My name is Shunuan Sun. I am a graduate student at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California. I joined the Master of Science in Gerontology program in 2023 and plan to graduate in May 2025. I am currently working as an intern at Pallas Care. In this blog post, I will discuss how Aging Life Care Management (ALCM) and Aging Life Care Professionals (ALCPs) support older adults living with dementia and their families.
As baby boomers age, the global aging population is growing rapidly. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) [1], the global prevalence of dementia was estimated to be around 55 million people in 2020. This number is expected to double every 20 years, reaching 78 million by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) [2] states that dementia is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of disability and dependency among older adults.
Dementia leads to cognitive decline, emotional changes, and behavioral challenges that affect not only individuals but also their caregivers, families, and communities [2]. Aging Life Care Management (ALCM) offers a helpful approach for families facing these challenges. ALCM can support daily functioning, guide decision-making, and help manage stress for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. It includes health monitoring, medical engagement, financial management, housing and facility evaluation, family support, connection to local resources, legal counseling, and crisis intervention.
An Aging Life Care Professional (ALCP)—also known as a care manager—provides ALCM services. These professionals are experts in care options. They help evaluate choices and guide families toward the best decisions based on financial circumstances, preferences, and family dynamics. ALCPs provide support during key moments, such as selecting care facilities or transitioning between care levels. Their involvement can make care decisions clearer and less overwhelming [3].
ALCPs also help manage finances. The global cost of dementia care is now over $1.3 trillion, accounting for approximately 1.09% of the global GDP [1, 2]. ALCPs analyze a family’s financial situation and recommend services and care levels that align with their budget and needs. This financial guidance helps families maintain their quality of life during challenging times [6].
You can find an ALCP through the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) [4], a national nonprofit organization with over 2,000 members. ALCA members hold professional certifications in aging care, such as Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM), or Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) [7]. They typically have an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in a field related to aging—such as counseling, gerontology, nursing, occupational therapy, social work—and at least two years of supervised experience working in client-centered aging services within the last 10 years [5].
ALCA provides a strong professional network that supports its members throughout their careers. While no ALCP is perfect, ALCA offers training, resources, and peer connections that help professionals grow and better serve clients. When you work with a care manager, you also benefit from the support and standards of the broader ALCA community.
Pallas Care’s co-founder, Jennifer Dawson, is both an ALCP and an ALCA member. She also earned a Certificate in Gerontology from Pasadena City College in 2023. “Aging Life Care Management can help monitor both the quality of care and the well-being of caregivers themselves,” Jennifer says. “We support all clients and families in navigating their unique health and caregiving needs.”
If you think an Aging Life Care Professional could help your family, be sure to tell your care team. We are happy to help integrate a care manager into your support system—so you and your loved one feel more informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
To learn more about Pallas Care and to schedule a free consultation, please visit our website.
References
- Dementia Statistics – Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)
- Dementia – World Health Organization (WHO)
- ALCA Blog: Dementia Caregiving is a Marathon, Not a Sprint (Jan 27, 2025)
- Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) – About Us
- ALCA – Membership Levels
- ALCA – What You Need to Know
- Lambert, C. A., & Mayfield, L. – Care Management Dispatches from the Front Lines (ALCA White Paper)