Shining a Spotlight on Care Manager James Alaniz:
A Heart for Service
At the Good Shepherd Fund, we are proud of our Care Managers, who work tirelessly to ensure our clients live their best lives. Today, we shine the spotlight on one of our dedicated Care Managers, James Alaniz, who has been serving Good Shepherd Fund in the CA Central Valley, Sacramento, and San Francisco East Bay areas for four years. His passion for service, attention to detail, and commitment to making a difference shine through in every interaction he has with clients, families, and fellow professionals.
A Superpower of Compassion
When asked what superpower he would choose, James revealed his imaginative spirit: the ability to travel at the speed of thought. This power would not only feed his love for exploring new places like Iceland or Japan but also allow him to see his clients more frequently and without the burden of travel time. While such a power remains in the realm of fantasy, James finds ways to virtually transport himself through reading and learning, allowing him to bring a broader perspective to his work.
A Journey of Service
James credits his inspiration for becoming a Care Manager to his mother, who instilled in him the importance of being “of service to others.” With a medical career spanning 25 years in ICU, cardiology, ER trauma, and pediatrics, James transitioned into teaching before joining the Good Shepherd Fund. As a Care Manager, he continues to embody this ethos of service, albeit in a different, more personal capacity.
His role, as James describes it, is about helping clients live their best lives, even if that means making small yet meaningful changes. He highlights the importance of being the voice for those who may not have one, ensuring that every client receives the care and attention they deserve.
Crafting Personalized Care Plans
For James, creating personalized care plans is both an art and a science. Understanding each client’s unique medical history, physical conditions, and behavioral patterns is key to creating a care plan that allows them to live as independently and fully as possible. By collaborating closely with caregivers, social workers, and home aids, James ensures that his clients’ needs are met in every way possible.
One of James’ most memorable moments as a Care Manager involved transforming a client’s living situation by purchasing an adult medical bed, a hoyer lift, and a poolside chairlift so she could enjoy the pool with other residents. These changes dramatically improved her quality of life and gave her the chance to experience joy in ways she hadn’t before.
Facing Challenges and Finding Solutions
The care management process is not without its challenges, particularly when navigating public benefits and complex systems. James emphasizes that while the system can be convoluted, the Good Shepherd Fund’s commitment to finding solutions is steadfast. Whether it’s helping a client cover a utility bill or working with regional centers to secure the necessary services, the Good Shepherd Fund never shies away from going the extra mile for its clients.
A Team Effort
James also highlights the importance of strong communication and collaboration with caregivers, social workers, and other professionals involved in his clients’ care. By building trust and ensuring open lines of communication, he helps foster a “team-first” mentality, ensuring that every member is working towards the same goal: enhancing the lives of the people they serve.
The Little Things Make a Big Difference
One of the most rewarding aspects of James’ work is the realization that it’s often the small things that make the biggest impact on clients’ lives. Whether it’s something as simple as purchasing a favorite football team bedspread or arranging for new clothes, these seemingly minor actions can mean the world to a client.
As James so aptly puts it: “What is the ocean but a multitude of drops?” His work may seem like individual, small acts, but together they create waves of positive change in the lives of those he serves.
We are incredibly fortunate to have people like James on our team, whose dedication and compassion bring meaningful change to the lives of our clients. It is through the work of our Care Managers that the Good Shepherd Fund continues to fulfill its mission of providing comprehensive care and support for individuals who cannot represent themselves.
The Good Shepherd Fund
Your Loved One’s Well-Being Is Our Priority
A 501(C)(3) National Non-Profit Fiduciary
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of minors, aging adults, and persons with disabilities for over 50 years.
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