Western Region-Aging Life Care Association

12/25/2025

To our valued Western Region Care Managers, this year has been especially special because of you and your excellent care of your clients. Thank you for all that you do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!🎄✨

12/17/2025

Wondering what steps to take after a dementia diagnosis?

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening.

In this episode, Rebecca Montano, PhD, CRC, CMC, CCM, CDP, talks with fellow Aging Life Care Professional® Crystal R. Littlejohn, MHSA, CMC, CSA, to walk listeners through the first essential steps to take after receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Together, Rebecca and Crystal break down what dementia really is, why getting a specific diagnosis matters, and how families can move forward with clarity and confidence. They share practical guidance on:

Understanding different types of dementia and what early symptoms mean
How to seek specialized evaluations and build a knowledgeable care team
The role of Aging Life Care Managers in navigating everyday and long-term challenges
Legal and financial planning every family should address early
Creating a supportive, safe environment and an evolving care plan
Why caregiver well-being is a critical part of the journey
Crystal also offers real-life stories and simple tools, like using a symptom journal, maintaining routines, and finding moments of humor to help families stay grounded during an emotionally complex time.

Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, direction, and a reminder that no one has to go through dementia alone.

https://blog.aginglifecare.org/podcasts/

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in aging life care. Aging with the Experts Podcast is created by the Aging Life Care Association®.

Each episode features expert advice, professional insights, and personal stories designed to help families navigate the challenges of aging with confidence. Whether you’re a caregiver, an aging adult, or an industry professional, you’ll find trusted support and practical solutions here.

12/17/2025

The Western Region Chapter Aging Life Care Association® is dedicated to providing high quality educational programs for Aging Life Care Professionals® in the Western Region of the United States. We invite you to share your knowledge, expertise, and experience at our 2026 Annual Conference "From Clear Waters to High Peaks: Elevating Aging Life Care™"

September 30 - October 2, 2026 at the Caesar's Republic South Lake Tahoe

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WRC-ALCA2026-Proposal

12/09/2025

Get excited for 2026!!!
9.30-10.1.2026
South Lake Tahoe, NV

Mark your calendar for your trip to the resort for our annual event for networking, education, connecting & exploring crystal blue waters in view of stunning mountain ranges!

11/18/2025

Making plans for next year's travel? Save the date!
Conference rates open for several days before AND after the conference for your extension to explore the area!

11/09/2025

11/06/2025

Carol S. Heape, MSW, CMC is a long standing member of our Western Region. Even after a stroke, she continues to share her story in the hopes of helping others.

I never truly understood what a brain injury meant — until I had a stroke. It came as a complete shock: unexpected, untimely, and incredibly disruptive. I had no idea

10/31/2025

Ghostly Greetings from your Western Region PR Team! Happy Halloween ALCA members!

10/19/2025

Congratulations to Liz Heape-Caldwell!
Way to represent the best in the region!

Liz started coming to the Aging Life Care Association conferences as a student, out of encouragement by her mother, who founded Elder Options, Inc.. She is a true leader and will soon be stepping into her role as President of the Western Region Board of Directions for Western Region Chapter of ALCA.

With devotion, passion, education, and determination, Liz has proven that Aging Life Care (TM) is an excellent path for serving others and building a rewarding career.

Congratulations to Liz Heape-Caldwell, BS, MBA, CMC, who recently became a Fellow of the Leadership Academy! Liz joined the Aging Life Care Association as a student member in 2010 and currently serves as President Elect of the Western Region Board, where she continues to make a lasting impact through her leadership and committee involvement.

With more than 20 years in the field, Liz has been a cornerstone of Elder Options since 2003, recognized nationally with the BJ Curry Spitler Award (2022) and the Rose Kleiner Award (2024) for her outstanding contributions to the profession. She joins 29 other Aging Life Care Advanced Professionals as Fellows of the Leadership Academy, an honor that reflects her dedication to advancing quality care, advocacy, and dignity for older adults and their families.

ALCA confers the "Fellow" designation to Advanced Professional level members who have made significant contributions to ALCA on both national and local levels. Discover more about ALCA Fellows, find criteria to become one, and how to apply.

10/14/2025

Was that really a month ago?
What an amazing time in California at the annual conference put on by Western Region Aging Life Care Association.

Here’s some pics of this terrific education & networking event!

09/28/2025

Congrats to our 2025 award recipients!
Rebecca Montano, PhD, CRC, CCM, CMC on the B.J. Curry Spitler Award and Jennifer Crowley, BSN, RN, CLCP, CDP, CADDCT, CMC on the Rose Kleiner Award.
It was a pleasure to honor you both at the ALCA Western Region Conference. We can't wait to sea what you do next!

To learn more about these awards, take a look at our page to see previous posts featuring the individual award recipients and the meaning behind the award.

#2025

09/26/2025

It is our pleasure to honor Jennifer Crowley as the 2025 recipient of the Rose Kleiner Award!
Here is what one colleague said about our award winner: "Over the years, this Aging Life Care Manager has demonstrated extraordinary dedication—not only to our region, but to the broader field of Care Management. She is a published author, an instructor, a mentor, and a true trailblazer. Her book has guided countless families through the complex process of planning for the future, offering clarity and compassion in times of uncertainty.
She co-founded a Care Management training platform that supports professionals in growing and sustaining their practices—an invaluable resource for the field. Beyond her professional achievements, she gives generously of her time: volunteering on numerous committees, hosting educational webinars, and participating as both an exhibitor and a speaker at conferences across the country.
And of course, she’s instantly recognizable—not just for her enthusiastic spirit, but also for her ever-present ring light, which has become something of a signature accessory at every conference."
The Rose Kleiner Award is presented annually to an ALCA Western Chapter member who has excelled in the field of care management. Jennifer, your commitment to our field, association, and, most importantly, the people we serve is profound. Your qualities of leadership and passion have helped shape the direction of Care Management for the better. Congratulations to you!

#2025