riverview welcomed its first residents. Skyview, a six-floor wing of Independent Living apartments, opened in 1983. The church’s original vision had become reality.
Over the years, the Presbyterian community has continued to enhance and support the vision of Kirkwood. In addition to the support of the Presbytery, the Kirkwood Resident Association, composed of all Kirkwood residents, exists to promote the welfare, interests, and desires of the residents. Association committees gather to staff the library, improve the décor, volunteer in Skilled Nursing and Memory Care wings, and more. Kirkwood is viewed in the Birmingham area and beyond as an exemplary model of a senior living community.
Kirkwood began as a non-profit created by the Independent Presbyterian Church to offer continuing care retirement to adult seniors. Kirkwood is open to all faiths and is the only retirement community in the Birmingham area to have its own chaplain. Our chapel features beautiful stained glass and elegant stone walls, providing an ideal setting for spiritual reflection and worship. The Kirkwood spirit of caring lives up to its early origins and ideals. Everyone on our staff has the same purpose - to make meaningful, intentional connections with our residents and their families.
The Recess Respite Program provides both fun and fellowship for people with mild to moderate memory loss. It also allows caregivers an opportunity to take time for themselves with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe in a skilled and supportive environment.
Participants enjoy socializing while taking part in life-enriching activities such as
The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 pm in Highland Hall at Independent Presbyterian Chruch. Participants play games, create art, sing, share a devotional, laugh and have fun alongside trained staff and volunteers.
To qualify, participants must be able to:
While their loved ones receive skilled attention and much-needed socialization, caregivers can participate in a monthly support group to share ideas and concerns with their peers, as well as learn more from memory loss professionals.
Contact Pat Flowers at 205-933-3723, or
pflowers@ipc-usa.org for additional information or
visit their website.
Kirkwood by the River is a community of friends and of caregivers. Everyone on our staff has the same purpose - to make meaningful, intentional connections with our residents and their families.
Chad Carter began his role at Kirkwood by the River in October 2014. Chad brings to Kirkwood nearly two decades of experience in the senior care industry and believes that caring for God’s senior population is the greatest honor that any man could have. Chad has been a licensed Nursing Home Administrator for 12 years and has served in various leadership roles within nonprofit, multi-family life plan communities.
Jeff joined the staff of Kirkwood by the River in August 2013. He has been a licensed Nursing Home Administrator for more than 28 years. He is responsible for managing Assisted Living, Specialty Care Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing.
William joined the staff of Kirkwood by the River in 2005. With more than 30 years experience in Accounting as a CPA, he has devoted his career to providing care and services to nonprofit organizations.
Dr. Harold Simon has practiced internal medicine for more than 30 years in the Birmingham area. He devotes his time to retirement community medicine including all aspects of elder care from Independent Living to Assisted Living to Skilled Nursing. He is especially interested in meeting the specific needs and desires of each individual.
Sandi joined the marketing team at Kirkwood in October of 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was drawn to Kirkwood by the River for its mission and commitment to the “Greatest Generation.” She is dedicated to educating the community about senior living options in Birmingham, and she loves meeting with seniors and their families to hear their stories and their wishes for retirement.
Robin joined our team as the Human Resources Director in June of 2018 with over 18 years of Human Resources experience. Her experience has included many difference industries, working in the legal field as a Legal Assistant and handling various human resources areas. She has always had a desire to work in a retirement community and has enjoyed getting to know the employees, residents and their families here at Kirkwood.
Cevannah began her role as Director of Assisted Living at Kirkwood by the River in August 2018. With a background in medical, surgical, and cardiology at University of Alabama at Birmingham, Cevannah is also licensed as an Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Administrator. She was drawn to Kirkwood by the continuity of care, and she enjoys caring for residents and their spouses throughout all phases of retirement.
Claudia joined the staff at Kirkwood by the River in March 2015. Born and raised a Texan, Claudia met and married a Birmingham native and became enchanted with The Magic City. She has shared most of her working life with adult seniors leading various types of fitness and exercise, activities and programs.
Amanda joined Kirkwood by the River in January 2019. She holds five years of experience in planning and assisting with senior living activities. She is excited to be a part of the Kirkwood family and believes in creating an environment where residents can enjoy a variety of engaging and uplifting daily activities.
Reverend Hanna has been serving as Kirkwood’s Chaplain since 2004. He has a Master of Divinity Degree and served for nearly 20 years as a pastor. Hanna offers weekly Bible Studies and Worship Services for our residents, along with pastoral care and support for residents in all the levels of care. He also helps organize various outings to baseball games, lunches out, and other special programs in our community.
Jennifer has been a part of the Kirkwood family since 2005. She received her license in 1997 after graduating from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her experiences with the mentally ill, foster children, and now elderly residents at Kirkwood have enriched her life and cultivated a rewarding career.
Lisa joined the Kirkwood by the River staff in September of 1997. She is responsible for maintaining the accounting office duties while working closely with the CFO. Lisa enjoys developing friendships with our residents and their families to whom her door is always open!
Known as “The Magic City,” Birmingham is the largest and most populated city in Alabama. It earned this nickname in the early 1880s as its industrial power boomed with its location at the intersection of two major railroads. Today, Birmingham offers entertainment, the arts, nightlife, outdoor recreation, and world-class cuisine while keeping its roots through the conservation and restoration of historical landmarks.
Birmingham has evolved from its origins as a steel town and is now a leader in the healthcare industry with a selection of hospitals as well as a premier medical school and research facility at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Revitalization efforts have earned Birmingham recognition as one of the nation’s best downtown areas. The city is home to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the largest municipal art museum in the Southeast. The Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team has drawn steady crowds since moving into a new downtown facility in 2012. The historic Avondale neighborhood – anchored by the new Avondale Brewery – has been transformed into the city’s hottest entertainment district, earning recognition from such publications as Southern Living and The Atlantic.
The Birmingham area is the site of an annual PGA Champions Tour event, and mild, year-round temperatures in the area are perfect for a game of golf at one of the excellent golf courses.
With high-end shopping centers, dozens of art galleries, award-winning restaurants, a booming live-music scene, and more green space per capita than any other city in the nation, Birmingham offers the entertainment and attractions of big city living while providing warm and inviting Southern charm.
Kirkwood by the River is a faith-based Life Plan Community, established in 1980 as a ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church. We strive to provide a Christian community of caring individuals dedicated to outstanding care and services. Our commitment to care allows older adults to enjoy the pleasure of living with dignity in safety and comfort. At Kirkwood, our staff ensures your personal, spiritual and social needs can be met as you enjoy retirement living.
Because we are a Christian organization, our desire is to fully embrace a diverse community as God designed. For this reason, we strive to assure a diverse community that welcomes and values people with different backgrounds and viewpoints. We are committed to supporting awareness, understanding, and appreciation of differences in the workplace and community. This commitment enables each person to perform to his/her full potential.
To apply for a position, please print off and complete our
Once completed, applications may
be faxed to 205-956-7133 or mailed to:
Re: Job Application
Kirkwood by the River
3605 Ratliff Road
Birmingham, AL 35210-4512
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Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.
My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.
My only regret is that I didn’t move here sooner with my late husband. We would have loved living here together. It would have been perfect for us to travel without the responsibilities of a home.
We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.
One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.
We love that Kirkwood isn’t only church affiliated, but faith is a very prominent, important part of the community. To us, there just couldn’t be a better place.
If you asked me, I would say it gets better every year!
We’re a family. We really are a family.
205-956-2184