Supporting Independence with Compassion
Care Management
Family First’s Care Managers provide invaluable support, simplifying your caregiving journey with genuine compassion and expertise.
When it Come to Your Family, Experience Matters
Our team of Professional Care Managers (PCMs) bring together specialized training and decades of experience to deliver smarter, more effective, and personalized solutions to those wanting to age in place or better manage the care of themselves or loved ones. We approach care holistically, which is why our PCMs have extensive and diverse experience in nursing, gerontology, social work, and human services.
Achieving Excellence: Driven by Results
Our wellbeing is comprised of a complex web of needs and desires. Professional Care Managers are trained to consider these needs holistically and proactively coordinate services saving families time, money, and improving care across the board. Families we assist not only experience notable and measurable results and cost savings, but find immeasurable relief in the assurance that their loved ones are in compassionate and experienced hands.
Meet Our Care Managers
Dedicated to Excellence in Care
Paige Ruemmler
Manager of Care Management
Paige Ruemmler’s dedication to offering comprehensive, person-centered support was ignited while volunteering at Spectrum Health Hospice. Through this experience, she realized the significance of addressing intricate care needs while assisting clients in preserving their quality of life. This led her to specialize in working with seniors and their families with multiple medical conditions requiring complex care.
As the Manager of Care Management and Counseling, Paige leads a skilled team of care managers, fostering a strong team dynamic and setting the standard for Family First Care Management services. In her leisure time, Paige enjoys exploring local coffee shops, discovering new authors through her monthly book subscription, and has recently developed a love for skiing, appreciating the beauty and tranquility it offers.
Marina Arias
Nathan Mercado, RN
Nathan is dedicated to supporting families through challenging healthcare journeys with compassion and clear communication. With a background in high-acuity dialysis units, in his current role as Care Manager, he uses his extensive clinical expertise to develop personalized care plans centered on empathy, building relationships, and strong communication. Before joining Family First, Nathan managed workers’ compensation claims, further honing his care coordination and advocacy skills. In his free time, Nathan enjoys trying new foods, snowboarding, staying active, and cherishing moments with his partner and their cat, Pinto. A strong proponent of family values, he is committed to helping others make the most of their time with loved ones.
Cori Tschida, MSW, LSWAIC
Having experienced the effects of life transitions on mental health firsthand as a military veteran, Cori was inspired to pursue a master’s degree in social work. In her current position as a Care Manager, she approaches every individual with empathy, understanding, and a dedication to whole-person care. Cori uses a multi-faceted approach to provide personalized assessments and guidance, prioritizing autonomy and recognizing the individuality of each client throughout every step of the process. Outside of work, Cori enjoys spending time with her kids and cheering them on at their sporting events, ruck and trail running, and paddleboarding on the lake during the summer.
Gregory Mitchell
Gregory is a dedicated social worker serving in the eldercare field, where he provides care management and counseling to older adults navigating the complexities of aging. He works closely with vulnerable populations, offering compassionate support through periods of uncertainty, loss, and transition. With a focus on dignity and individualized care, Gregory helps clients and their families make informed decisions that promote well-being and quality of life. An Air Force Veteran, Gregory served his country with pride—building a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and service. He holds several degrees in business and social work from Eastern Washington University, equipping him with both the practical and empathetic tools to advocate for those in need. Outside of work, Gregory enjoys swing dancing, hiking, mentoring, and exploring new ideas—always seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Maureen Noble
Maureen Noble is a Professional Care Manager who draws on years of experience in hospital discharge planning, placement, and coordinating care at home. Having worked in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and placement agencies, she brings a compassionate, client-focused approach to every situation—helping individuals and families find the right support to live well and thrive. Outside of work, Maureen enjoys reading, watching movies, following politics, and spending time with her cats.
How Our Process Works
Our step-by-step approach ensures personalized and compassionate care for your loved ones.
Step 1
Initial Consultation
You can get started with Family First by calling 866-412-3861 or by completing the form on our contact us page.
During the initial consultation our Intake Specialist will explain our services, our pricing structure, and begin identifying your priorities. When starting care with us, you will be paired with a Professional Care Manager on our Care Team who will champion your care needs and goals.
Step 2
Discovery
The majority of our engagements begin with a comprehensive assessment to uncover what’s “really” going on and serve as the foundation of your Care Plan.
We’ve often found what individuals believe is their main issue, is just part of the story. Our discovery process serves to uncover the real and root causes of your caregiving challenges and is the key to unlocking better health and wellbeing. Interviews, in-home assessments, and medical records review are just some of the tools in our toolbox.
Step 3
Care Planning
Responsive solutions to your challenges are presented in the form of a Care Plan, which we adjust as circumstances change and new challenges arise.
In addition to summarizing health concerns and treatments, the Care Plan will organize and prioritize what needs to be done to optimize the mental, emotional, social, and financial aspects of wellbeing.
Step 4
Ongoing & Outgoing Support
Family First has an incredible team of home care providers, in addition to licensed counselors and specialists in insurance navigation should you need services beyond Care Management.
Given our thirty year operation history, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with other specialty providers in the region and are dedicated to connecting you to the best local resources.
Our Expertise
Discover Our Unique Features
Comprehensive Assessments
Most of our engagements start with a comprehensive assessment of the care recipient’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Care Planning
For those who would benefit from active management of your loved one’s overall care and to advocate for their interests.
Family Mediation and Support
For families confused or at odds about care decisions, a third party becomes crucial in overcoming roadblocks and fostering a harmonious consensus.
Best-Fit Facility
Guided by sensitivity and expertise, we help families navigate transitions, ensuring a smooth and tailored process for placing elderly individuals into care facilities that address their personal, emotional, and physical requirements.
Care Coordination
Care Managers excel in coordinating among providers and providing professional referrals for those with complex needs.
Cost Containment
We implement cost-effective strategies throughout the entirety of our engagements taking care to avoid inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and intervening early to avoid crises.
Insurance Advocacy
We commonly serve as advocates for policyholders of Medicaid, VA, and Long-Term Care Insurance for their financial protection and to ensure they received the maximum coverage and benefits they are entitled to.
Financial & Legal Referrals
Care Managers provide guidance on financial matters, helping families navigate the complexities of budgeting for care, and exploring available resources. Additionally, they offer support with legal concerns, ensuring that necessary documents such as power of attorney and wills are in place, and provide referrals to outside professionals when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifications of a Professional Care Manager?
Our Care Managers are highly qualified professionals, including Registered Nurses and Masters-level Social Workers, with specialized training in eldercare. They are nationally accredited and bring extensive experience in managing complex care needs.
Who can benefit from your care management services?
Our services are ideal for families facing caregiving challenges, whether for a spouse, parent, sibling, or themselves. We manage all aspects of care, allowing families to focus on spending quality time together.
Why choose Family First at Home?
With over 30 years of experience, we have guided thousands of families with our comprehensive and personalized care plans. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our weekly peer reviews, ensuring the highest standard of service.
What issues can your services address?
We assist with a wide range of concerns, including eldercare solutions, dementia care, home care support, family mediation, legal and financial planning, insurance claims, and crisis intervention.
How are care plans developed and managed?
Our Care Plans are tailored to each family’s needs, based on structured intake and ongoing assessments. They are dynamic and evolve as we learn more about your family’s requirements, ensuring optimal care outcomes.
What if I don't live close by?
Family First has three locations across Washington State to serve the region, including Northwestern Idaho should families need hands-on help, such as home care, meal and transportation supports.
In addition, we often provide our solutions telephonically and virtually so that families across the nation can initiate and engage with our Care Managers and Insurance Specialists.