Midwest Care Management Services Inc.

04/02/2026

Our Managing Director, Tanya Larson, recently wrote an article reflecting on the importance of helping aging parents thoughtfully choose a Power of Attorney (POA).

Drawing from both her professional experience and her own family’s approach, Tanya shares why these conversations matter, how families can navigate them with care, and why the “right” POA isn’t always about credentials—but about communication, proximity, and alignment with a parent’s values.

If you’re beginning these conversations with your own family, or revisiting existing plans, this article offers practical guidance and a grounded perspective.

Read the full article here:

03/19/2026

**We just renewed our annual membership with the Illinois Guardianship Association**

Now we encourage all of our colleagues who are equally committed to promoting the highest quality of ethical guardianship services to join IGA, too!

Membership helps support free community education and training events, including credits for certified guardians and Continuing Legal Education credits for attorneys licensed in Illinois. The IGA Spring Conference is in Chicago on April 29th.

Get your membership application and sign up for the conference here: https://www.illinoisguardianship.org/

Membership is only $50 for Individuals and is open to:

*Nationally Certified Guardians
*Public and State Guardians
*Licensed Clinical Social Workers
*Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals
*Nursing Home Administrators
*Fiduciaries
*Family Guardians
*Private Guardians
*Attorneys
*Guardianship or Related Agencies and Organizations

The mission of the Illinois Guardianship Association To promote the highest quality of ethical guardianship services through education, networking, and advocacy.

03/18/2026

We recently had the opportunity to learn from Brooke Benjamin of
Inclusive Funeral Care about thoughtful, dignified end-of-life planning, which deeply resonates with our team.

In our work, we are often the ones making final arrangements for clients, sometimes without family present. That responsibility is something we carry with great care. Brooke’s approach—centered on personalization and respect—beautifully aligns with our own values.

We’ve had the privilege of working with Inclusive Funeral Care both professionally and personally, and have seen firsthand the compassion and integrity they bring to everyone they serve.

We invite you to read our latest blog to learn more.

Our team met with Brooke Benjamin of Inclusive Funeral Care to talk about honoring people at the end of life and making final arrangements.

03/04/2026

March is Social Work Month and we are honoring the incredible BSWs, MSWs, and LCSWs on our team! This year's theme is “Uplift. Defend. Transform.”

And that’s exactly what our Social Workers do.

They uplift people during vulnerable times.
They defend rights, dignity, and access to care.
They help transform complex systems into pathways forward.

We are proud of our Social Workers and how they uphold the ethics of social work with a willingness to meet people where they are at, adhering to informed consent, and the steady compassion they bring to work every day.

During Social Work Month, don't forget to thank the professionals you know who show up for people every day!

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!