By Jose Miguel Santoro, MBA
Congratulations to The Case Management Society of America (CMSA) members and supporting Colleagues as we celebrate National Case Management Week, October 12 – 18, 2025.
CMSA has been celebrating Case Management Week since 1998, allowing us to formally recognize their help and excellent work during this weeklong celebration.
I want to recognize our friends during this celebration for all the hardworking HealthCare professionals who manage the healthcare needs of our loved ones. I personally want to thank all for helping my family and friends. These superstars managed their health challenges and made an enormous difference in their quality of life. (“Not all heroes wear capes”)
Many of us are in the “sandwich” generation. We take care of our parents and ensure the welfare of our children. The Case Manager oversees our entire continuum of care and makes sure that we are included as part of the healthcare delivery team. These professionals provide guidance and someone to discuss simple issues, as well as sometimes difficult decisions. The pros and cons offered provide options and additional clarity in the decision-making process. Their input is welcomed and appreciated.
A perfect example is the case of my 87-year-old Mom. She lives in Florida and is fiercely independent. She lives alone, still drives when she needs to, and spends her days taking care of her loving cats. She is the “Cat Lady” my siblings and I made fun of when we were kids. Now we understand. This past year, she has started to have stability issues and has fallen. Fortunately, she has not broken any bones and has gone through some physical therapy to help her with her decrease in strength. I live in New Jersey and make it a point to visit her every 2-3 months to check in. My sister lives close by and helps as much as Mom will allow.
The insurance company provided a case manager once it was discovered that her last fall was partly due to Mom not taking her Blood Pressure meds properly. The Nurse Case Manager came to the House, conducted a complete assessment, and implemented a plan to ensure Mom stays compliant with her medications and continues to build her strength. Furthermore, she arranged for a periodic Physical Therapist to visit to keep her on track with the exercising and strengthening regimen. She also arranged for a Health Care Aid to come to the House to help Mom with any needs she may have. Mom hesitantly accepted the plan, and the visits are becoming part of her routine.
She has not had any incidents in the last 6 months since the start of the intervention, and her strength has increased, as shown by her increased activity. Mom remains compliant with her medications, and the Case Manager continues to check in on her via phone and periodic home visits. I hope to meet with the Case Manager during my visit in October to thank her in person for all her help.
The Case Managers has a terrific skill that makes communicating with the healthcare team an integral part of the delivery of the best course of action at the appropriate time. These thoughtful interactions, with healthcare providers as well as the insurance companies, have helped our family advocate for our loved ones. Our busy lives are made a lot easier by having someone look at the entire picture and offer comprehensive next steps.
As a long-term CMSA member I want to ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking our heroes and celebrating Case Management Week! Congratulations and keep up the wonderful work you all do every day!
Celebrate the rest of Case Management Week - see the full schedule here: https://cmsa.org/about/national-cm-week/
Bio: Jose M. Santoro, MBA – Holds an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been very active with CMSA Locally, Regionally and at the National Level. Currently he is the treasurer for CMSA – NYC and Central NJ Chapters. Recently retired as a Contracting Executive for a national Home Infusion and Specialty Pharmacy Provider, Mr. Santoro is also retired from USNR-R on 1 January 2000 as an HMI / Leading Petty Officer 1st Class serving his last years at the Head Quarters of Fleet Hospital 500, Combat Zone Twenty-Two, Fort Dix, NJ. He Implemented and gave instructional programs for Reserve Center Military Personnel, covering various military topics. I.e.: Emergency Field Medicine, Sexual Harassment, Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Chemical Biological and Radiological Warfare as well as leadership training as he mentored many enlisted Naval Reservists.