Midwest Care Management Services Inc.

02/25/2026

When most people think about care management, they picture appointments, paperwork, and crisis calls.

What they don’t always see are the birthdays celebrated, the favorite meals shared, and the small moments that remind someone they are valued and remembered.

This month, we’re highlighting Tracy Reyes, MSW — whose work behind the scenes blends sound judgment, cultural understanding, and genuine connection. From medically complex children to older adults, Tracy ensures that safety and dignity go hand in hand with joy.

Sometimes care management looks like careful coordination.
Sometimes it looks like chocolate cake and singing Elvis. 💛

Read more about Tracy’s work here:

When families or attorneys engage care management services, they often see the visible pieces. Appointments attended, updates provided, crises managed. What they do not always see is the joy being sparked in between those responsibilities, or the steady judgment guiding every interaction.

02/10/2026

Did you know? Illinois requires all healthcare workers to complete 1 hour of dementia training annually. Our team believes that meeting the minimum is not enough.

In addition to the required training, our entire staff—care managers, estate team, and administrative staff—goes well beyond state requirements. Everyone on our team has obtained EssentiALZ® certification through the Alzheimer's Association® and we regularly pursue advanced education to deepen our expertise. In 2025, we participated in rich training sessions with renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA and through several sessions with Elderwerks Educational Services.

Dementia care affects every role in our organization. When everyone understands how dementia impacts communication, behavior, decision-making, and family dynamics, clients receive more consistent, compassionate, and informed support. We look forward to continuing to grow our expertise in 2026!

01/27/2026

“Everything is fine right now” can change quickly.

Seeking support doesn’t have to mean giving up independence. Sometimes it simply means having the right professional in place before something urgent happens.

01/21/2026

We are forever grateful for Amy McCarty and her service to seniors and those in need. Her leadership, generosity, and spirit are an inspiration to us all. Thank you to Meals on Wheels Chicago for a beautiful reminder.

Meals on Wheels Chicago has lost one of our most loyal and dedicated champions. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Immediate Past President and Board Member Amy McCarty passed away at home surrounded by family. Her life was full of love, compassion, and good ...

01/14/2026

Did You Know?

Naming a Power of Attorney is only the first step. Over time, there may be health, distance, and life changes that make it hard for the named person to step in.

Checking in on whether your plan still works can prevent stress later.

01/10/2026

National Houseplant Appreciation Day is one of our favorites. Its all about raising awareness of the numerous benefits of tending an indoor plant. Its also an activity we share with clients, offering a sense of purpose and improving overall well-being through simple care tasks and natural beauty. Caring for plants can improve focus and offer a rewarding routine, making them great companions for seniors.

Whether your green thumb has driven you to amass an impressive indoor garden or you’re just kicking around the idea of a low-maintenance cactus for your desk, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and join us in bringing the outdoors inside on National Houseplant Appreciation Day.

Photos stolen from Michelle Lemchuk, Care Manager Supervisor and our Houseplant Hero.

12/31/2025

12/18/2025

Wishing everyone a warm and joyous holiday season!

- Credit to our amazing Office Coordinator, Moni Villalba, who is also a talented theater director!

12/16/2025

The holidays can be a joyful time—but for individuals living with dementia and those who support them, this season can also bring change, overstimulation, and emotional complexity. Rebecca Friedman is one of our Care Managers whose work beautifully illustrates what compassionate dementia care looks like—especially during the holidays.

Rebecca’s passion for helping people began while completing her Master’s in Public Health, but it was during her early work with seniors that she discovered how powerful simple presence can be. She shares the story of a client with severe dementia who is nonverbal, yet recognizes Rebecca immediately. When Rebecca enters the room, the woman’s face lights up. She reaches out, holds Rebecca’s hand, and smiles throughout the visit.

Rebecca reminds us that for someone living with dementia, connection doesn’t have to be complicated. During the holidays—when routines shift and environments change—small moments of familiarity matter even more. A calm voice. A gentle touch. Sitting together without expectation. As families and caregivers navigate the season, Rebecca offers an important reminder that you just need to meet your loved one where they are today.

This holiday season, let’s focus on presence over perfection, connection over tradition, and compassion over expectations.

11/25/2025

The Midwest team benefits immensely from professional development delivered by Elderwerks Educational Services. Here’s a great way to support their mission.

11/13/2025

Join us in honoring the compassionate work of our Care Managers who help individuals and families navigate life’s most profound transitions. Care Managers play a vital role in ensuring that end-of-life care is person-centered, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity and empathy.

11/03/2025

National Case Management Month just wrapped up, proudly celebrating and honoring the vital contributions of case managers. 5 Members of the MIDWEST team were recognized on the Honor Wall at the Case Management Society of America. We are so grateful for the efforts they make every day on behalf of our clients!