What does Midwest Care Management do?

Midwest Care Management is a team of experienced professionals who help older adults and people with disabilities. From wellness support to complex medical needs, long-term care, and end-of-life coordination, we want to ensure everyone can enjoy security, dignity, and connection. 

We provide Care Management, Guardianship, and Power of Attorney (POA) services. Each service is tailored to the level of support needed—ranging from simply providing expert guidance and coordination to full legal authority responsibility. 

What is the difference between Care Management, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship services?

Care Management is a voluntary, non-legal service that supports individuals and families in navigating medical, psychological, social, and financial challenges. Our Care Managers:

• Coordinate medical and in-home services
• Advocate at appointments
• Monitor safety and wellbeing
• Help families communicate and plan
• Offer crisis intervention and long-term planning

This service is right when a person can still make decisions but needs support to stay safe, stable, and engaged—or when family needs help managing the details.

As Power of Attorney, we act under documents that the client signs while they have capacity, giving us authority to help with healthcare or finances.
Clients choose our POA program when:

• They want a neutral, professional decision-maker
• They do not wish to burden family or avoid family conflict
• They want a long-term life care plan with clearly documented values and preferences
• They want to ensure someone knowledgeable and trustworthy will follow their wishes

POA services are a proactive alternative to guardianship.

Guardianship is a court-appointed role for individuals who cannot make or communicate safe decisions due to disability or cognitive decline. As Guardian, we have legal authority to make decisions in the person’s best interest—including medical, financial, and residential decisions—while respecting their autonomy, preferences, and dignity.
This service is appropriate when:

• There is no suitable or available family member or friend to serve
• There is significant conflict among family
• The person is at immediate risk due to impaired decision-making

How do I know if I need a Care Manager?

Consider a Care Manager if any of the following feel familiar:

• You’re overwhelmed managing medical appointments, medications, or home services
• A loved one is declining and you’re unsure what to do next
• You live out of town and need eyes, ears, and hands-on support
• You're worried about safety at home, falls, or isolation
• Your loved one resists help or conversations lead to conflict
• You need help navigating hospitalizations, rehab, or transitions
• You want a plan in place before a crisis happens

A Care Manager helps you make informed decisions with confidence and ensures nothing important is overlooked. Our approach allows us to step in at any point—from early wellness planning to intensive support during difficult life transitions.

Is Care Management only for people with dementia or serious illness?

No. Many clients are active, independent adults who simply want coordination, planning, or help managing complex healthcare needs. Others are recovering from surgery, experiencing temporary challenges, or want a long-term support partner. 

We support clients:

• During healthy, independent years
• Through medical changes, crises, and transitions
• When aging in place or exploring new housing
• All the way through end-of-life planning and support

How does Midwest Care handle difficult conversations with clients or family about care decisions?

We approach sensitive conversations with:

• Empathy and respect for each person’s values and emotional needs
• Clear, honest information about risks, options, and likely outcomes
• Motivational interviewing techniques to help clients feel heard and empowered
• Conflict resolution skills to guide families through disagreement
• Focus on dignity and autonomy, even when protective action is needed

Our goal is always to reduce stress, find common ground, and support safe, realistic solutions. Whether delivering a difficult update, addressing unsafe choices, or navigating family disagreement, we approach each situation with compassion and clarity.

How does Midwest maintain the dignity and autonomy of clients receiving Guardianship services?

Even when we have full legal authority, we:

• Include clients in decisions as much as they are able
• Prioritize their preferences, routines, and identity
• Use the least restrictive interventions possible
• Encourage independence and self-direction whenever safe
• Provide updates to loved ones

Guardianship is a last resort— and we approach it as a means of increasing protection, dignity, and quality of life.

Do I need a Guardian or a Power of Attorney?

It depends on decision-making ability and timing.

Everyone should have a Power of Attorney (POA). You can designate a POA  if:

• You are able to understand your choices and sign documents
• You want to proactively choose who will help you make decisions
• You prefer to avoid guardianship in the future
• You want a trusted, neutral professional to follow your values and wishes
• You want a long-term plan that includes healthcare, finances, and life-care planning

POA is always the least restrictive and most empowering option. It allows you to stay in control by selecting someone while you still have capacity.

You may need a Guardian if:

• A person cannot understand or communicate safe decisions due to cognitive decline, mental illness, developmental disability, or medical conditions
• The person is at serious risk (unsafe living conditions, exploitation, refusal of necessary care)
• There is no valid Power of Attorney or the agent is unwilling, unable, or inappropriate
• There is severe family conflict damaging the person’s safety
• Hospitals, social workers, or courts identify immediate risk

Guardianship is a court process and provides legal authority to make decisions in the person’s best interest.

What makes Midwest Care Management unique?

Midwest stands out because of our deep expertise, ethics, and whole-person approach.

• Experienced team: Our clinical staff includes specialists in gerontology, social work, mental health, dementia care, and even nutrition. Our estate team has expertise in financial management, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• Values-driven: Care, compassion, integrity, and accountability shape every decision.
• Holistic focus: We look at medical needs, emotional wellbeing, legal questions, finances, housing safety, and social connection—not just one piece.
• Proactive planning: Through our POA program we help clients protect their independence and avoid crises.
• Trusted by healthcare professionals, attorneys, and families: We are known for excellent communication, reliability, and strong advocacy.
• Culturally Competent. We currently serve clients fully in English, Spanish, or Russian, including written documents, care conversations, and family meetings. Additionally, we are committed to inclusive care for LGBTQ+ clients. We understand the unique concerns that can arise in healthcare, legal decision-making, and family dynamics, and we provide affirming support at every step.
• Small enough to know every client personally, large enough to provide reliability and  24/7 coverage.

How do I get started?

Call us or reach out online. We offer a brief, complimentary consultation to understand your needs and determine the right level of support. If it seems like a good fit, we can schedule an in-person meeting to start developing a plan collaboratively.

Professionals making referrals can contact our office or email us directly.